A Tribute to Charlie (Charlie Bear) from Nigel and Angie his heartbroken family.
“It is with heavy hearts that we have to let you all know our beautiful boy Charlie had to go over the Rainbow Bridge on Monday. He was put to sleep in his favourite place – our garden by our Vet Jess and her assistant who were wonderful to Charlie and us.
He was surrounded with love, music and his favourite toy Kevin the Carrot.
We gave Charlie a home five years ago during the awful Covid years. He was eight years old and little was known about him.
It became clear that although he was eight he thought he was eight months, he was like an oversized puppy!
He clearly wasn’t used to living in a home. He chewed his way through most items in the house including the sofa, remote control and slippers.
He also used any available chair or table leg and once the linen basket as a pee post.
He pulled me over three times thinking he could catch a Squirrel or any other fast moving creature – he even caught a pigeon in mid flight!
You might wonder why I kept him because he certainly wasn’t your typical Greyhound. I kept him because I loved him. My partner Nigel who I had only recently got together with wondered what he was getting himself into, he thought I was mad! We both knew there would be a challenge ahead.
After a while Charlie got to know how we ticked and we him. Nigel taught him how to respond to him with his paw (Charlies’s not Nigels).
Charlie Bear soon came to realise if he whined and paced about we would respond. He wanted among other things his bed moved, cheese, to go out of course and other things he knew we could oblige him with.
He turned into the most wonderful companion and loved us both so much and we adored him. That’s all he needed love, help, guidance, understanding and lots of praise,. A bit like us really.
We were devastated when Charlie became unwell, he started to limp badly and the rest followed quickly to the point when we realised we had to let him go.
We cannot praise our Vet Jess highly enough for help and compassion and indeed that of her staff.
Charlie’s cremation has taken place and as I write Nigel has gone to collect his ashes which will be scattered in his garden.
All of you who know Greyhounds or are thinking of owning one or two probably know how special they are. Charlie was probably not the perfect example to start with but with not knowing his history we don’t know what start he had in life which would be the same for any breed of dog. All they need is love patience and perhaps a sense of humour!
Please believe me you will have the most loyal and loving companion you could wish for.
Goodbye Charlie Bear it has been an honour and a privilege to have had you in our lives. Run free baby. Love from Mummy and Daddy.”xx
What more could we add to such a heartfelt tribute to dear Charlie? We got to know Charlie well over the years and he was such a character and a real little charmer. We are so sorry for Nigel and Angie’s loss.
Fly high and free Charlie on you Angel wings. You will never be forgotten by all who knew and loved you xx
Charlie Bear August 2013 to August 2026.
