Wednesday, March 15, 2017

End of a Golden Era


We helped Charlie across the Rainbow Bridge yesterday. With the chemo not working any longer, he'd been getting weaker and weaker. His spirit stayed strong, though, and even towards the end he'd work us for treats, getting us up 3 or 4 times at night because he knew we'd bribe him with one treat to go out and pee, and bribe him with another to come back to bed.

In the last weeks, we took him for lots of car rides, fed him lots of treats, gave him lots of love, and generally tried to do anything he wanted. You know, kind of like always... ;)

March 5, 2017
He'd been gradually getting weaker, but a couple of days ago he seemed to really take a turn for the worse. He began refusing food and was uncomfortable and reluctant when we'd help him get up to go outside. He didn't appear to be in terrible pain, but since he'd gotten so much worse in those two days, we were afraid to wait any longer. We arranged for his vet to come to the house and help him along.

Charlie had a high point the last day when our friend Atsu came over to see him and say goodbye -- he barked when she rang the doorbell and wagged and squinted when she petted him. It was wonderful for us to see him so happy and almost normal again for a few minutes. And it was a real gift for him to be able to experience that kind of joy one more time.


Charlie was a challenge to keep up with, and he ruled us with his velvet paw for 12 1/2 wonderful years. It was never really clear who trained and raised whom. We miss him terribly, and will always celebrate the time we had with him.

"We who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than our own, live within a fragile circle; easily and often breached. Unable to accept its awful gaps, we would still live no other way. We cherish memory as the only certain immortality, never fully understanding the necessary plan." -- Irving Townsend


January 11, 2005 - 12 wks

March 14, 2017

4 comments:

Karen said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Karen said...

You loved him very well! I always enjoyed reading about Charlie and seeing photos of his antics. He will always be in your heart.

Love from the mom of 3 goldies, one with us and two with Charlie ❤

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

The quote is something that always seems to come to mind for me when we've lost one of our pups - I would live no other way, and I know you feel the same. I am so sorry about the loss of your most handsome boy. I am always amazed at how stoic Goldens can be, and how much love they have to give no matter how awful they must be feeling. Charlie was a true gentleman and treasure, and I hope that you find comfort in your memories of him, and in knowing that you will see him again one day.

Lorenza said...

I understand how much you miss him. Thanks for sharing Charlie with us. My thoughts are with you.
Lorenza's mom