nobody here but us chickens

Brothers and sisters I bid you beware Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.

wm6209(~Rudyard Kipling)
Five or six years ago, Fourth of July weekend, we had a really big storm. The power was out for three or four days. The morning after the storm, a Golden Retriever came trotting up our driveway. He had an invisible fence collar on. He showed no intention of leaving. He stayed with us for nearly a week while we tried in vain to find his people. Finally, a couple who had been dogsitting him came driving up calling “Charlie! Charlie!” He left with them and we went about our business.

Two weeks later Charlie was back. The dogsitting couple had not left us their names or locations, nor did they tell us where Charlie lived. We tried again to find his people, to no avail. And no one ever came looking for him again. Charlie was ours. And for the next few years he was a faithful companion to the Mister and to Miss W. He did have a tendency to wander off for adventure, but he always came back late that night or the next day. He was happy and he made us happy.

Charlie was a damn fine dog.

We lost Charlie this past Saturday to lymphoma. He went peacefully in his sleep. We’re very sad. But he’s buried with his old friend Coco, who died a little over a year ago. He has his favorite duck, and a stick for chewing. And we know he’s still looking over us, like all damn fine dogs do.

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16 Comments

  1. Dad

    I’m so sorry Jen. I liked Charlie. He was perfect for Wednesday. He loved everyone.

    • AntiJenX

      Thank you. She’s holding up pretty well. But we sure do miss him.

  2. AmandaLewis

    I cried for Charlie. And all of you.

    • AntiJenX

      Thank you sweetie. ♥

  3. danielle

    i remember when he came to you. damn fine dog.

    • AntiJenX

      Indeed.

  4. Breda Fallon

    Oh, that video about broke my heart. What a great dog. I’m so sorry for your loss.

    • AntiJenX

      Thank you.

    • joni

      Yup.. that brings tears to my eyes: he was one of the best!! I’m glad I had a chance to know that wonderful German speaking animal. He will greet you again, I am sure of that. Beautifully done story and video! Thank you.

      • AntiJenX

        Thank you, Joni.

  5. Amy McGibbon-Lang

    I think that when a dog love us, we’re better for it. I’m so sorry for your family Jen.

    • AntiJenX

      Thank you, Amy.

  6. Michelle

    I’m sorry, Jennifer. I know the sadness you and your family are feeling. He was so beautiful. It sounds as though he was meant to find you and be your family dog. We prepare ourselves and make the hard decisions at the end, but later, when the reality sets in, we really feel the loss. I’m keeping your family in my prayers.

    • AntiJenX

      Thank you, Michelle. I know he was happy here with us. It definitely seemed like fate that he found us. We’re lucky to have had him with us for the time we did. I appreciate your prayers.

  7. redd

    He was a handsome boy… that last photo of him in the snow is excellent!

    I’m happy to have had the chance to meet him in-person once. He was truly a damn fine dog!

    xo

    • AntiJenX

      lymtml

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