Page last updated on Saturday, March 31, 2007.
Charlie's story is told by his new mom, Wanda:
We found Charlie through the "Oldies But Goodies Cocker Rescue" website.
Charlie is 4 years old and is quite the gentleman. We had given it a great
deal of consideration whether or not to buy a puppy or adopt an older dog. We
decided it would be less of a hassle to adopt an older dog, and if everyone would adopt
older dogs we could stop backyard puppy mills. We were so right! Charlie has
been a dream come true. He is a perfect companion with impeccable manners. We
have a 5 year old cat and from first introductions, within a week's time, they went from
hissing and growling at each other, to being very congenial and tolerant of one another.
Charlie has some special needs due to allergies, but we tend to his needs with joy because
he has such a great attitude. He sits still for anything you need to do for him and
waits patiently until you release him.
We signed up for an obedience training class and our first homework assignment was to get
your dog to watch you for 5-6 seconds. Charlie is watching me for 16 seconds after
just a few days of training. One of my neighbors noticed how good Charlie is on the
leash and how well he responds to my requests and remarked that he did not look like he
needed obedience training. I responded, "No he doesn't, I thought it would be a
good way to get to know each other and bond."
My husband has never been very affectionate to our other animals, but he cannot resist
Charlie's loving, passive behavior and he participates in Charlie's care without
solicitation from me. Charlie is the new love of our life. Our cat even seems
happy to have another animal around. I find we have all been more affectionate since
Charlie joined our family, his love is contagious!
Thanks to Debbie for referring me to Judy who fostered Charlie. A very special thank
you to Judy for taking such wonderful care of Charlie as he was being prepared for
adoption.