Comments

Farewell to Charlie and No Show Today — 42 Comments

  1. You brought me to tears thinking about my best friend who is on her way out sooner than later. My heart goes out to all of you. This is just as hard as losing a human you love.
    Take care.

  2. Damn. That’s a damn hard thing. I too have dogs. Several. And have had many before these. But I have one, like Charlie, isn’t just dog. He he’s true soul mate. Damn good dog. I dread the day, which comes for all of us, when we must separate. I once asked a friend, a strong spiritual guy who was also a missionary to some far flung dark hole, of dogs go to Heaven. He didn’t hesitate with an answer. “Good dogs do” is what he said. And I cling to that, assuming I’ll go there too. I’m sure your Charlie is there, just waiting.

  3. You are fortunate to have had that time with him. In the end, that’s all there is. Sorry for your loss.

  4. My condolences Jack. My family was blessed with a dog like that. She was a black lab, malamute mix. We have a picture of her napping with our cat curled on top of her. She liked most people but hated the tax assessor. 14 years was a blessing. Praying for your family.

  5. So sorry. I’m a dog person too. The only words for these moments are “gutted” and “raw”. When you least expect, the emotions hit. Ive lost 4 grandparents and one parent, all that meant the world to me. But at 59, only time Ive ever sobbed was for GSD I lost in 2021 same period you did, and that one still catches me off guard despite two great pups entering our home since then. They are an eternal presence everyday, but their loss creates an aching void. I’m glad he had a great life he was able to share with you.

    In our thoughts.

  6. Just went through it two months ago. I would trade 95% of the people I know to have her back. Sorry for your loss, Jack.

  7. Jack,
    I am sorry to hear about your Charlie.
    I hope in time it is just the good memories that you have left.

  8. I’m so sorry for your loss. There’s no doubt that you and Dorothy gave Charlie a great life.

    Hopefully, you’ll get to visit with Charlie in your dreams.

  9. Hello Jack,

    I have deep sorrow for your loss.

    Losing a family member never gets easier.

    In a way, Charlie will still be around, in your heart and mind.

  10. We have owned many dogs. Our dog Sam was as you describe Charlie (10% human). RIP Charlie

  11. So sorry for your loss. Dogs are special creatures. I know exactly how you feel. I read your post with tears in my eyes as well. I have a special companion myself, a 5-year-old border heeler named Turbo. I hope I am fortunate enough to have many more years with him, but reading your post drives home how precious our time with them is.

  12. I also lost my long time fur companion Feb 5. We walked a ton of miles over 12 years. I cried then. I have tears now just remembering. I think I understand. I hope to see her again someday. Hope you get to see Charlie again.

  13. I’m happy Charlie had such a wonderful life and loving family.

    All animals should be so lucky.

  14. My best experience with Charlie was when I was at the 10th anniversary gathering and I went to take a piss by a tree. Along comes Charlie…looks right at me and pisses in the exact same spot. I got the hint…

  15. Sorry you lost your doggo buddy, Jack. The house always sounds a little too quiet afterwards, the backyard where they played that much bigger and emptier. New dogs can always be brought in, but the great ‘best friend’ pups can never be replaced.

  16. So sorry you lost Charlie. Prayers for peace and healing for you and your family.

  17. We are so sorry for the loss of your family member. I remember Charlie from the Miyagi pond workshop. He was a key “presenter” who taught me the meaning of devotion and protection.

  18. So sorry to hear! I have been listening to you talk to Charlie or talk about him since I found you a decade ago. You all were blessed. Condolences.

  19. Jack, Dorothy, and Family the passing of Charlie leaves all of us a little more empty today. I hope good memories remain and bring you joy in what a great companion he was.

  20. Everybody thinks that their dog is the best…and you know what? None of us are wrong. There is a bond between man and dog that doesn’t exist with other creatures…not even people. it’s not something that can be described, you have to live it to understand. Know this, true dog people completely understand what you are going through and I hope that you get through the pain and on to the happy memories quickly. RIP Charlie.

  21. Tremendous tribute to an incredible friend. Good reminder to all of us dog people how fortunate we are, but how painful it can be at times. Rest easy, Charlie.

  22. I cried for you when I read this. Missing Charlie so greatly is a testament to how much you loved him. I’m so glad you had such an incredible friend in your life.

  23. My condolences, Jack.

    Pets (dogs and cats…and a host of other animals) have a way of working their way into your heart in a very short period of time.

  24. He was such a great dog, he was a protector, and great with kids! Nine mile farm will not be the same with out Charlie. 🙁

  25. I’m so sorry, Jack. You’re such an good guy, and your words shine with the love you have for Charlie. I hope the pain fades..but the memories never will.

  26. I have to believe the Rainbow Bridge is real. Otherwise, my life would be grief filled. Sincere condolences on your loss.

  27. So sorry to hear about Charlie. I am glad I got to meet him over several workshops. He was truly the best. Hope you and Dorothy see him again on the rainbow bridge.