The life of a SEARCH DOG: Today marks the end of an era. Charley (Ima girl) was helped over the rainbow bridge this morning. She was tired and it was time. When your buddy can no longer stand, its time to do the right thing. Charley was just a bit over 13 years old, and she lived a charmed life. We chose Charley in a litter of chocolate babies, mostly just because she had a white spot on her chest. I know, its scientific (smile), but since she would have to fill the huge paws left behind by my first Search and Rescue dog, Maggie (who had that white spot), we found it fitting that this one too would carry on her mission, and that she had a white spot, we hoped it was a sign. She came from a litter of field labs, so we hoped we would have a winner based on her breeding We did….. Charley would go on to achieve greatness that would earn her wings to fly with all the other greats. She would follow in Maggie, Jake and Emma Lees paws to become my best SAR partner. While Charley was certified for Live Search, her calling was truly Human Remains. With this great dog, we were able to bring closure to many families. Charley had her first find at 9 months of age and she just kept going and going and going, like the energizer bunny. Anyone who knew Charley knew of her “special” alert when she made a find off of the boat. It was sure to bring a smile to the faces of Law Enforcement and her alert could not be ignored. Charley, as well as all of our other SAR dogs, was certified in the State of CA, with the CA Rescue Dog Association (CARDA). She was also a member of the 1st Special Response Team, an International Search and Rescue organization. We retired together and Charley has spent her retirement years hanging around the ranch, chasing tennis balls even when her old bones complained, annoying the goats, reigning supreme with all the other critters, and laying in front of the wood stove on cold winter evenings. Charley was one of a kind…………and she will be sorely missed. The house already feels so empty. Fly with the angels Charley, run free, run hard. Give our love to Maggie, Jake and Emma Lee. They will show you the way, that’s what they do. Your search is over and you are 10-7- OD. Well earned partner 04-2001 – 07-2014
Posted on: Sun, 20 Jul 2014 19:42:26 +0000
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