CHARLEY

story of a boy and his wolf

CHARLEY There was a little scrap of paper on the bulletin board at the post office, just a scrap. That was where I first learned about Charley. The scrap of paper said, "pure wolf pups", phone number 936-7000, maybe I have forgotten the number, but no one has ever forgotten Charley. Answering the phone, this nice sounding man informed me that his puppies could be seen anytime , "come on over". The address I had been given was easy to find, but after a long drive-way I had to stop because a giant, grey wolf stood in the middle of the driveway a respectable distance from the house. Now what to do ? Get out of the car and be eaten by this giant ? Believe it or not, that was my decision. I stepped out and the giant grey wolf moved slowly up to me, sniffed, then took my wrist , gently , in his great jaws and started backing toward the house with me in tow. Near the house we stopped by a large woven wire pen in which resided a mother wolf and her five puppies. Almost immediately a man came out and wanted to know my name , something about me and where i lived. He seemed pleased with the answers and said , "take your pick". All the puppies were cute and bouncy, except one, he seemed to love his father and I was sure that when grown he would be the 'spitt`n image' of his sire. This puppy was not playing with the others, instead he sat next to his father by the fence and sort of smiled. Some strange voice seemed to be telling me that was the one I should choose. Very soon I made the decision, he was the one, the little grey wolf who loved his Dad. I may as well have started life as new because life began for me when Charley took up residence at my place. This was no puppy like I had ever known, eight weeks of age and I awakened the first night to hear the little guy singing a sad song by light of the full moon. When Charley was three months of age I found him on top of the car one morning. At a year Charley had taken complete charge. The more I loved and petted Charley , the more independant he became. We grew like this, closer and more family for sixteen (16) years. A couple of weeks after his sixteenth birthday Charley stopped eating, I tried everything, he just stopped. The Vet informed me that Charley had cancer of the stomach and he should be allowed to euthanize him. A terrible moment , but I could not stand to let him suffer , I gave in. Charley is buried at the foot of a large pine, his pine, on his ranch. This is Charley`s place, I just watch over it for him while he is gone. ------------- Eagle Cruagh

Reviews

[Manyfacets]

We had a wild wolf pup when I was young. Your "Charley" triggers a forgotten memory of a wonderful time. Our dad found the pup in the forest with the dead mother beside him. He brought the pup home and told the family he was a dog. When he was a few years old our Mother took him to the Vet for his shots. The Vet was outraged and told mom It was not a dog and it is against the "Law" to have a wolf for a pet. We lost our pet that day. Our Dad knew he was a wolf but we didn't. Poor Mom she was heartbroken. I really enjoyed this post Eagle, thanks for posting it. You write from the heart. I love that aspect of your work. Smiles to you. Brenda

[Jane Elliot]

This is incredibly sweet. Nothing too dramatic, nothing too controversial. Simple and true and wonderfully moving.

[Tony]

What a great story! What a great dog!
You know, my friend, I think this is a totem for you.
Con permisso, I am adding it to my library.

[x]

Great write.
Such a lot is covered in so short a distance and nothing is missing. The reader gets to experience the close bond between Charley and his master which makes the ending a challenge to take in without being drawn into the patent emotion of the situation but having seen the love and respect between the two...then it is understood that it is with love and respect that the master lets the unwell friend go...

[Celtic Cat]

sniff sniff. How beautiful. I have a wildebeast of a dog, nothing compared to a wolf, but enough alike that I felt this whole piece warm my heart. I'm always amazed at the brilliance of the beasts on this planet, especially when comparing them to myself. So wise the animals, and obviously some of us humans are, too. Case in point, this boy. I love the pine. I long for a burial marked by a tree rather than a rock (and have found a place that does that for people!). anyhoo.. sorry to have wandered, but i do like to share what stories leap forth from me while experiencing yours. Excellent piece, thanks so much for sharing this.

[jenniewren (J.W. Bouwma..]

ohh this is so poignant.. and your ending gave me absolute goosebumps.. just wonderful..

[Tracie Skarbo]

Wow this is a great story...I almost cried at the end. I felt that this was too short though, I wanted to hear more about this wonderful wolf and the relationship with the boy, how it grew and what the impact of the relationship had on the both of them.

Tigra

[Sheila Kline]

The wolf is a majestic animal, and invokes reverence among many peoples, especially the Native Americans. To hear a wolf howl is almost like calling back unto the beginning of time itself - it looks up at the moon as it is sending up a cry that carries through the winds to be joined with other sounds of nature. As they are pack animals, I can understand why this one would bond with you as it did. You were indeed blessed to have been graced with his presence for 16 years, and now you watch over his resting place as his spirit has returned to walk among the clouds of time.....very touching!
As an avid lover of dogs, and having lost one of my dear companions the end of July of 2008, this brings tears to my eyes. There is nothing quite like the faithful compansionship of an animal.......how well I know how long and lonely my days would be without my two remaining charges. They are my life-line. I had hoped to be a K-9 trainer of hearing impaired dogs but a part wolf pup that we were foster caring knocked me down and injured my ankle which made the training impossible for me to complete. It is someting that shall always cause heartache as we had to have him put down when he started becoming too agressive. To me, he is still my "Alfie".....I can close my eyes and see every minute detail of him!
Thank you for sharing this intimate accounting of your beloved companion!
Sheila
A beautiful heartfelt accounting!

[Julie Dant]

"This is Charley`s place, I just watch over it for him while he is gone."

What a wonderful way to end this heart-touching story, John. Lots of imagery for me. You write so well...your sentences are so matter of fact..so pragmatic..then it all becomes this beautiful, sensitive write as a whole.
I just love to read your work. What a talent you have and I'm so glad I can come here when I want to and see MORE!
Julie

[Kathryn Star, Shine!]

A story about mans best friend, and what we do as mans best friend to keep them close to us. A nicely written story of what is important or not to us. Loved reading your work... thank you for sharing. ks... =)