Tuesday, June 5, 2007

charlie

Yesterday we had to say a tearful goodbye to our dog Charlie. A red heeler/Australian cattle dog, she has been part of our family for many years, but the light in her eyes had gone out in the last few days and we knew it was time for her to go. She was truly unique, a feisty redhead full of personality & a worthy nemesis to Bruce the cat. A cattle dog with no cattle to herd, she made do with making sure the cat stayed in line & chased the occasional coyote in her youth. We will miss her so much.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh my. I can't say much. Nothing anybody could say will make the pain better. It takes time. So much time. Patty and I have had many dogs and all have lived long lives and our last, a Toy Fox Terrier who didn't know she was a toy, had to be put to sleep last September 11th. We still miss her and I find myself calling her name and thinking of her.

I like the picture you posted. He is at the rainbow bridge by now, and friends and family are there to welcome him home. Oh my.

Thank you for visiting my blog. I appreciate seeing your name there.

isa said...

Sweet Charlie. A life well spent...even if she had no cattle to herd ;-).
And as painful as it was, I applaud you for recognizing when Charlie was ready to make that last journey - many of us, blinded by our love, make them suffer too long...
How is Bruce taking it?

Annie said...

That's a sad day, when we have to say goodbye. I know you will treasure her in your memory, just as your gave tribute to her here.

You asked what I'd like to see in Madison. When you are out and about in knitting shops, take a few photos of the places and the yarns and the people and the things that are made. I do love Wisconsin yarn shops.

Sarah G said...

Sorry to hear about Charlie, it's always so hard to lose a loved pet!

Janet said...

My sympathies extended. It is a sad time when we have to let pets go.

Heather said...

My sympathies on the loss of Charlie, who was obviously much-loved, and lived a long and happy life. I bow to your courage to let go and bid her farewell.

Jilly said...

Chris, what a beautiful dog. She has such an intelligent, trusting look in her eyes. I agree with Isabella, it is so important to know when to let a dog go and you did, hard and awful as it was. She is at peace now.

You know, in her memory, you should now consider another dog. Perhaps a refuge dog. She'll be happy to know you've given your love to a needy animal and whilst you'll never replace Charlie, it's amazing how quickly another dog eats its way into your heart. Like children, I suppose, we love them all differently but there is always enough love to pass around. I vowed never to have another dog when my Milou died and here I am with another one (no, he won't ever replace my Milou) but I've fallen in love with him and am so glad I took him from the refuge.

TORUŃ DAILY PHOTO said...

Very sad! Sympathies from us all here in Toruń.

Anonymous said...

It's ever so sad to lose a four-legged beloved member of the family. I'm sorry for your loss. This is a lovely picture of Charlie.