The Papillon brothers had already been named Jack (after my Dad) and Buzzy (because he was so full of energy), but what to call the little red ball of fluff. A friend suggested Charli, given she was a cross with a Cavalier. I added the 'Anne' and she became Charli-Anne.

It wasnt long before I noticed that Charli was a lot slower at learning than the boys and that she was intellectually special. But, there has never been a little dog that tried so very hard to learn and to be a good girl. She loved her food, always lined up for a walk, right up until the day she was put to sleep - the only day she didnt want to go. She loved cuddles but her real redeeming feature was being a devoted and loving Mother to any new puppies that entered our family. Little Gizmo (now almost 9 years) adored her and the newest additions Bonnie & Clyde (now 4.5 years) also enjoyed cuddling up to her. She never growled or complained when they climbed all over her. She had a big heart that had so much love to give.

Challenging as it was, with her intellectual difficulties, she taught me so much about patience, unconditional love and the meaning of true giving - she never stopped giving love, cuddles and adoring barks.

Thank you Charli for all the wonderful memories that you brought to our family and home-life.

I will always love you, Mummy

2nd July 2026 - Hi sweetheart. I am so very sorry that you had to cross to Rainbow Bridge so suddenly. One minute you were lounging on the couch and sleeping on my bed and then within 24 hours, you had crossed the Bridge. I am still waiting for you to come home in your little box and I have printed 8 beautiful photos of you and will have to choose the best one for the frame. Buzzy B Bear tells me he was very excited to see you and was waiting on the other side of the Bridge. Im pretty sure Topsy, Heidi, Lilli and Jezzie will also cuddle you. I was pretty worried about Gizmo who loved you so very much but I think he really knew that you were in pain and 'not right' and he and I have become a lot lot closer. Little Bonnie misses you I know, but she too, is coping and she and her brother cuddle up together, but they dont have you to sleep on top of. You were (and still are) an amazing little mother to any creature who happened to cross your path and for all the puppies I brought home to us. Thank you little Charli-Anne. I know you will know when you are back with us all - you will share the shelf in the kitchen with Buzzy = at least for a while. Run free Charli - your ears flopping in the breeze and one day, I will be with you again and NEVER EVER leave you again. Sweet dreams xxx

19th October 2026 - Hi Charli, I hope you have settled in across the Bridge ok and have made lots of new friends. I am 100% sure that every creature across the Bridge has fallen in love with you and probably they all fight to cuddle into you. I am glad that Buzzy was there to meet you as you stepped off the Bridge as I know you would have been frightened and nervous with everything being so new. Charli - I am so worried about Gizmo....he absolutely adored and loved you so much and he has never really been the same since I raced you to the Vet Clinic that day and you never came back. Because of his love for you, I always thought I would take Gizmo with me to the Clinic when it was your time - but it all happened so quickly, there was no time. I know he's not well but they can't find anything wrong with him. I checked in his mouth today and maybe he has ulcers or something. His next visit is in two days time. I will let you know what is going on. He has lost his energy and wont stop eating. I think he has a broken heart. He has been drooling a lot and this morning, he woke me up early, panting heavily. If it is his time to cross the Bridge - I will understand but PLEASE PLEASE greet him as he will need you. He's so young, I hope we can make him better, but I am so worried. He has turned into such a great little man, and I love him dearly. At the moment, he just worries me. I know I can leave him and all the others in your care as you have such a huge warm heart. Thanks for everything Charli - love you always, Mummy x

Please also visit Buzzy B Bear.