Charlie Gets Adopted

Charlie, our big lovable Dane/Pointer mix, was adopted today by a nice young couple from Missoula.  Neely V. saw Charlie on our Web site a few days ago and called to see if he was available for adoption.  I hesitated.  At first I didn't know what to say. 

We had NOT adopted Charlie out in the past, even though he wasn't disabled, because he was the natural 'alpha' of the dogs here.  He is so sweet and gentle, and gets along with everyone, that he set a wonderful tone for all the dogs.  We also ... if truth be told ... loved this dog so much we didn't think we could part with him. 

(This photo shows Charlie in a patient tug-of-war with little Goldie, one of our blind dogs.  Goldie eventually wore him down and he let her win.)

Yet we maintain a limit on the number of dogs we have at the sanctuary at any one time and try to hold pretty firmly to it.  With a perfectly adoptable, wonderful dog like Charlie counting towards our limit, we ended up saying 'no' to a disabled dog somewhere who might have taken that spot.  So in recent months Alayne and I reluctantly decided that we would let Charlie get adopted ... but only if the "right" person somehow came along.  And we wouldn't actively 'market' him on the Web as available for adoption.  (Yes, we were conflicted!  Is it that obvious?) 

So when the phone rang earlier this week, I was at first taken aback when Neely asked about Charlie.  Although Alayne and I had made that decision a while ago, I had pretty much forgotten about it.  Now what?

I interviewed her at length, reviewed our usual list of questions, and went through our standard adoption process.  I decided it was okay.  We scheduled a time for her and her husband Jake to come out to meet Charlie.  Today was the day.

Charlie was his usual endearing, charming self.  It's impossible not to fall in love with this boy.  Neely and Jake spent quite a bit of time with Charlie, took him for a long walk, came back and said, "Could we?"  I took the photo of Charlie with Neely and Jake this afternoon, just before they got in the car to go home to Missoula. 

I told Neely and Jake that Charlie is one of those 'once-in-a-lifetime' dogs. He is truly special.  It was sad to see him go, but I know he will be a very happy boy in his new home.

(Click on photos for larger image.)

Comments

[Penny]

I've known Charlie's new "Pappa Jake" for a number of years, especially through Scouts. Have no fear, Charlie will be well loved & cared for. I don't personally know Neely well but I hear about her from Jake's Mom & Dad & know that she will be just as loving & caring of Charlie as Jake.

[Roz]

That photo of Charlie and Goldie is cute beyond words. What a hard decision to make letting Charlie go since he'd play such an important role at the ranch. He'll make an excellent companion to Neely and Jake. Love to all the animals at the ranch.

[Jean/Nevada]

Charlie looks so regal & his humans are grinning ear-to-ear. He will live closeby & can maybe visit his pals at the ranch. Now, who is going to be the new pace-setter Alpha male?