‘So you didn’t catch him then’ a neighbouring farmer, Phil, observed with a wry smile. ‘Didn’t catch who?’ I said. ‘Your collie, Charlie. I saw you both running across the field this morning…he was well in front, then I saw you both coming back across the field later on in the afternoon and your dog was still well in the lead, looking as fresh as anything, and you struggling on behind. Made me laugh’
And that was how it was
For 12 years I have been the luckiest lad to have had Charlie,
my four legged bundle of joy, by my side . We taught each other things we
wouldn’t have otherwise learnt and we helped each other see places we would
never have otherwise seen. From the West Highland Way of Scotland to the many mountain
passes of the Lake District, from the West coast to the East coast of England,
from The Cloud to Gun Moor. There was no stopping us. Running in inspiring
places, living in the moment. Both of us having the times of our lives
He was my pathfinder and my talisman. A bundle of energy, an indomitable spirit. And when things got
tricky, and they occasionally did high up in the clag, he was my sea of calm
And at home he never stopped, always obsessing on the yard
or in the field with a stone, a stick or a ball. Always on the go, always
wanting to play
But there was more, something that’s hard to describe…an
unspoken knowingness, an understanding and friendship that didn’t need words,
although I did prattle on to him loads. We just both ‘knew’ what was what
Today he lost his fight against cancer, but a fight he gave
it. Despite it all, he never lost his joie de vivre, his wagging tail, or his
desire to be outside with you. His spirit and unconditional love never once waned
and he set an example for us all to try and follow
Now he’s gone there’s a numbing emptiness. Every place where
he normally was he is no more. No longer will he excitedly pester me as I tie
the laces of my running shoes every morning. No longer will he always be first
out of the door. No longer will he bark with all the joy of a pooch doing what
he loves best, telling me to get a move on
Life will never be the same again now he’s no longer here
but, as hard as this is right now, the memories and the life we shared together
will last forever
I already miss him so badly but, even though he might not be
my side anymore, he will always be in my heart and with me in spirit
Thank you Charlie Boy, for everything. RIP. I will never ever
stop loving you X
PS Thank you to everyone on here. Some we know, some we met, some we just exchanged stories right here. But every one of you have played huge parts in our story. Thank you from us both - it wouldn't have been the same without you
