Charlie is loyal, kind, friendly, does not judge and loves me unconditionally. She is always happy to see me no matter what time of the day I walk through that door. We don’t need words to express how we feel for each other because a simple touch or look says it all and that love and bond has and continued to grow from strength to strength over the last decade.

The day you first came into our world, changed our life forever. It was like you had always been a part of our family and we couldn’t imagine our lives without you. We would proudly showed you off at family events, friend’s houses and our priority was to make sure you were comfortable and happy no matter where we went, whether it was holidays, out for breakfast, a walk or at home.

One day, for whatever reason you decided to leave. You saw an opportunity to leave the comfort of the family home and calmly walked out that door, without a second thought. I am not sure what your plan was and where you were planning on going but you had a need or urge to leave on that particular day and you did. We frantically called your name, searching the streets, knocking on doors, and visiting your favourite places but couldn’t find you anywhere. After hours of searching, with tears streaming down my face, I felt lost and went home, hoping and praying you had changed your mind and it was all a misunderstanding and were waiting for us at home. No luck, you hadn’t returned home. Hours later, there was a knock at the door and there you were-one of neighbours had found you wandering the streets and talked you into jumping in the car and returning home. Not much was said that night about why you left but I pleaded with you not to leave us again. I think the message may have got through.

Our family has grown over the years and in your own special way have accepted the comings and goings of our crazy and busy family. You are still and continue to be an important part of our family — you were our first addition to our beautiful family, and no matter what happens from here on in, that will always hold a special place in my heart. We have moved houses and even inter state and during all this change you have consistently remain, loyal, kind, and loved me unconditionally. You are always by my side not matter what you are dealing with day in day out.

Today we are all a little bit older, slower, and I would like to think wiser. Our bond is strong and our relationship is special and one of a kind. I love you Charlie, my beautiful loyal and loving dog.