R.I.P My Sweet Charlie Ross
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R.I.P., my sweet Charlie Ross.
Yesterday afternoon, I took Charlie to an emergency veterinarian and had him euthanized. He was doing poorly and could barely get around. I’ve put it off, and I can’t bear to see him barely able to move about.
It was time.
We’d been having a lot of sleepless nights where he couldn’t get his breath or stop coughing.
When it got to the point in time where I was having to give him more medication than was called for, I knew it was too much for him to keep going.
Charlie Ross Pruitt: September 18, 2006 – April 28, 2021
I loved him so very, very much, and always will. And I was with him, petting him and telling him how much I loved him as he left this world behind.
I am heartbroken. He was almost 15, and I had spent every single day with him by my side, sleeping with him every single night. And I miss my Charlie boy terribly. And I miss singing to him at night as I always did. I miss him lying next to me in this chair.
Grief is so complicated. Letting them go is so very hard.
Charlie has now crossed the Rainbow Bridge and is out of pain. I hope Abi was there waiting for him.
But loss is part of life. And if you dare to love, then you will inevitably feel loss at some point. That is, unfortunately, the price you pay for love.
My sweet Charlie lives on in my heart.
I love you to the moon and back, Charlie boy.
It’s just Ivy and me now. We will grieve together, saddened, but grateful to have one another.
The Rainbow Bridge:
Just this side of heaven is a place called The Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water, and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly, he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….Author unknown…
A Jar of Zinnias:
This morning, I went out and cut a jar of zinnias. It is a simple and unfussy bouquet that I can enjoy indoors.
I have Charlie’s ashes now. His and Abi’s ashes are side by side on my bookshelf.
Hi Brenda,
I am so very sorry. My heart aches for you. Margie
Brenda, as much as your heart aches right now, I hope in time you’ll come to think of Charlie at peace and playing with darling Abi. Your love for him will keep him close to you always, as it has Abi.
I share your sorrow and will miss your sweet boy.
Brenda,
I wish you Peace, light and love.
~ Sara
I read your blog everyday. I had to comment today to express my sadness. I am so sorry for your loss. You were such a loving and devoted mama to Charlie. I truly believe Abi was there waiting for Charlie when he crossed the rainbow bridge.
Brenda, please accept my condolences on losing Charlie. I’m a long time reader and know how very attached you were to your baby boy. Our two labs are a huge part of our world and I know I will be devastated when they pass away. I’m so very sorry for your loss and heart ache.
so sorry for your loss, we have 7 fur babies over the years waiting at the bridge for us
I’m so sorry for your loss… letting them go peacefully is the last kind gesture we can do for them. And the hardest thing we do for ourselves. I know he felt your love every day of those 15 years. And of course Abi was waiting for him 🙂 Sending you love and comfort from Los Angeles.
You are a wonderful selfless mother and as such you gave sweet Charlie Ross all that you could right up to the end. I believe our pets are in heaven and Abi is with Charlie. Rest now, Brenda. Cuddle Ivy as much as she will allow. We are here for you. That darling little boy will be missed.
My very deepest sympathies … Charlie, breathing freely now, is running with Abi and with my own Myndie Ruth and CoCo
Sending prayers
I am so sorry. I know too well the pain that you are feeling right now. Loving a pet like you’ve loved Charlie and Abi is a wonderful part of your life. One day they will be there to greet you. Be easy on yourself now. You need time to heal……
I am so sorry little, sweet, bright eyed Charlie has passed over the Rain Bow Bridge. I am sure Abby will be there waiting for him.
Hugs to you, Brenda.
I am so very sorry for your loss Brenda. You are a wonderful pet parent and did everything you possibly could to help Charlie. Please know that I understand your pain and am grieving too. I had to have my cat euthanized on Sunday. It is by far the most excruciating decision we have to make as pet parents. My cat was in the final stages of kidney failure. She was with me for 13 years. I truly believe our fur kids are the purest form of unconditional love and there is a special place for them in heaven.
I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet baby boy. You did the right thing by taking him out of his misery, but I know that it broke your heart to do so. All pet lovers are mourning with you.
Oh Brenda,
I wish there was a way to make it easier for you to bear. I know of no one who was as devoted to a pet as you were to Charlie. He had the best life and gave you so much love. In my mind I see Abby there to greet him. Bless them and you.
Sherry B
Oh. Oh gosh Brenda.
I am heartbroken 💔 for you.
My goodness, you were (and are) the bestest momma ever to Charlie. Abi also.
I know you will miss your sweet boy 🐶 forever.
That’s how it is.
In our family we’ve experienced the same.
Still, we talk about our pets that were so loved by us. It’s amazing how our minds work in that regard ,,,,,, to desperately missing them.
You did the absolute right thing for Charlie. He didn’t deserve to keep suffering. Even though the/your pain is real, Charlie appreciates the caring you’ve have for him.
Now, give it some healing time Brenda. It helps a little bit. 😢
All of us readers will be thinking of you ,,,,, and of course Charlie & Abi.
Brenda, I am so, so sorry. He was a lovely little boy.
Hugs to you,
Gina
So sorry for your loss Brenda .
I know that there isn’t anything that I can say that will make you feel better. All that I can say is how sorry I am for your loss.
So sorry! You did everything you possibly could. He had wonderful life with you. My heart breaks for you. Our fur babies mean so much to us.
Brenda,
I am so sorry about Charlie. Losing a beloved pet takes such a toll. I will keep you in my prayers.
Julie
Brenda, I am so VERY sorry!
You did what was best for Charlie. Just remember that. And he is not in any pain now. You did what was right and he and Abi will be happy together. I know it hurts. So many of your readers have had to do the same thing and we understand your loss. Just remember that you did it for Charlie’s sake. Prayers for peace and comfort. We care.
O sweet Charlie Ross. how we loved you!
you were beloved by All of us… but most definitely by your Mom.
bless you dearest Brenda for doing for him what he finally needed the most.
and it was the hardest of all things to do. you had the courage to let him go.
our hearts to yours. XO
You will miss him so much. I am sorry.
Brenda, So very sad to hear this news. The hurt is excruciating. A hard decision but you had his best interest at heart. You gave him his best life and I know your love was deep and strong for your fur baby. RIP Charlie…you were one very cute and sweet guy. Hugs and love Brenda.
So so sorry!
Brenda, I am so very sorry…I know how bad that hurts. I will be keeping you in my prayers. Hugs, Roberta
My deepest sympathy Brenda, I know how much he meant to you
It is so hard to make that decision to let go, but you made the right one. Two of my beloved doggies pretty much went the same way, but honestly Brenda, given my experiences with my dogs, I believe they knew when there time came, and they were at peace with it. It was hard, but also the only way I wanted it to go, to be there with them at the vet’s office through the end. Your readers are grieving with you, and understand the magnitude of your loss. Ivy will need you.