Ciao Charles ...

Charles is a lovely chap.  63 in November – the same age as his princely namesake.  His joints are getting a little stiff now, he has a few patched up war wounds but he still stands proudly.  His eyes are bright as buttons, although his hearing is a little diminished and his tail not as pert as it once was.  He’s in his twilight years but has lived a good life, has tales to tell.

He’s been no stranger to love.  In his youth he had a short lived and uncharacteristic crush on Aggie, a fluffy blonde who briefly broke his heart when she spurned him for a ‘ladies man’ with whom he just couldn’t compete.  Then there was Lucy, finely bred, kindly and almost perfect … but not quite.  They sparkled together and then fizzled.  Finally, Myrtle, the girl of his dreams.  They had many happy years together until her sad passing.  He never wanted anyone else after Myrtle, happy to spend his days out in the field, napping in the warmth of the sun and occasionally giving a word of advice to the local youngsters.  But, as his pace began to slow and his girth began to thicken, he finally accepted that perhaps the time had come to seek out someone willing to give him a little more care then he had been bestowing upon himself recently, and so he came to us for help…

He’s been with us for only a short time but quietly worked his way into our hearts with his solid, dependable ways, his silent appearance at our side and knowing looks.  He knew he wasn’t here to stay.  We didn’t always give him as much time as we should, didn’t always fully listen to his stories … the memories of his past … but he held no grudges, patiently awaiting adoption.  And now, well, he’s off to pastures new.  His virtues have been recognised and this patient chap is off to a new home where I just know that he will be loved and happy.  He will be sharing his new abode with some other very ‘Muddy Dogs’ who may even bring a new lease of life to those wheels of his and encourage a new spring in his step.  Ciao Charles.  I will visit!