Charlie has been a changed dog ever since Black Jack died, and I believe he’s in his own mourning period. In a chat after Jack died, Carol communicated with Jack, who said he was worried about who was going to protect us and that Charlie was “willy-nilly” in his protection duties. I think Charlie must have picked up on that because he sticks close to home now and has started following me around sometimes, as Black Jack used to do. When I’m outside working in the garden or on the labyrinth, he just stands around watching me and watching all around the property. This is very different behavior for him
He still likes to run around and play and he walks up and down the road in front of our property but he doesn’t run away into the woods like he used to every single day for the past 10 years. He also lays next to Jack’s grave every few days. He’s really become more serious, which Don noted today while he was visiting. I feel bad for Charlie because I know without a doubt he is grieving Black Jack’s death, but I think this is a good growth process for him as well as for us. Maybe that’s why Black Jack’s spirit has been hanging around.
When we feel the time is right we’ll get another dog companion for Charlie and for us. I have a feeling there’s a yellow lab puppy in our future.
~ Dooney
