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Chuck was the best dog that anyone could have. I raised chuck from the time
he was 3 months old. He was a rescue animal. I remember the first time we met.
There were plenty of animals to choose from that day. Many were vigorous
animals, barking, strutting their stuff, making their presence known.
The people at the shelter were eager to recommend many different animals. But
there, off in the corner, was a little, tiny, nervous animal that was shaking
like a leaf. The poor thing was beautiful to me, but largely ignored by most of
the passersby. I don’t know what it was about Chuck that day, except perhaps I
knew what it was like to be the last person picked on a team.
It took me all of five minutes to make my decision. “I’ll take that one,” I
told the agent. “Are you sure?” I didn’t even have to meet with him. I just
scooped him up and took him home. His papers said that he had some kind of
nervous disorder, and wouldn’t let anyone touch him. But within a week, Chuck
bloomed. He was walking by my side, and my steady companion. As Chuck got older,
he proved to be a very loyal companion. I found it absolutely hysterical that he
would chase his tale, going round and round in circles, until he caught it.
He would also loyally bark at the door when anyone appeared, and not stop
until I approved whoever it was that appeared. He would never leave my side.
Often Chuck would hope into my lap, and drive with me wherever it was that I was
going. He was not so big that this was impossible.
Chuck lived with me for a good 10 years. During his last days I could tell
that he was in a great amount of pain. There was something wrong with his mouth,
so I took him to the vet, who told me that he had mouth cancer that had spread
up into his head, and was fast moving into his brain.
I am so glad to have spent the time that I did with Chuck. From those
earliest days, I knew that Chuck would make a loyal and faithful companion. He
just needed a tiny bit of love and faith to blossom, as does anyone, whether a
dog or a human being. Chuck, I love you, and I will always remember you for the
unconditional love that you offered me. May you rest in peace my faithful
friend.
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