Good Morning…..you all know how much I love and adore my animals but I am so sad to say that my dear Charlie went to heaven on Wednesday morning. This is a TOTAL SHOCK to John and I and I must say – it has rocked my world.
Charlie and his brother, Jack became an Itell 14 years ago when Hannah and I brought them home from a horse show while we were in Florida. We simply could not decide which one to pick so we took them both home.
All of our dogs are rescues…..I call them mis-fits that needed some love and trust me, our dogs, horses, the dumb donkey and the precious pig Daisy get lots of love. Charlie’s “elevator” never reached the top floor…I think that’s what always made him so special.
I pulled it together to make a card to show that my heart is broken but I know that it is ok – this is the thing that makes it soooo damn hard with animals….they leave us too soon. I truly believe that they come into our lives – touch our heart strings, leave an impression….but darn, it is so hard.
Charlie was one that you would never, ever think that something would happen…..he was a very scrappy guy – a mind of his own and on Wednesday he was quite…..he didn’t eat his dinner and I said to John – let’s let Charlie snuggle with us tonight as I think he is sad…..when we woke up, he didn’t. I have never had this happen but if there is a way to go, it was like this.
Trust me, I have shed many tears of the past 36 hours….and you can see by yesterdays card…I had it all mixed up! Things happen in each of our lives that we are not prepared for….but there always seems to be an inner strength to help us go forward…..
I just had to share….Charlie was a good boy and is missed……
Dear Susan, I am an English lady, living in Qatar who reads your blog everyday. I was so sorry to hear about Charlie but what a wonderful last night he had, snuggled up with his human family. My darling jack Russell Dot died aged 15 whilst I was abroad as she was too much of an old lady to move with me. My bestie gave her a home for her last year. As I can’t have another dog until I go back to the UK, I adore reading about your fur babies. I am sure Charlie is causing angels to smile in heaven & having a ball.
Sending hugs to you.
Jane
Oh, Susan…our hearts are sad right along with yours. I did smile through the tears to see such beautiful photographs, though. Charlie was lucky to have had a life in such a loving environment. Hugs to you.
Oh Susan, my heart goes out to you. We lost our sweet yellow lab last spring at 13 yrs so I know how sad you feel. I hope that all your beautiful memories bring you comfort. Sending hugs.??
Susan, my heart hurts for you. I know too well the feeling of losing a beloved pet, as we had lost our fur babies within 1 month of each other, one was 16 and the other was 13. Take comfort in knowing that you gave Charlie a wonderful life. Hugs.
I am so sorry to hear about your dear Charlie. It is so hard to loose animals. I’ve lost a few myself. Hugs and thoughts to you and your family.
So so sorry to hear about Charlie. What a beautiful tribute and card!
So sorry to hear about Charlie! Hugs to you and your family!
Oh my, I’m so very sorry to hear about Charlie! My heart breaks ? for you and your family. ? May your memories give you comfort.
I am so sorry to hear about Charlie. Our pets are part of our family, and it is so hard when we lose one. What a beautiful life he had!
I am so so sorry for your loss. Charlie was a lucky boy being adopted by a loving family. My heart goes out to the rest of your family and to your other animals, especially Jack. They will miss Charlie too. Give Jack an extra squeeze for me…..he must be so sad.
Susan, I meant to include that your card is precious!!!! Truly a labor of love. ❤
What a shock, I can’t imaging how that felt. Know you gave Charlie a great, great life and the best last night cuddling with you. I’m just so sorry for you and your family.
Awwwwww, Susan I’m sooo sorry my friend , my heart is sad for you, yes we know the filling , it’s one that don’t go away so easily, hugs to you all ❤❤❤❤
Each fur friend is so special in their own way. We had a cat whose elevator didn’t go all the way up and he was the most endearing baby ever. So sorry for your loss but what a beautiful way for Charlie to spend his last hours, cuddled next to those he loved.
It’s so so hard… My prayers for you and the rest of Charlie’s family. I believe that one day he’ll come running to greet you again. Thank you for making us a card even though you are grieving.
So sorry for your loss, Susan. Our pets become part of our family. Hugs and prayers.
Susan, I am so sorry. My heart aches for you. Animals are a blessing in our lives and Charlie died peacefully while snuggled up next to the ones he loved. He’s watching over his Itell family now. ?
Oh Susan. My heart breaks as yours. Loosing a pet is a terrible thing. They r so much a part of our lives. You have to remember all his cute antics, as u have shown in the pics. He is up in heaven playing under the rainbow. Take care
Toni
It is a joy to find a pup that touches our heart, and you found 2. They become such special members of our families and how we love to spoil these furry rascals. My heart goes out to you and your family in the loss of Charlie. We have had that loss, too and we still remember and think about our wonderful dogs. Keep all the great memories close.
