The year is...

1996

Charlie Bucket came into my life. He was left as a stray, at the age of two, and wandered into Don's work (in Stockton.)

Being 1/2 hr away, I read the Stockton news daily for anyone missing his or her dog. Nothing...

Don and I named him Charlie Bucket - Love Willy Wonka!

During that time, we were planning our wedding and working hard. I was at Gallo Winery and Don was at Stockton Windustrial.

Before we had children, Don and I owned a beautiful Condo in a gated community. Every night, Charlie would meet us at the back door and we would play for hours. We had a really long hallway and Don and I would play keep away, from Charlie, for hours. He LOVED IT!

God brought us two toddlers, in ONE DAY! Charlie Bucket, instantly, became protective over them and played with them for hours.

While the children were learning "The Wheels on the Bus," Charlie would sing with us. He lost his hearing about a year ago, but loved barking at the air since then.

My parents, who lived a mile away, had a young dog, Teddy. Mom and I would leash our dogs, and meet everyday for a walk. The two dogs loved their daily "get togethers."

When we would go camping, Charlie Bucket would romp with us over the long weeds as we hiked for hours. His favorite part of camping was dinner time over the BBQ pit (yummies.)

Each night, after everyone was in bed, he would come to me with those adorable eyes and I knew he wanted his TREAT for the day. Yes, he received one hot dog every night.

So many loving memories. So much devotion a pet gives - it is pure unconditional love.

The past few days, I noticed my darling Charlie Bucket becoming lathargic. I knew, in my heart, he was starting to suffer, but my brain was in denial. This morning, he literally could not get up and was shaking. I knew what I had to do.

I called my beloved and asked him to come home, as it was time. I went and pulled Iris out of school. Isaac is off track.

Tearfully, yet bravely, we said goodbye to our darling family member for so many years. He was 15 years old. My beloved picked him up and placed him on a blanket in the back seat of the truck. He drove to the Doggy Doctor. As the doctor was examining my baby, Charlie took his last breath.

It was almost as if he knew why he was there, and he did not want his master and friend, for so many years, to make that decision for him.

While the children and I were home, I prayed softly for God to take Charlie Bucket peacefully. He did and I am grateful for the Grace of God through this.

It has been hard today, and I think it will be hard tomorrow too. However, I do know we will heal. Cody, our four year old choc. lab is feeling it to. He will not leave my side and is very loving this moment.

So....The year is 2010 and Charlie Bucket is in our hearts forever.