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The Life and Times of Charlie

Angel Adopt '09

Hey guys!

Thanks again for holding this wonderful contest to promote adoption! I was saved when I was a sick boy and was given the most loving home and outstanding care. When it became too much for my Earthly body to take, my mom was there to hold me and comfort me on my journey to the Bridge.

Sadly, many pups don't get a chance to have that loving home. Many that are in shelters never know what it's like to have a comforting hand pet them, or toys to play with, or even enough food to eat. As a guardian angel, I watch over these pups everyday and when their time comes, I am here to greet them at the Bridge.

My wish is that everyone would be given the chance to know that joy and love for a rescue dog. These guys deserve a chance just like I did. There are far too many coming here before their time. :( I take them under my wings and show them around here, but am just left to wonder why it has to be this way. They should have run free on Earth and known that love of a special person. So please, the next time you think about getting a pet, remember those that are the neediest. There's someone out there for everyone!

Adopt 08 Contest

I'm going to tell you all my story. It's a little different than a lot of you, but to me it shows how wonderful it is to support adoption.

When I was six months old, I became very sick. I was brought into the vet to see what was wrong with me since I was stumbling, and acting drunk. Unfortunately when I was diagnosed with end stage kidney failure, with only a slight chance of recovery and the possibility of endless expensive treatments, I was going to be euthanized. Mom was there that day, and stepped in to say she would give me a chance.

The vet told her that I wasn't going to make it past the initial three days of teratment. Mom didn't care. She said that I was a puppy, and that if I was given a chance, that I would fight. So, for those three days, I was on fluids, mom came and sat with me, talked to me, and coaxed me through it. After only a few hours on fluids my behavior had changed completely and I acted like I wasn't even sick. After the three days, my kidney values had improved enough to where I could go 'home'. Mom took me in initially as a foster. She had every intention of getting in touch with a German Shepherd rescue group, but she knew it would have to be a very special and dedicated family that got me due to my medical problems.

I remember that first day at the house. I was afraid to go up or down the steps. I whined and paced and would lay down, and refuse to go anywhere. But there were so many cool things at this new house! There were cats to chase, toys to kill and Roswell to play with! It took about a day before I was running up and down the steps without even thinking. There were toys everywhere, and a nice yard to play in. And to think, just three days before, I was destined to go live with the angels. Three days, and I never would have known this much fun and love. But I was rescued!

Roswell and I became quick friends and I think our relationship made mom become a foster failure. We played together all the time. He'd knock me down, and chew on me. But I always bounced back up and would get him back. Mom always let me help her get him out of his kennel when she'd come home from somewhere. I'd whine and cry then race down the stairs to greet him. Then, I'd grab onto his neck when he got out and make him squeel! Hehehehe! I looked up to him, but I had my impish side too. I stole toys from him, and we had destuffing parties. :)) Man, it was soooo much fun!!!

As the rest of my diary indicates, I still was a sick boy. Through all the laughter and fun, I still had something going on inside me. But I fought hard. And without the love of my rescuer, my mom, I would never have known the joy that I felt for almost 8 months. She gave me a chance and ensured I had the best treatment possible. Above all, she showed me love. I got to do things, like play at the dog park, and wrestle with Roswell. I was never unhappy. I was always playing, even on my last day here. I chased a squirrel that last day. It was a wonderful thing.

My time here was cut short, but the memories and feelings will last forever. I am so thankful to my mom for taking me in, putting up with all my little quirks, and seeing me through my tough times. And when it came time to say goodbye, I was comforted to be in her loving arms, to hear her soothing voice letting me free. Yes, it takes a special person to save a life, but it also takes a special person to know when to release one too.

For everyone who has saved even one life, it is true that while you can't save them all, for that one that you are able to, it makes all the difference in their world. Thanks for loving me, mom.

My Tail of Devotion for Charlie (at the bridge)

This is a special Tail of Devotion

See All Tails of Devotion