GRACIE and CHARLIE…………..

…..warm breeze and strong wind

…..twinkling stars and lightning

…..silence and talk

…..satisfaction and curiosity

…..sunshine and showers

…..relaxation and excitement

…..love and love

When Byron and Gracie , our adopted Cocker Spaniel , died within 6 months of each other , I was devastated , lonely , and sad.  Byron was irreplaceable , but perhaps another  ” ole soul ” like Gracie would lighten the load.

But I learned that the good Lord works in unimaginable ways , having a clearer understanding of the human and spiritual needs than any of us can claim.  So , enter Charlie…………………….

A doodle  ,  ( perhaps a schnoodle , part poodle and part schnauzer ) as different from Gracie as night is from day ,  was picked up as a stray and housed at Northeast Georgia Animal Shelter.  And there the journey began for Charlie and me and what it takes to begin the re-establishment of an empty house to a home. Adoption complete , paperwork and all , from the very efficient shelter.

Charlie is a bundle of energy , curiosity , questions , sweetness , and fun. He plays in spurts , rests in spurts , but is always ready for lap time and petting.  He chews napkins and scatters  and  plays with cushions but does not tear or swallow.  He barks when people make the first visit but knows them the second time and greets heartily .  He shakes my hand for a treat and sits until he gets it. He has his own bedroom ( the sun room ) and as soon as I say ” bed time “, he leaps on the lounge.  Afternoon rides are the best part of any day for him.

No barking except at the one stranger that we have had drop by , and Charlie was not happy !   I appreciated that.

He knows his commands and for the most part , like a toddler , obeys :   sit—off—down—stay—no—ride—bedtime—snack—treat—–and probably others that I have not learned yet.  He has been mine for about 2 months now.

Do I miss Gracie ?  Absolutely !

But I know now that I didn’t need another Gracie.  I needed a Charlie that challenges me , keeps me moving , makes me younger, and satisfies a need for showing who’s in charge.  Sometimes I am and sometimes he is , but the game is on , and I’m enjoying every minute.

I think my final contrast between these two very special family members would be :

Gracie was low tide with sand and puddles .

Charlie is high tide with large waves  pounding .

……………But this I believe  :  it takes both to make a beach , a beach……..

Post Views: 117