Charlie Died This Morning...

Quietly at home surrounded by all of us. Our last check of his bloodwork on Thursday confirmed his time with us would be short. His anemia had worsened, and his white blood cell count had soared, very common in late stages of cancer.

He continued to eat pretty well until Friday, and "demanded" help to go outside so he could potty and cruise the property; he needed to stop and rest, but he still helped to feed the farm animals and the cats too.

I decided to take him to the beach last night ~ I knew deep down he would be passing soon, and it's the one place I hadn't taken him yet. We loaded him into the car and went to Del Mar dog beach to watch the sunset. He rode in the wagon down to the water and watched a couple of dogs playing ball and walked a little in the sand. We met a group of people who sat with us and spent some time petting and talking to him. To see so many people doting over a dog who was discarded to die just 3 weeks ago was a wonderful sight that brought tears to my eyes. The pictures below were taken after dark once they had left.

It seems silly to say the house feels empty without him, but his presence is missed by all of us, especially Melody and Holly, who spent some time this morning grooming his ears and face.

Rest in peace, handsome prince ~ we loved the time we spent with you!