I'd like to introduce you to my friend, Charlie. Charlie and I met a little over two years ago when my family moved into our new house. He was just about 10 lbs. back then, with big floppy ears and a tongue that loved to lick my kids into wet, sloppy pieces of goo. The little heathens would beg and plead to play with this little chocolaty piece of heaven and he'd happily oblige them for hours at a time.

When he got a little bigger, Charlie discovered a love for the lady dogs and started courtin' our dog, Kimmy. Kimmy wouldn't have any of his shenanigans but they quickly became the best of friends, nevertheless. Running and swimming, they spent their days together in perfect doggy contentment. Charlie has been a solid fixture in our yard and I could always count on him to eat my kitchen blunders or water the tires on my car. It was a nice trade.

Up until about a week ago, Charlie was the resident mascot of our valley; checking ID’s of all those who entered his humble abode, eagerly accepting gentle pats from those who knew and loved him. Charlie and my girls (dogs) were also excited at the fact that the creek water had finally receded enough allowing them some water therapy and stone catching. Life was good in our little neighborhood.

But that’s all over now; Charlie’s gone. Someone has taken it upon themselves to steal Mr. A’s best friend and confidant. The world's best dog (next to my own critters) was stolen from the world's best neighbor (Mr. A) and we want him back. We all know that Charlie needs his daddy and Mr. A needs his buddy; it’s just plain wrong and heartbreaking that someone would do this.

Both Hubby and Mr. A have put many hours and miles on their pick-ups, cruising different neighborhoods and checking shelters. We also pondered the thought that maybe something bigger and more menacing than a goofy chocolate lab, had hurt Charlie, but the lack of any evidence leads us to believe that’s not what happened. We suspect that someone recognized Charlie’s handsome demeanor and suave personality as being that of a dog who might be valuable; and in fact, he is. Charlie is fully registered and is the last of his father’s bloodline. He’s also licensed and wears proof of this next to his heart-shaped information tag. I guess you could say he wears some of Mr. A’s love on his neck and I would hope this little heart-shaped charm would serve as a reminder of good conscious to the callous thief who stole Charlie.

If you have Charlie, please give him back. I promise not to open up the can of whoop-ass that my daughter has created for the mean person who stole her buddy. We will not ask any questions nor press any charges; unless that is, we find him ourselves. And, Mr. A has a lot of friends out there in the community; many of whom who know and love Charlie.

To sum it up, Charlie is an almost three year old registered/papered Chocolate lab male. He weighs about 95 lbs., has a shiny brown coat that resembles melted chocolate, and he’s not neutered. He was last seen wearing a chain collar with a county license tag, rabies tag, and heart-shaped home information tag.

Please, please, please call 496-0113 or 496-6469, to give anonymous information.