Charlie

Charlie--we love you.  You've been with us since Athens.  We felt so lucky to have a dog that was calm enough and lazy enough to suit our crazy family--our life has been filled with loud music and kids and cooking and mess and you fit right in.  When I found you and sent your photos to Frank he said that he felt God had answered his prayers with a dog that was just right for him.  You were laying in a field of grass and you clearly didn't intend to get up and chase anything anytime soon. 
Your little Basset gimp legs on your big Golden Retriever body have been bothering you for quite some time.  You've had a hard time getting around and have been falling a lot.  Now your face is swollen and the Vet thinks that you have cancer.  I am so sorry that you'll have to live out the last week of your life wearing the cone of shame.  I can't find a way to get you to stop scratching at it. 
Next Saturday we'll take it off, and we'll bring your favorite blanket and treats...and we'll all be with you as you go.  We love you.