Saturday, April 25, 2009

Goodbye Charlie


Contemplating Charlie's crossing
ANZAC DAY 2009

Today, Anzac Day 2009, our good friend Charlie crossed the rainbow bridge. She was a grrreat Sheltie, whose mom has a heart of gold. We feel her mom’s pain and wish we could make it go away. We know it is always good to look back and remember. So here we go.

Charlie’s blog debuted on 2 June 2007, while ours started about a week later on 10 June. We were welcomed to the DWB family as # 506 on 17 June, while Charlie joined DWB as # 675 on 14 October. It took us until 4 November for us to sniff out Charlie and said hi. In that first post we read, she was remembering her brother Higgins. We were fortunate enough to be the seventh dog to sign her guest book.
Charlie remembering Higgins
Reverend Lady Charlie the Antediluvian
of Goosnargh on the Carpet
Charlie’s popularity soo sky rocketed past us. We were fortunate to celebrate Charlie’s 14 and 15th Barkdays on 20 December in 2007 and 2008. Charlie had a lot of friends and went on a many cyber adventures. CCCSI (Cat/Canine Crime Scene Investigators) comes to mind. Our favorite adventure was the Hijinx cruise back on 8-11 May 2008. She went on a virtual tour of the Caribbean and stopped by Key West to have some pirate dog grog with us. It was there we hooked up with our good pal Mack. Charlie gave us four awards, helped us find our noble titles and we treasure it all. We will miss you Charlie, old gal.




As for Charlie’s mom, our hearts and thoughts go out to you. We hope you continue to visit us, we so love your gentle words. You made a tough call and if you doubt yourself, please once again read the word from a hundred years ago. On Anzac Day 2009, you were the one in the arena.

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, and comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat."

~Theodore Roosevelt~
With Dog Dad, we do a twenty-one woof salute.

"Woof, Woof, Woof -- Woof, Woof, Woof -- Woof, Woof, Woof -- Woof, Woof, Woof -- Woof, Woof, Woof -- Woof, Woof, Woof -- Woof, Woof, Woof."
Dog Speed on your journey across the rainbow bridge dear friend,

Essex, Deacon & Dog Dad

13 comments:

Jake of Florida said...

Collies -- and Joe -- We read your response to Charlie's death -- whom sadly we never really got to know -- and as we thought about Teddy Roosevelt's beautiful words, we thought how relevant they are to today's world. The cheap shots, the criticisms of everything that isn't just quite like one might want it to be, the trivial quibbles -- instead of cheering for those who are out there in the field trying to do their best.

You inspired us.

Jake and Just Harry -- and oh yes, our Mom.

Lacy said...

It is really so sad, we will all for sure miss Charlie..we didnt join DWB till august 07, and i cant member when we had the honor of meeting her..she reminded me of angel Lacylulu, both were older dogs, but soo loved by their hoomans..heehee she use to kid about everybody calling her a boy cause her name was Charlie..i will always remember that..

a sad,
~the hudson furkids and mama~

Islay said...

Oh my, Collies, you've made the most moving and beautiful tribute a human and dog could ever wish - how it touches me heart! - I am writing through tears - what a beautiful post this is, and so many wishes from others have come to our blog via yours. Yours was one of the first blogs I began frequenting when I first learned there were more animal blogs out there (took me a while to figure that out) and I have always looked forward to your wonderful posts. This one is no exception. Thank you with all my heart.

CHarlie's human

Anonymous said...

Dear Essex and Deacon - We're so sorry for the loss of your dear friend Charlie. What wonderful memories you have! What fun you shared! We were touched by your beautiful tribute to her.

In sympathy,
Joey and Zeke

Arran, Arthur and Mum said...

What a beautiful tribute! Charlie was such a good friend for you and it nice you has so many happy memories, I very sad for you. :(
~lickies, Ludo

Anonymous said...

Charlie was so thoughtful to the end, ANZAC Day is a good day for a veteran Sheltie to go. We're just so terribly sad :(

Natasha said...

Praying for everybody who knew Charlie for healing...sounds like she was a wonderful sheltie.

~Nat

Mack said...

What a beautiful tribute to such a special girl.

We sure do hope Charlie's momma will be cheered up by all her DWB friends. She is a great lady.

Sad sugars,
Mack

Jans Funny Farm said...

Our Rusty was on the boat trip with Charlie and her friends when they stopped to visit you. We have such happy memories of her too, but you sure expressed yours well. She will be missed!

Kess And Her Mama said...

We never knew Charlie but you gave such a heart-felt tribute that we know Charlie was a prince among dogs! It's never easy losing a loved one.

Amber-Mae said...

It sure was sad when she left us all. We miss her. This is a great post you've done.

Smoochies,
Solid Gold Dancer

Sunny,Scooter, (sometimes Jamie) said...

What a lovely post for Charlie, who sadly we met too late.
Hugs
Sunny&Scooter

heatnhumidity said...

Hi, this is great great uncle Bobby's mom. I love your tribute to Charlie. The hijinx cruise looked like a blast. Please let Charlie's mom know I am feeling her pain.