On Sunday afternoon, August 25, 2012, I stopped by Shelter Hope, one of our local rescue organizations. I planned on only making a quick visit to get back a deposit we had left for a dog that had been adopted by someone else. As they were giving me the money, one of the volunteers suggested that I look at another little white dog just brought in from Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center.
Santa Paula had advised Shelter Hope that they had seen this little dog running around for several days before they could catch him. He had been filthy and terribly matted. We had terriers before, so I was not sure what to expect when they told me he was a Poodle-Bichon mix. I walked to where the volunteers were playing with the dogs, and I saw the skinniest, most pathetic little white dog I had ever seen. He did not have the adorable terrier face that we loved but when I looked at his funny part Poodle/part Bichon face, it was love at first sight.
Because we had rescued from Shelter Hope before, they let me take him home to see how he liked our house and our other dog Sasha. He jumped in my lap on the ride home and that was the beginning of a wonderful 12+ years together. We have a very large yard and he would run around the yard for hours, seeming to have new adventures every time. He liked Sasha a lot, but she was happy to let him go exploring while she sat on the deck next to Tom. We named him Charlie ,and both Tom and I thought we were the one who had come up with the perfect name for him.
Sasha died in 2019. Charlie was very lonely without her so we were very fortunate to find Sweetie later that year. She is also a Poodle/Bichon mix. Charlie loved her immediately, but it took her a little time to reciprocate. They spent 6 years together, and I have never seen a more bonded pair. She followed him everywhere and always sat and slept as close as possible to her best friend Charlie.
It is hard to estimate how much more positive my life has been with my two wonderful little white dogs. Charlie was there for some very difficult times; it really seemed that he read my emotions and knew just what to do to help. He had been a very healthy dog even at 14 but he got sick in April for the first and last time. He had the best veterinary care, but his age and illness made it impossible to have him with us any longer.
On the last medical report I received from the veterinary hospital, the vet wrote “Charlie is an exceptionally sweet dog.” Sweetie and I agree 100 percent. Charlie, we both miss you everyday on our walks to the park, on the couch with us watching tv, and simply sharing our lives. Thank you.
A wonderful friend and dog lover shared the following paragraph with me. I have read it many times and maybe it will help you as much as it has helped me.
“There is a cycle of love and death that shapes the lives of those who choose to travel in the company of animals. It is a cycle unlike any other. To those who have never lived through its turnings or walked its rocky path, our willingness to give our hearts with full knowledge that they will be broken seems incomprehensible. Only we know how small a price we pay for what we receive; our grief, no matter how powerful it may be, is an insufficient measure of the joy we have been given” –Suzanne Clothier
I just lost my dog Charlie too so your article was especially touching.
Thank you, Linda. I really appreciate it. Sweetie and I miss our wonderful old guy every day and I feel sure that your Charlie is missed just as much.
We, who have been through this experience can commiserate with you and understand what you have experienced. Much love my friend.
Charlie certainly was a VERY sweet dog (even if he was reluctant to give up his front seat in the car so you could give me a ride)
Dogs are not our whole life but they make our lives whole
Roger Caras
I will always remember how he was going to stay in his seat come hell or high water. I think he was really both Sweetie’s and my soulmates. We miss him.