“If dogs don’t go to heaven, then when I die, I want to go where they go.” –Will Rogers
So sad to hear this news. Thinking of all of you.
Sorry, should be when “they” die.
What a beautiful card for a wonderful friend you had in Charlie. My heart breaks for you. They are family. Thinking of you today.
Susan, I’m so sorry to hear the news about Charlie. Keep all the good memories close and they will help heal the hole in your heart. You know he had the best life possible and was happy until the last moment. Warm hugs sent your way.
I am ever so sorry to hear of your loss of Charlie….. it is indeed one of the hardest things we go thru when we love our animals and it never gets easier. I hope you find peace in knowing that he has crossed over the Rainbow Bridge and is happy and waiting to meet you all again one day. May God bless you and give you strength during this very difficult time. May all of the good memories you have of Charlie sustain you at this difficult time, and always. Hugs, prayers and God bless. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Susan, I am so sorry for your loss. What a shock, but how wonderful that you had him cuddling with you. Thank you for sharing the pictures…so adorable. I am sending you a hug and praying for your family.
My condolences. It is very hard to lose a furry family member.
The love you and Charlie shared will never die. My sincere sympathies.
Once again, my heart aches for your beloved pet loss, Susan. Losing a loved one is so much harder when it’s unexpected. I’m so sorry. Thank you for sharing the beautiful gallery of Charlie with all of us. When I stopped to think about the way Charlie went to heaven, I couldn’t help but smile inside knowing that he wasn’t hurting and that he went peacefully. Isn’t that Amazing! That’s the way I want to go when it’s my time.
RIP Charley. Hugs to you and your family.
I read this through tears! So terribly sorry to hear this. Sending prayers ?????? to heal your aching heart ❤️
Oh Susan, I am so sorry. My rescue and I are sending lots of hugs. What a perfect card too.
Susan, I am so sorry for your loss. As you said, it is the best way to go. He was snuggled in bed with you guys. He was adorable.
I’m so sorry about your Charlie. It is so sad to loose a member of your family after 14 years or even 14 days. The pictures tell us how he was loved and cared for. I’m sure you have lots of great memories. Each day will get better but you’ll never forget. Hugs!
I too send you and your family hugs and understanding about Charlie going to the Rainbow Bridge suddenly. I too have had dogs go, but now I rescue and re-home dogs for Shih Tzu Rescue of MN. My latest is 18, so he’ll stay with me until the end. Bless you for rescuing and loving dogs.
Our pets leave such a void in our lives and hearts. Hugs.
Dear Susan…So sorry for your loss. I know Charlie brought you a lot of joy and that you gave him a great life. So hard when they leave us. Hugs to you and your family.
I am so very sorry to hear about Charlie. Thank you for sharing all the lovely photos and card with us. It is so very hard to lose a pet. You and your family gave him a wonderful life for many years. May your memories bring you peace.
Sorry to hear about Charlie. Thanks for sharing your picture tribute. He was a sweet dog.
Oh Susan, I am so very sorry for your loss. You and John made the right decision to have Charlie snuggle with you. I’m sure he knew it was his time and what better way than to spend his last moments with the two people who made his life so perfect. God bless you all. Hugs and prayers
Susan I am so sorry for your loss. Pets are such a part of our family. Get comfort in the fact he was rescued by you and had a happy life. I can tell he was truly loved.
Oh Susan, I know that heartache ? So sorry to hear of this
So sorry to hear about Charlie. The photos show what a wonder life & love he enjoyed being in the Itell family. Your instincts told you to keep him close by and you both were with him when he passed. Not all are that fortunate. Hugs!
So sorry for your loss, Susan, but what a wonderful way for Charlie to leave this world.
Susan, I am so sorry to hear about your beloved Charlie! It is always so hard when we lose our pets. I can tell by your photos that he had a wonderful life there on the farm! He was loved. Hugs to you, my friend!
My heart breaks for your broken heart. Charlie had a great life with you . It’s OK to be sad.
I am so very sorry about Charlie Susan, you know he had the best life with you and I am sure he is telling all sorts of fur babies all about it. I hope he meets my Sammi up there. I know when we lost her I swear she jumped on the bed that night, I think it was her saying goodbye. Love you honey bunch. ~Di
My heart aches for you! What a beautiful card and tribute to Charlie.
Hugs for all your family!
What a blessing you were in Charlies life!! Those who rescue animals, I believe, have the purest of heart when it come to their animals. I’m so very sorry to hear of your loss, but what a beautiful way to go, surrounded by the two humans that gave him much love and happiness!
Wishing you peace comfort but joy in your memories of dear Charlie
Susan, So sorry about your loss of Charlie. I can say I am glad I worked from home today as your note, photos and card made me shed a few tears! As all the others have said, Charlie and your entire animal family are so lucky to have such a loving family! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. And yes the card is such a beautiful tribute.
