Maybe you've noticed the silence lately—the lack of blog posts, social media updates, promotions, newsletters, and the pause of Breed Of The Month.

Our beloved Charlie began experiencing health issues in late March, and by the end of April it became clear that things were very serious. As a result, admin work, marketing, and social media quickly fell to the bottom of my priority list. We wanted to spend as much time with Charlie as possible.

Two weeks ago, we sadly said goodbye to Charlie. He was 13 years old. It was bone cancer.

The silence is deafening.

It's a phrase we hear throughout our lives, but one that isn't truly understood until we've experienced it ourselves. It is so so very quiet. We are a home without a critter for the first time in a very long time.

Recently, I came across this quote on Instagram and immediately went down an internet rabbit hole trying to find the original source so I could give proper credit. Unfortunately, I wasn't successful, but the words resonated deeply.

"Even though you didn't make it to the end of my story, I will always have the corner folded down on your page, because it was one of my favorites."

We will miss you, Charlie. We will miss all of the little quirks that made you so special.

The way you always curled up right in front of the shower door while I was showering. The way you appreciated a quiet morning spent basking in the sunshine. How quickly you would come running to the kitchen when I called you to clean up spilled peas, or whenever you heard the sound of vegetables being chopped. The way you hated most other dogs, but you clicked with Molly instantly. A dynamic duo.

You were as sticky as Velcro. A constant companion and a steady presence in our lives.

Most of all, I am going to miss your help in the studio. My amazing assistant, always ready to lending your modeling skills with lighting setups. So photogenic. 

You were my most steadfast and trusted friend.

Thank you for the wonderful years, Charlie. The house feels quieter without you, but your paw prints are everywhere; in the routines you helped create, in the memories we cherish, and in the countless photographs that remind us just how lucky we were to love you.

We miss you every day. Not being religious, I don't know what is on the other side, but I hope you're with Molly.