(Last night we said goodbye to our beloved Charlie. Today’s post is brought to you by Matt.)
I was a law student at Tulane University in 2005. On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina made landfall in New Orleans where Tulane is located.
Shortly before the highways were closed down, myself and a few friends were able to leave the city and make our way to Atlanta. After the storm, we were informed that we were not allowed to return to the city that semester due to the destruction.
Unlike New Orleans, I was very lucky and spent that semester at Wake Forest before being allowed to return to New Orleans in January of 2006. However, you may recall the photos of the spray-painted “X” on front doors of many homes in the city. These tags would signal to first responders whether someone or something was in the house, including animals left behind by their owners.
In the middle of April 2006, a classmate asked me if I wanted a white lab puppy. She and her boyfriend were sheltering a litter of 10 puppies that were rescued by ARNO after the storm. ARNO stands for “Animal Rescue New Orleans”.
Although finals were gearing up, I said yes, went to her house, and found 9 white lab puppies raising hell in her living room. I asked where the 10th puppy was and was directed to look under the couch where I found the alpha puppy sound asleep.
He was exactly my sort of speed. His name was Zeus.
What is amazing is that he and his litter were born on February 28, 2006, which was Mardi Gras. While living in New Orleans, I lived in a condo on St. Charles Avenue which is one of the historic roads and parade routes for Mardi Gras.
Zeus was a good name, but I gave him a better one. I re-named him St. Charles, Charlie for short.
Charlie was my sidekick for nearly 4 years before we met Christina, which is when he became our “Fur Baby” (which to this day he and I object to that name) and soon thereafter he became the protector of my pregnant wife and ultimately my kids.
Many nights he would sleep between their rooms until they fell asleep when he would then return to my side of the bed. He helped the kids clear their plates and always served as a large furry jungle gym for them to crawl all over. Such a loving and laid-back friend. He was the best dog ever and I will miss him terribly.
Denise B
Thursday 7th of September 2017
So sorry for the loss of your boy Charlie. I swear up and down that I'll never get another dog and just cave every time. Two years ago, I started a journey as a puppy raiser for Guide Dogs for the Blind after we lost our family dog. I'm getting ready to start my 3rd puppy and letting them go is one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. Such a great cause, but such a bittersweet heartbreak every time.
Jd
Sunday 3rd of September 2017
Hi Matt and family, Your pictures of Charlie are so beautiful. He has a such a wonder filled look in his eyes. I hope that you find some peace when you see the unbridled love looking back at you. Thank you for coming to his rescue. Denise
Shelly Hardage-Wilkerson
Saturday 2nd of September 2017
I am so sorry. An Instagram friend of mine lost her dog a few weeks ago and I thought that was a sad story. This one is definitely heartbreaking. I went to your blog tonight to add my link for the Five on Friday and see this. I always get scared when I see these posts because one of our dogs (we have two) is going on 16-years now. Worst part about owning pets... :(
Amanda Bullard
Saturday 2nd of September 2017
Hey Matt - Charlie.....I had my own Charlie and he was pretty much identical to your's. He was an awesome dog just as the pictures and your words expressed about your own. I have found that Labradors named Charlie are ultimately the greatest dogs given to man. My Charlie was with me through high school, college, marriage, and the birth of my first child. He was a protector and therapist and all in all the best "brother" I could have asked for (and let it be known I actually do have a human brother so those are BIG words!) I lost my Charlie to debilitating illness and swore I couldn't go through with having a Lab ever again because Charlie was my four legged anchor of sorts. That was 7 years ago - and two months ago I acquired (and I use that word on purpose as I did not set out to obtain) a chocolate lab who I swear makes that most recent dog movie (the title leaves me) come to true life. So - to you I send hugs and a beer. You were an excellent "dad" to that dude and when the time is right I know that he will make sure your next four legged kid is pretty awesome too.
Janet
Friday 1st of September 2017
I am so sorry for your loss of Charlie. It is one of the worst things I have ever had to do. It looks like he was a wonderful friend, protector, roommate, and fur baby. I pray the memories you have of your time together will help soothe the loss.God Bless.