One of my favorite memories of Charlie is when we drove out west from Minnesota, and he sat copilot the whole way. It was just the two of us, and the car was packed to the gills. I had made a comfy bed for him in the passenger seat, and it was perfect companionship on the long drive. Every few hours he was an excuse to stop and go for a walk, stretch my legs, and get something to drink. When we got stuck in the scariest snowstorm on Donner Pass overnight I was admittedly terrified, but Charlie was right there with me to make me feel safe. Once or twice during the drive he would climb into my lap, although not the safest way to drive I felt comforted by his need to be loved. It was this totally weird relationship, where we took turns being confident and being afraid. We hit the Bay Bridge at first light and I had this incredible view of the city and Charlie by my side, this song was playing on the stereo (a "Cadence to Arms" cover by Dropkick Murphys) and I just had this incredible rush of positive feelings, I knew this was going to be my new home and great things were awaiting us.
Those great things didn't happen all at once though, and I spent many lonely months without any friends but Charlie buddy. He was there to greet me when I got home at night, and we would go for long long walks together on the weekends. I didn't even go to the bar without him, I would bring him down to Hemlock and we would quietly "share" a beer and walk home. I don't think I would have survived without his friendship and love.
I'm really going to miss him being around. I'll especially miss knowing that he was right there to be a great listener, or a pup-a-pillow, or to give a wet annoying kiss, or make us laugh when he tried to itch his back on the floor by rolling around like a nut. He was the best dog I could ever ask for, a better friend than I deserved, and there's a spot in my heart reserved for him forever.
Love,
Kjerste
