You Were a Good Dog, Charlie Brown

Good-by…Charlie Brown Dog

As I reflect on saying “good-bye” to Charlie, I find a small patch of peace in the space between “too soon” and “too long”. The disease has done the work for me in assuaging the guilt I have felt while he was still feeling well despite the predetermined ending of this chapter of his life. Having let him go now relieves him of his discomfort and preserves memories of him mostly whole and healthy. To do otherwise, is unkind to a small creature who has cheerfully and unabashedly given loyalty and love beyond without guile or measure.

The young man I work with suggested I consider that my allotted time with Charlie is complete and that he will now be with Jim who has missed out on a shade over 9 years with him. It’s a comforting thought in a time of many tough ones to imagine the two bounding around the universe in search of adventures to share together.

This poem was found while looking for something to ease my heart on this last day of days.

The Power of the Dog
Rudyard Kipling

There is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
But when we are certain of sorrow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.

Buy a pup and your money will buy
Love unflinching that cannot lie–
Perfect passion and worship fed
By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.
Nevertheless it is hardly fair
To risk your heart for a dog to tear.

When the fourteen years which Nature permits
Are closing in asthma, or tumor, or fits,
And the vet’s unspoken prescription runs
To lethal chambers or loaded guns,
Then you will find–it’s your own affair
But . . . you’ve given your heart to a dog to tear.

When the body that lived at your single will
When the whimper of welcome is stilled (how still!)
When the spirit that answered your every mood
Is gone wherever it goes–for good,
You will discover how much you care,
And will give your heart to a dog to tear!

We’ve sorrow enough in the natural way,
When it comes to burying Christian clay.
Our loves are not given, but only lent,
At compound interest of cent per cent.
Though it is not always the case, I believe,
That the longer we’ve kept ‘em, the more do we grieve:
For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,
A short-time loan is as bad as a long
So why in Heaven (before we are there!)
Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?

Rest In Peace, my loyal loving canine companion.

I will remember you with tears for the leaving and smiles for the years and the memories.

You were a good dog, Charlie Brown.

You will not be forgotten.