Soon a white blur was seen terrorizing through the neighborhood--chasing squirrels, barking at robins, blazing through mud and burs not thinking about the bath he was securing for later. I called, I yelled, I screeched, I attempted a meager whistle, but nothing could stop him when he got into one of his wild n' free states. I was chasing him up and down the steep hills leading to the golf course. He was leaping over yards as if they were puddles, speeding through gardens, knocking over flower pots on his way.
My dad caught up with us as we were circling an old brick building sticking out from the forrest. Soon Charlie was racing through dense Pine trees, bounding through piles of needles and leaves. My dad managed to cut him off on one side of a hill. He turned. There I was.
It was a face off.
Only ten feet stood between me and my dog who wasn't quite trained enough to be left with unlatched gates. Suddenly, as if inspired by Charlie's own running and leaping skills, I dove. Arms outstretched, flying through the air, I straight up tackled that dang dog. He of course, thought this was great fun and proceeded to lick my face off.
Just a week ago, Charlie went for one last freedom run. I'm sure he ran through yards and knocked over flowerpots, chased squirrels into trees and barked wildly beneath the taunting robins. He said goodbye to the burs and the mud puddles, to the neighbors yelling at him as he ran through their gardens, to the wildlife that would learn to miss the excitement he had provided them. Although I wasn't there to tackle him, Charlie had since learned how to come home after being left with unlatched gates. He came home that evening after saying goodbye to the running adventures he lived for.
A week later, his cancer made it impossible for him to live the active life he loved. After only 8 years of being my favorite dog in the world, Charlie left it.
Cheers to my speedy dog who will be greatly missed.
Good job, Kelsey.
ReplyDeleteKelsey I am so sorry to hear about Speedy Charlie via your blog. You are dealing with it very well, and am glad that you have such amazing memories with him :)
ReplyDeleteI said good-bye to Charlie Sunday night. He looked at me and wagged hit tail. Your mom said he had not wagged his tail all day so, of course, I started crying and than your mom started crying. I told him to have a good journey and right now I am sure he is running around with Greta, Clyde and Ree-Dog and my dad and your grandpa are feeding them all the ice cream they want. We will see our furry friends again one day and they will be very happy to see us all too!!!
ReplyDeleteHey there Kelsey,
ReplyDeleteI'm very sorry to hear about Charlie...that was a very well-written tribute. I hope your life abroad is going well...I was just thinking the other day after talking to your parents that I should do a better job keeping up on reading this blog. I've often thought that in many ways you are what you eat, and that includes the things you experience...seeking these adventures that you've gone out of your way to experience will certainly change and affect you in wonderful ways that you'll never forget. Enjoy every second of it. Take care,
Your cousin,
dave