A Not So Very Merry Christmas

We got through Christmas and it was okay. Steve loves his train, the one that I had imagined Charlie would be entranced by. Ruger is afraid of it and Buttercup tried to bite it. I don't think Heidi even saw it. She's been hiding a lot in her blanket. Buttercup wants to be held constantly and if you don't pick her up when she wants to be picked up she barks until you do! Ruger is just Ruger, still a nervous Nellie, even more so. Steve is sad too, I know, although like all men he's being stoic. Buttercup has to go have her nails trimmed and her anal glands cleaned - acutally she needs to see the groomer yet, but I just don't have it in me to go to the vet's office. I can't believe it's only been 4 days. It seems like he's been gone forever. His little room still smells like him, even though Steve and I have both scrubbed the floor. I want to repaint the room. It needed it anyway.

We got a sympathy card from the vet's office today. That was so thoughtful of them. Mom and Bob sent another. It's a big thing to lose a fur baby, it really is. Although I'm sure some people think I'm nuts for being so sad about it. I just have to deal with this grief in my own way. Thanks to all my friends from Lovedachs and my e-mail friends. You're all wonderful - but then you're all doxie people, I expect no less...

Thank you

So many people have said so many wonderful things about Charlie. We can never express our thanks in person to everyone who has taken the time and effort to let us know how Charlie touched their lives or to let us know they lit a candle last night to light his way to the bridge. He touched so many people and he was loved by so many. We'll all miss him. Thanks again. Please feel free to check back on his blog from time to time. As I find older pictures I'll post them.

Mindi and Steve

Charlie's tribute at the Dachshund Memorial Garden

I'm adding the link to Charlie's tribute so anyone who wants to can visit him. If you'd like to take the time you can look up Oscar Kurtz and Schnapps Kurtz and see Charlie's two olders brothers who went to the bridge before him. I"m sure they're playing and having a wonderful time.

http://home.it.net.au/~opalowl/december2006.html
and scroll down to his name or you can click on this link and go direct, but it takes a bit longer to download
http://home.it.net.au/~opalowl/december2006.html#cbkurtz

Mindi

More Pics of Charlie Brown

These pictures were taken the night of the 21st, after he had started sneezing the blood. Obviously, we knew he wasn't going to be around much longer. We had given Charlie his Christmas present early, his squeaky gingerbread man, but he wasn't very interested in it.

Some Christmas Pictures of Charlie

Here are some pictures we took for the Christmas card, but obviously didn't use. I'll be adding some more older pictures too. He loved the other hats and reindeer antlers, he thought they were toys to play with!

From Charlie's Mom - A Sad Day

I write with a very heavy heart today that Charlie went to the Rainbow Bridge yesterday. I think he had been struggling for the past few weeks and we had an appointment with Dr. J earlier this week. We knew he was failing, but decided to wait until after the holidays were over before we made a definite decision. But then fate, as it always does, decided to take control of the situation. Charlie started sneezing and coughing up blood last night and we knew it was time. So, yesterday Charlie had an appointment with the vet (sadly, Dr. J wasn't available) and he went to the bridge to wait for us.

I have never in my life felt as sad as I do today. The house is so empty, remarkably so, considering he was only 8 pounds! I'm trying to work tonight, but can hardly see to type through the tears, and when I pass the little room where he slept for the past 15 months, the grief is totally overwhelming. The hardest thing to bear is that I know Charlie wasn't ready to go. When we were in the office waiting for Dr. S to come in, Charlie was actually crying tears. They were running down his face and I had to wipe them away with a tissue as I did my own. He knew he was loved and he was happy, but unfortunately his abused, battered little body couldn't take any more.

I look forward to the day when Charlie, Oscar, Schanpps, and all my other furbabies that go to the bridge before I do will be reunited. I know this will happen as surely as I know the sun will rise tomorrow, but not matter how long it takes it will be too long. Steve and I are both just devastated by the loss.

For anyone who ever knew Charlie or ever had any contact with him, you know he was one special dog with a presence about him that was just a joy to be around. He was so happy to be finally released from the prison of the puppy mill and I know he thanks Sonja and Grandma Judy in helping him find his way home to us. We're so thankful to everyone who ever had any contact with Charlie and to all of Charlie's Angels for being there for him and us. He will live forever in all our hearts.

If for some reason you have never been to Charlie's blog before and are touched by his story please, please make a committment to never, ever buy a puppy or a kitten from a pet store. The puppy mills would have a hard time staying in business if they weren't supported by pet stores. Please consider adopting a rescue dog or cat if you're looking for a new pet, there are too many dogs looking for homes to have any excuse to breed a dog or cat just to have a puppy or kitten. Senior dogs need love too, as do dogs with handicaps. And please, please, spay or neuter your pets. Do it for the love of Charlie.

We miss you little man. We'll see you again.

Love, Mom