Getting Along

 So It's been 3 months since Charlie passed away.

Every day is different for us. 

Some days are easy where we don't even think about him being gone and other days where we drive by a familiar gravel road and choke down a big lump in our throats.

He has left a hole in our home and even though our house is loud, busy, and crazy most of the time, it still feels like a big black cuddly dog is missing.

Marie has spent a lot of time talking about Charlie.  Nearly every night at bedtime she prays for Charlie to get better in heaven, she hopes another family will get to have him when he is better so they can love him like we did, she reminds me that we can't see him but he can see us, and she makes sure to tell me that he loved her the best because they liked to cuddle. 

For her first birthday she received a stuffed black lab from a dear friend of ours which she has named Charlie.   

This has always been a favorite stuffed animal but it now has even more meaning.

 

 We are a family who needs a dog.

So thankfully, Charlie advised us to get Gus. 

He and Marie run and play together until they are completely out of breath. 

We love to walk him, play fetch with him, cuddle with him, and take him swimming.

It is interesting to see how he is different with the kids. 

He plays with Marie much like a little brother - gets into her things, chases her, bothers her, and follows her around. 

Bennett & Gus like to play near each other, share toys, and Gus is always concerned when Bennett is crying. Much like Charlie was with Marie.  They sneak away and get into trouble together - finding water and getting dirty and making a mess in every room.

 

 Gus is a good dog. 

He had a short time with Charlie but it is clear he learned a lot from him.  

He is growing quickly and we are so happy to have him in our family.