Susan, So very sorry to hear about the loss of your much loved Charlie. I enjoy your blog and reading about your family and animals. Pets can be just like family and it can hurt just as much when they leave us. Grieve as long as you need, cry if you need to, and take good care of yourself. I will be praying for you. Marti
Our heads tell us all the logical things–that he had a good life, that he gave and got lots of love, that sleeping on was best way to go–but our hearts have a hard time accepting the loss of such a good friend at all. I hope it does help to know so many of your friends are hurting with you and we are all thinking of you and your family. Your card is a nice tribute and a good reminder for us to make more pet sympathy cards… we never know when we need them. Hugs to you.
I’m so sorry about your sweet Charlie. Losing a fur baby is the WORST and my heart hurts for you. ?
Oh Susan!!!! I am crying for you!!!! I am so sorry for your loss!! Charlie was well loved!!! I love your photo collage. Precious! His life was filled with lots of love. Let me say, there is no better way he could have passed…knowing he felt your love til the very end should bring you some comfort during this sad time!
Oh, Susan — I am SOOOO sorry to hear of your loss. I know that heartache well! Our cat, Princess, was not eating much, and after a trip to the vet, came home empty handed unexpectedly 🙁 Our animals are truly our family, even if they are not of the human kind! May it comfort you to know that he was loved by such a wonderful family (yours!), and that although he has passed over the Rainbow Bridge, one day you will be reunited. Grieving & crying with you — may you find strength to move forward in the days to come 🙂 I have to say, you are such an amazing lady to be able to craft while crying….beautiful card from a beautiful person! Hugs and prayers for your and yours!!!
I am so sorry and sad for you. I have a rescue Min Pin and just can’t imagine my world without her
Oh Susan….I am so sorry to hear about Charlie. Our pets become family members and it is such a loss when they leave us. Prayers for you and your family. Your card is beautiful.
So sorry for yours and your family’s loss Susan…it is always hard to say “goodbye” to someone you love.
So very sorry Susan for the loss of your dear Charlie. Losing a beloved pet is so difficult. Sending love & hugs my friend,
Susan,so sorry to learn that Charlie has gone to Animal Heaven; bet he is telling all his new friends of the love that his owners gave him and especially that you and John let him sleep in your bed. Keep on loving all your furry friends.
So many tears for you…. I know it is hard, especially when you lose the special ones. And aren’t they all special?
While reading about your Beloved Fur Baby, Charlie, I teared up! I know how much you LOVE your Fur Babies! We love our Fur Babies and they are definitely family members. So when they pass and go to Doggy Heaven, the loss is every bit as real as if they were human. My heart goes out to you and your family for the loss of your Charlie! God Bless! Luv-N-Hugs! <3
So sorry to hear of your loss. I recently lost my yellow lab of 13 years. Agree that they are in our lives for too short a time. She was the first dog I’ve owed that passed in her sleep. While snuggled in bed, they couldn’t have been more loved and peaceful. Hope all the great memories soon erase your feeling of loss.
So very sorry for your loss, Susan.
So sorry for your loss Susan. I lost one of my beloved dogs on Jan 17 & I still haven’t recovered. Pets always have a place in our hearts. Draw in comfort in knowing you gave him a great life!! Stamping Hugs. x
So very sorry for your loss. All of our dogs have been shelter dogs and each became part of our hearts. Charlie was loved and is at peace.
Oh, Susan…I shed lots of tears for you and your sweet Charlie. Our love for our fur-babies never stops and you can bet we will see all of them when we get to heaven! Any and every loving animal we ever had, we will get to see and play with. I so hate that they don’t live as long as we do. God bless you, my friend. <3
So sorry to hear about Charlie. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
So sorry to hear about Charlie’s passing. Those darn animals surely do touch our hearts, don’t they? I sometimes think they give us more love than we give them. Savor the precious memories and know that he is at rest now.
So sad, too. Our fur babies are the best! Card is amazing. Thank you for sharing!
I’m so sorry. It is so hard to have to let go of our fur babies. My heart hurts with you.
So very sorry, Susan. This was such a beautiful tribute to a well-loved pet. I hope that you can find comfort in the fact that you provided a truly wonderful life for Charlie.
So very sorry for your loss. Our pets are definitely family and Charlie was lucky to have you in his life. (((HUGS)))
So very sorry about Charlie. We recently lost one of our fur babies and I know how hard it hits you. He lives on in your hearts.
Oh Susan, I `m so sorry . My daughter`s family just lost their 16 year old Chocolate Lab . It is sad to lose a furry family member ! Warm thoughts to you and John !
So sorry Susan. It hurts so bad, I lost my baby boy kitty 3 months ago. I’m still grieving he was such a huge part of our family. My thoughts are with you. Sending a big hug from Georgia to you.
