A while back, when Kelly O’Connell was working at an animal shelter, a 12-week-old black lab named Charlie was brought in after being found in a shopping cart. Kelly wasn’t looking for a dog at that time, but… “He came in, and I was like, ‘Yup. I’m taking this puppy home,’” Kelly said.
As time went by, Kelly met James Garvin, and they fell in love. Kelly and James (both veterinarians) got married this September, and they wanted 15-year-old Charlie to be there. Sadly, Charlie had been diagnosed with a brain tumor earlier this year, and he was very weak. He had 5 seizures the week before the wedding, and Kelly was getting ready to put him down.
Then suddenly, the week of the wedding Charlie had no seizures. He “seemed like a whole new dog,” O’Connell said. And guess what? He DID make it down the aisle. But he couldn’t make it back… That was when Kelly’s sister picked him up and carried him. The moment was so emotional, everyone burst in tears. “James and I just grabbed onto him, and we just kept saying, ‘You made it, buddy, you made it,’” Kelly said.
A bit over a week later (September 9th), Charlie was put down. He died peacefully, in front of the fireplace at home and surrounded by his loving family. “It was a phenomenal 15 years. That’s for sure,” Kelly said.
15 years ago someone found a black lab abandoned in a shopping cart outside a grocery store and brought it into a shelter where Kelly O’Conell was working
Kelly wasn’t looking for a dog at that time, but… “He came in, and I was like, ‘Yup. I’m taking this puppy home.’”
As time went by, Kelly met James Garvin, and they fell in love. They were getting married this September and wanted 15-year-old Charlie to be there more than anything
Sadly, Charlie had been diagnosed with a brain tumor earlier this year, and he was very weak… He had 5 seizures the week before the wedding
Then suddenly, the week of the wedding Charlie had no seizures. He “seemed like a whole new dog,” O’Connell said
And guess what? He DID make it down the aisle. But he couldn’t make it back…
That was when Kelly’s sister picked him up and carried him
Kelly said she could “see it in his eyes” that Charlie held on in his final days just for her – “I think he was really happy to be there”
September 9th Charlie was put down. He died peacefully, in front of the fireplace at home and surrounded by his loving family. “It was a phenomenal 15 years. That’s for sure,” Kelly said
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even though I'm crying....I'm happy to know that Charlie had a wonderful owner and made him part of her life.
Aside from the sad story, I got a bit confused who's who... At first I thought the woman (carrying the black lab) and the guy in the 3rd picture were the bride and the bridegroom. But judging from the 5th picture, the bride is the woman who isn't wearing the blue cardigan. The guy in the 3rd pic is maybe the best man?
If I remember right, that's the brides sister. She offered to carry the dog down the aisle since he couldn't walk very well
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It's the one 'bad' thing about having pets, (I know the feeling)........I have a picture of every one of mine on the wall so I still see them every day.......and yes, 'blow them a kiss or share a giggle', I know......I'm crazy! So sorry for your loss, he IS a very handsome boy.......ALOHA* & WOOF RIP
Can we not say put down, it's so harsh, how about "let go of" or "was sent to the rainbow bridge", great story though I'm glad this pup had a wonderful, love filled life
Looks like Charlie had a wonderful life thanks to a lovely caring person. RIP little Charlie.
Must be pollen in the air today. My eyes just kept watering. A lot. RIP, Charlie, you beautiful soul!
that's what you call a very loving pet owner....RIP Charlie you crossed over the rainbow bridge, now maybe playing with my handsome dog Rocky,
It was enhanced by the gift of her best friend being there with her that made the day perfect for them. The dog wasn't long for this world at that point and they would have had to feel that loss anyways. The husband I'm sure wanted it that way if for nothing else then to make her wedding as perfect as possible. I feel more sorry for both of them for such a sad turn of events on what is supposed to be there happiest day.
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even though I'm crying....I'm happy to know that Charlie had a wonderful owner and made him part of her life.
Aside from the sad story, I got a bit confused who's who... At first I thought the woman (carrying the black lab) and the guy in the 3rd picture were the bride and the bridegroom. But judging from the 5th picture, the bride is the woman who isn't wearing the blue cardigan. The guy in the 3rd pic is maybe the best man?
If I remember right, that's the brides sister. She offered to carry the dog down the aisle since he couldn't walk very well
Load More Replies... It's the one 'bad' thing about having pets, (I know the feeling)........I have a picture of every one of mine on the wall so I still see them every day.......and yes, 'blow them a kiss or share a giggle', I know......I'm crazy! So sorry for your loss, he IS a very handsome boy.......ALOHA* & WOOF RIP
Can we not say put down, it's so harsh, how about "let go of" or "was sent to the rainbow bridge", great story though I'm glad this pup had a wonderful, love filled life
Looks like Charlie had a wonderful life thanks to a lovely caring person. RIP little Charlie.
Must be pollen in the air today. My eyes just kept watering. A lot. RIP, Charlie, you beautiful soul!
that's what you call a very loving pet owner....RIP Charlie you crossed over the rainbow bridge, now maybe playing with my handsome dog Rocky,
It was enhanced by the gift of her best friend being there with her that made the day perfect for them. The dog wasn't long for this world at that point and they would have had to feel that loss anyways. The husband I'm sure wanted it that way if for nothing else then to make her wedding as perfect as possible. I feel more sorry for both of them for such a sad turn of events on what is supposed to be there happiest day.
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