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
Oh Charlie buddy, so many great memories with you. You were the loyalest of pups, an excellent space heater, an awful blanket sharer, and one of my best friends.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite memories was when he got to come to Tahoe with us! Charlie loved the snow and ran around in it like a kid in a candy store. One of his favorite games was trying to catch snowballs like they were real balls, but then he'd just end up getting a face full of snow! No worries though, he was always ready for the next one.
He will definitely live forever in my heart.
See my google+ page for pics.
Kjerste, Edwin, and Rosie, our hearts are broken about Charlie. He was such a dear sweet dog, and I never saw a kid that he didn't win over with his sweet affectionate way. Sam adored him and whenever we came over they inevitably wound up snuggling on the rug together at some point. We know losing him has made a huge hole in your hearts and home. I hope with time that hole will be filled with loving memories, and will begin to hurt less. We love you! Isabel, Mike, Sam, and Millie
ReplyDeleteOh, my Charlie Boy, you walked me on our walks, and I missed you so much when I had to
ReplyDeleteleave Oakland. You were my Buddy and gave me so much pleasure on our days. You knew
exactly how I felt on many days and I felt your love. Be at peace my Buddy.....
Love you always, Carol
I'm so sorry about his loss. I know that Charlie was a part of the family and how much he means to all of you. He will live in our hearts.
ReplyDeleteGurkan