When Charley came into my life, I thought I was rescuing a little puppy that someone else no longer wanted.

Looking back now, I think he rescued me.

Over the seven short years we shared together, Charley taught me more about love and life than I could ever have imagined.

He taught me that love doesn’t have to be complicated.

He didn’t care what I looked like.

He didn’t care whether I’d had a good day or a bad one.

He didn’t care whether I was working, tired, happy or upset.

He simply wanted to be close to me.

That was enough for him.

Charley also taught me that happiness can be found in the simplest things.

A walk.

A favourite toy.

A cuddle on the sofa.

Watching the people you love.

Dogs don’t worry about yesterday.

They don’t fear tomorrow.

They simply enjoy today.

I wish more of us could live like that.

He taught me about loyalty.

If I walked from one room to another, Charley wasn’t far behind.

If he couldn’t see me, I only had to ask,

“Where’s Charley?”

Seconds later, he’d come running as if to say,

“I’m here, Mummy.”

He never wanted me to feel alone.

Without realising it, he made sure I never was.

Perhaps the greatest lesson Charley taught me was this…

Love is never measured by how long someone is with you.

It’s measured by the difference they make while they’re here.

Charley was only seven years old when I had to say goodbye.

Seven years wasn’t enough.

It never could have been.

But those seven years were filled with more love, laughter and happiness than I ever thought possible.

People sometimes ask me whether I would do it all again, knowing how much losing him hurt.

My answer has always been the same.

Yes.

Without hesitation.

Because the pain of losing Charley will never be greater than the privilege of having loved him.

If I had the chance to go back and choose again…

I would still choose Charley.

Every single time.

He came into my life as a tiny puppy that somebody else had given back.

He left as one of the greatest loves of my life.

And for that…

I will always be grateful.