Charlie Dwyer Passes Away

Today we have a story that will both warm and break your heart. Bob Dwyer and his family have written to us about Charlie, a lab/retriever cross who they adopted from Woodside in 2003. 

Even at just a few weeks old Charlie was a gentle, loving dog. He absolutely captivated the Dwyer family when they met him for the first time. They just couldn’t tear themselves away. They came back to see him at Woodside many more times during the adoption process, taking him to visit the other animals living at the centre. Charlie was immensely fond of the rabbits and would look over them for hours. He made friends with every animal and human he met, and would continue doing so for years to come.

In 2005, when the Dwyers moved permanently to Spain, Charlie went with them. At only two years old, he was embarking on a traveling adventure, and he was raring to go. There was only one problem. Baby Charlie was suffering from bouts of colitis, the cause of which was never identified despite veterinary efforts. Despite these difficulties, Charlie was always a happy little boy, and for nearly 12 years he was the family’s best friend and most loyal companion.

Along the way and with Charlie’s help, the family also adopted and raised three formerly feral kittens, who became used to sharing the house with humans and Charlie, and grew to love their new canine friend for his warmth and kindness. Even when out walking, Charlie always seemed to remember his earliest encounter with those rabbits at the Woodside Animal Shelter, never chasing them but just pointing and staring until they hopped away.
 
Very sadly and suddenly, Charlie died after a very short illness. He was just a few months away from his 12th birthday. His passing has left an un-fillable gap for the Dwyers and for us here at Woodside, but we will never forget the time he spent with us. We were all very privileged to know him.

Charlie is just one of the many animals we have re-homed during recent years who have provided constant love and happiness to their new families. If you want to adopt a pet like Charlie, why not pop down to the centre and meet our residents?

Follow the link to see just a few of the furry faces who are waiting to be your new best friend www.rspcaleicester.org.uk/adopt