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I got to experience unconditional love and joy with Charlie for 14 years. My longest-standing best friend. Forever in my heart.
How Charlie came into my life #
I’d wanted a dog for most of my adult life, but hadn’t been in a position or place to have one. So after a cross-country move and before moving into a house, a kid at an antique store was giving puppies away, free to a good home. They were feists (southern hunting dogs) and border collie mixes, with a little corgi thrown in. This cute little blonde puppy caught my eye, but I’d found out she was spoken for.
No matter, just as soon as the kid finished saying that, another little pup named Twinkletoes came bounding out of the kennel. I knew right then and there that was my dog, because he was jumping up like he’d already chosen who to go with. I called the landlord to tell them I’d be bringing a dog with me. We named him Charlie.
And that started a friendship that was nourishing, loving, and joyous. I will remember it for the rest of my life.
Lover of… #
- Snuggles
- Small rabbits
- Long walks
- Friends
- Sunbathing (Warm Puppy champion, 2019-2023)
- Cats, most of whom did not like him
Hater of… #
- Loud noises
- Delivery dudes
Career Highlights #
- Head of Security
- Chief Package Inspector (held concurrently with Head of Security)
- Champion, Warm Puppy Subbathing Competition (2019-2023)
Notable #
Charlie loved looking out for other animals. Rabbits loved to make nests in the garden outside, and sometimes the mother wouldn’t come back. Charlie found an abandoned nest, and barked at us until we followed him to it. We were able to rescue some of them.
He also found a cat, who we later called Frankie, who got abandoned a week before another cross-country move. It took about 48 hours, but she and Charlie ended up becoming best friends. They snuggled on the way over.
Other Highlights #
- Was a talker, would always have a lot to say.
- You gave him a Kong twice a day, no questions. pretty sure he lived off treats.
- Always got on the bed to make sure I got off to sleep, then he’d leave for his own bed after.
- Farts: okay if he did it, would hit you with a “wow how dare you” should you ever break wind in his presence.
- Huskies. Charlie loved them so much he threw out his hip trying to hump one. He later changed his tune and hated all of them.
- He hated being by himself at night. He relentlessly pushed to go to sleep in my bed instead of his. One night after returning from a long trip, he got his wish. And he slept in the bed every night since.
- An anxious, if not incredibly sweet spirit loved unconditionally.
- If there was ever a space where you could be comfortable, he would be there. He would burrow deep into laundry piles, between pillows.
- He beat cancer. Like a champ.
