Abby Sunshine

This is Charlie. He is our neighbor across the street. He is 14 years old. What is that in dog years? I’ve heard different thoughts on that. Anyway, he’s led a long life. Golden Retrievers generally live to be about 12. What is Charlie’s secret to a long and healthful life? Is it nutrition? Is it exercise? Is it attitude? I wonder if it is lifestyle?? Charlie has led a very adventurous life. He has had escapades that sound like they are right out of a movie. He has so many funny stories, I hope his family writes a memoir.

I must admit, I wasn’t always as fond of Charlie as I am now. When we first moved into the neighborhood, we had a small baby and a spirited, young Golden Retriever came bounding into our yard. Being a protective mother, I immediately felt I had to guard my child. I thought, “what’s up with this dog?” During those first years when I was so busy guarding Renae from dogs, she was actually bonding with dogs, and she and Charlie became fast friends! I came to learn what a good friend he’s been to all of us through the years. He also warmly welcomed Abby into the neighborhood almost three years ago. That’s more impressive than how I greeted him. I guess that’s why dogs are considered such good friends- they don’t hold a grudge, don’t take things personally, and live in the moment!

What’s also cool about dogs is that they have friends of all ages without blinking an eye. Abby Sunshine has played with Charlie since she was a little tyke. She appears to show Charlie a bit more respect than some of her other friends. Charlie shows an added spring in his step when he comes to play with Abby. 

What can we learn from good dogs? How can we all be a little more like Charlie? He’s clearly one “top dog.”