This Puppy is Jessie’s cousin, though she’s a golden retriever. Maybe the “cousin” comes from their both being “retrievers”—one being black the other golden. Charlie Girl is our other grand-puppy……a pretty almost 4 year old sweetheart. She’s not “perfect” by the “golden” standards…..has two little crooked teeth on the bottom, and has frizzy hair in spots on her legs. BUT Charlie-Girl is “perfect” in every other way that really matters. She belongs to Debbie, Vinnie, Billy and Joe. But I call her “My Puppy”. Imagine that!
She’s actually somewhat of a princess and to prove it will sit facing you holding her paw up in a manner as if to delicately shake your hand; but in reality she just wants you to hold hers or rub her paw and leg. She just wants you to know that she’s there “for you”! And if you stand up, she will put her head between your legs and expect you to pet her back or ears. Spoiled? Not Charlie! She also sleeps in bed with you and when Grandpa and Grandma have her in our “queen” sized bed, SHE is the QUEEN demanding all the room. But somehow, we allow it!
“Charlie Girl” is a well trained puppy dog. Her family, especially her “mom” spent much time teaching Charlie to be a dog that everyone loves. She doesn’t beg for food, (loving is another matter), won’t put her paws on tables or counters, won’t steal food or clothes,etc., doesn’t run away, comes when called, (unless there is something REALLY interesting), can be trusted when food is within smelling or reaching distance, etc., etc. Even in the car, you can eat juicy Burgers and she doesn’t salivate! Wow! For junkfood junkies, that’s great! She also doesn’t bark unless she is alerting you to a real problem…like a scary noise in the yard at night.
Charlie, like her cousin Jessie, loves to go up North….with or without her immediate family. She loves to swim and has been taught to not jump off the pier (to save her hips). She does love to hunt chippies, squirrels, and any other animal that leaves a scent; but will always come back when called. Sometimes she does go through the swamp coming back looking like “a mud puppy” like her predecessor “Hickory” always did.
Being almost 4 years old, Charlie is the same age as “Finley” of whom you will hear next. The two of them met when they were just a couple months old; played then, and continue to recognize each other and play heartily when they meet. I really think they developed a bond at a young age and respect each other yet.
But back to Charlie……Her mom and dad have recently asked the “other grandparents” to sit for the first time. Unfortunately, that went so well, and the other grandparents loved her soooooo much that now we’re not “number one” anymore. Charlie loves them as much as she loves us as much as she loves anybody and I guess that’s the way it should be. Darn! Actually, Charlie has enough love for all of us, and more!
Grandma Peg loves you, too, Charlie!
Ok, that was REALLY cute and sweet! BUT you are still number one grandma and grandpa in Charlie’s eyes! Just don’t tell the other grandparents! Charlie is a bit upset that you chose to write about that neighbor hound first…and then Jessie Pup second! Talk about 2nd fiddle or is that 3rd? It slipped out today that you went up north without Charlie. I couldn’t explain why…guess you’ll have to do that next time you see her. Charlie was also wondering why you said she is not perfect by Golden Standards? As she lays at my feet while I am typing this, I must say, she as golden as golden gets!
I’m missing that sweet Charlie Girl as I was reading your blog. I know Finley misses her, too!!! They really do seem to have a special connection. I think it all started when they were pups. Grandma, our doggies are almost five, not four. I wish they were only three years old. The vet told us that Finley will be considered a “senior” at five. Oh no, the years are going too fast!!! Give Charlie girl a big, wet, sloppy kiss from her Finley boy!!! We miss you, Charlie!