Charlie Clements Aguilar: 1995 - December 6, 2008

Yesterday was quite possibly the hardest day of mine and Sean's entire life. Yesterday morning, at 8:30 a.m., we sent our beloved dog, Charlie, off to doggie heaven. Charlie lived a long, long life. When he became mine back in 1995, the vet estimated he was 2 years old. 15 years is a long time for a doggie to live. Charlie led such a good life, and he was the very best dog you could ever ask for. He was patient and calm and well behaved. He loved to give kisses and chase Beagles at the dog park. He was with me every step of the way -- multiple apartments and boyfriends, job changes, college, the working world... He was even there the night I got engaged to Sean. Charlie was sitting right beside Sean when Sean got down on his knee and asked me to be his wife! He was there for all the high points and all the low points.

I'm so glad he made it long enough to see the birth of Bella. It's unfortunate that she won't get to know Charlie, but we'll be sure to tell her all about his wonderfulness.

Over the last few months, it had become increasingly obvious that we would have to make a decision about Charlie's life. He'd pretty much stopped eating. He was down to skin and bones. He was completely blind (this was confirmed to us by the vet yesterday) and he was spending most of his days curled up on the floor. When he'd get up, he'd have a major case of "sea legs" and would have much difficulty walking around. We knew that this was not the kind of life Charlie would want to live. So...we made the decision to send him to doggie heaven.

Sean took Charlie to the vet. I couldn't do it...he'd been my doggie for 13 years and I needed the last time I saw him for him to be alive. God bless Sean...what he had to do was unimaginably hard! He was with Charlie as he took his last breath. By the time he came home, I knew Charlie was up in doggie heaven, running through the grass, eating treats, and chasing Beagles!

Rest in peace our precious "Boogs" (as we called him). We already miss you like crazy. The tears haven't subsided, and probably won't for a while. We are sorry you are gone but know that you are in a much better place.

We love you!

Daddy, Mommy, Bella and lil' brother Toby