A few days ago my husband and I helped Charger cross the rainbow bridge. We’d seen him deteriorating for the past year or more and it became clear what our vet was talking about at a previous appointment when he talked about quality of life.
A week before I took him to the vet to discuss his issues and I guess, get permission, to make the decision. His long time vet kindly told us it was time. We took advantage of our last few days with him to shower him with kisses and great meals. There was a juicy burger, steak and even bacon and eggs!
As with Buster, we are sharing our good memories to console us in our grief.
A Long Life
We adopted Charger as a six week old puppy in January 2007. He was a AKC registered basset hound and the price was $300. My husband thought that it was for big pet expenses. Little did he know!
Charger was cursed with needing to have cysts removed many times (sometimes two surgeries a year). This was quite expensive but he never complained even when he had to wear the dreaded cone or the more comfortable t-shirt. I would venture we even paid more than $300 a year for his food and treats. There were lots of treats!
Whose Dog is He?
Charger was supposed to be my dog as I’d been bugging my husband for us to get one for years. Because I was away on business trips often and at the office when in town, he became attached to Steve.
Don’t get me wrong, he loved me but my husband was his favorite person. They were buddies together for over 15 years. I can’t imagine how many miles they walked together.
Charger also loved Buster who was the boss of the house when he joined the family.
Annabelle and he never had a friendship but they did tolerate one another (mostly due to Annabelle’s indifference). Charger thought every person he came across was there to see him and a friend.
He couldn’t understand why our baby grandson wouldn’t rub his belly. 🙂 He’d stop when coming across other people on our walks and wait to see if they wanted to pet him or rub his belly. When looking for photos to share I found Christmas photos where he photobombed the group year after year. Couldn’t leave him out.
Living on in Memories
We were definitely blessed to have this wonderful dog for so long even though it never feels like enough time. He knew he was a great dog and loved. I envision him and Buster sharing a bed and playing until the day we join them.
Good-bye for now, sweet Charger!
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