Thank you, Susan, for sharing your Charlie with us in the midst of your sadness. May happy memories of Charlie bring you and John much comfort.
So sorry for your loss, Susan. I know how you love your animals. Hold fast to your precious memories of him.
So very sorry to hear about your little friend/ family member. Prayers for healing your heart.
Sending sympathy to you and John and the rest of your family. I know you all will miss Charlie terribly. So will all of us who have shared your stories and photos.
Well Charlie, your elevator finally went to the top and then some! You have reached the top of your mom and dad’s hearts and brought them plenty of joy and happiness. It will be a sad time for everyone for quite awhile since you have made such an impression on the world in your lifetime. You spared your family the dreaded decision which I am thankful for. It is so hard as it is but then to make THE decision too as I had to do with Murphy. They brought you comfort and joy during your last hours and you know you were well loved. Charlie, my dear furry friend, please play ball with Eddie and catch him and Norman up on Rosie and all the other news.
Susan, John, and all the peeps, I am so sorry to hear the news. I wish you all many loving memories among all the tears. Sending thoughts, prayers, and well wishes to you all.
I personally have never been an animal lover not having grown up with animals, but I am so sad for you, Susan! Great memories at least!
My heart is with you. It never gets any easier, no matter how many times.
I am so sorry for the loss of your doggy. It’s never easy to lose a pet even if your prepared. They are always there to greet you and love you when u feel no one else does. Doggys hold a special place in your heart but you will see him again someday. If you send me your address I would like to send you a card
I am so very sorry for you and your family. I have loved following the stories of this adorable pup and feel your pain. Sending you and your family a big hug. The pain goes away and the happy memories stay forever in your heart.
I’m so sorry for the loss of Charlie! He has been a part of your family for a long time! Cyberhugs to you!
I’m sorry for your loss of Charlie….my heart aches for you. Remember the good times and you gave him a loving home for 14 yrs….what a wonderful way to go. Hugs to you and your family. Helen
I’m so sorry for your loss, Susan.
Susan I am so sorry! Sending hugs and prayers your way.
So sorry Susan at Charlie’s passing. God must have decided he needed Charlie for something important or He wouldn’t have taken him from your family. You will see him again but know that he is happy and running with all the other animals in heaven! Love, prayers and hugs!
Susan, My heart is sad for you. Losing a beloved pet is one of the hardest things we deal with in this life and having been through it too many times, I understand your pain. They simply don’t stay with us on earth long enough. Sending hugs and prayers to heal your heart. God Bless!
I am very sorry for your loss…..what a sweet looking dog.
Susan, my heart aches for you and your family over the loss of Charlie. It’s never easy. Furkids are like family but there is something extra special about the bond.
So sorry to hear about Charlie. I always enjoy reading about your animals and how much they are loved. Passing away while in bed with two people who lived him was a very peaceful way for him to go.
Susan, so sorry to hear about Charlie. I agree that our pets don’t stay with us long enough and it is so hard to say goodbye. Your pets sure are loved and I’m sure that they know it.
I am so sorry for your loss. I know you feel a hole in your heart. You were a good mom to Charlie. I know he has a soft spot in his heart for you. I’m glad you were able to give him love and comfort right to the end.
So sorry for your loss, hugs from Colorado.
Dear Susan,I am sorry to hear of your beautiful Charlie passing away. You are in my prayers. My heart goes out to you. I know you have a huge void in your heart and your home. Please know you are welll loved and in my prayers.You are an amazing women, all of your fur babies are so lucky too have you for their Mom. Hugs, Ellen Hinds
Oh, Susan, such a sad loss! But I know that you and your family have many wonderful memories (and pictures) of Charlie’s life with you to be of some comfort. I’m sure that Charlie had the best life ever with the Itells. Healing thoughts – Janice Eastes
So sorry for your loss and my late comment but I am thinking of you! Charlie will forever be in your heart! Remember the good times!
Susan
So very sorry for you…it is so hard to lose our beloved dogs. Thinking of you as you cope with the loss of sweet Charlie.
I am so sorry to hear about your loss but you are right, that is definitely the way to go! We have watched some of our fur babies (we are dog people, so have sadly bid farewell to many precious dogs over the years and it’s heartbreaking to loose them. Sweet Charlie went out in style, for sure!
Charlie will always be in your heart but maybe after things settle a bit and you can smile thru the times when you remember your sweet pup.
LOVE the pawprint card you made…will have to figure out how you did the center of the paw so I can make up a few of them to share with friends (dog people tend to bond with other dog people, right?) when they have a similar loss.
So sad to hear this. Sending hugs and sympathy.
Sending sympathies to you and the family…losing a pet leaves a deep void in our lives. Hugs…
Oh Susan, I am so sorry about Charlie… hugs and prayers for you and yours during this difficult time. (((HUGS)))