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

[nemmm]

That is such a beautiful story. I love wolfs! I just wish there was more activity beetween the wolf and the man. That woud have been nice to hear. Thank you, Eagle Cruagh!

[Debra Stevens Edwards (..]

I was enthralled by this piece and amazed that anyone but me would want a wolf pup. They are amazing animals and
some of us seem to share a kindred spirit with the ones we chose to love. A wonderful piece, filled with your love of your friend.
Debby

[~Mary Ann~]

This story held me captivated until the end... Part of me said.. you took the one that loved his dad???
But as the story continued, I could see the evident love between boy and wolf. But with all things living there are times when angel wings are earned. I enjoyed this story... thanks for sharing Charley! :D