LUCKY NO. 13

It was in Kennel #13 of the Comox Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) where five-year-old shiatzu-cross, Charlie, lived in 2007. The adorable, curly haired pup spent his earlier years with a family in the valley until they found themselves having to move out of the province and, sadly, away from Charlie.

The Comox SPCA is one of 44 locations across the province. Founded over 125 years ago under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, the BC SPCA’s mission is to “protect and enhance the quality of life for domestic, farm and wild animals in BC.” Last year alone, the BC SPCA was fortunate to have 4,077 volunteers giving 152,882 hours of their time to help rescue injured, homeless, and abused animals and to reunite lost pets with their families.

Despite the loving care he received at the SPCA, Charlie faced further devastation when he was adopted twice that spring only to be returned both times. When his next turn to be visited by potential adopters came up the following summer, Charlie was less than welcoming. In fact, it was difficult for Campbell River native, Richard Parquette, to get Charlie’s attention or to make eye contact with the distracted pup.

Having been a pet father in the past to his cat, Blackie, who lived to age 20, and his dog, Sam, who lived to age 13, Richard was not one to give up easily on Charlie. He put his name forward along with six other applicants who wanted to take Charlie home. As luck and a love for animals would have it, Richard aced his interview and came back to retrieve his new furry friend.

Since it was hard to get Charlie to warm up to him, Richard knew he had to gain the scared pup’s trust and make him feel safe. Soon after bringing Charlie home, Richard and his wife, Dianne, enjoyed taking Charlie on short walks around the neighbourhood. Not long after, this grew to one- to two-hour walks that Charlie enjoyed, rain or shine, especially to Campbell River’s Tyee Spit. The “spit” is a wonderful oceanside park with bucolic trails, cozy campsites, and spacious picnic areas.

In no time, Charlie became Richard’s exploration buddy and somewhat of a celebrity when making the rounds to local parks and businesses. A teller at Richard’s bank had special treats at the ready when her “little man Charlie” came in wagging his tail and looking for kisses. This is a special memory for Richard who also recalls Charlie’s very non-canine behaviour when he came across other dogs, squirrels, and even horses.

The first time Charlie saw a squirrel in the family’s backyard, Richard was feeding it peanuts. While this was going on, Charlie seemed confused that the squirrel was getting food before the squirrel tossed an empty peanut shell at Richard, showing he was ready for more. Once satisfied, the squirrel took off racing up and down the trees as Charlie watched, mesmerized. He didn’t bark or attempt to chase the critter, which Richard witnessed often.

It wasn’t just small animals that caught Charlie’s attention; he was attracted to cows and horses, too, despite their larger sizes. When Charlie was about 14, he was at the river where he loved swimming with Richard, when three women on horseback rode close by. As Richard recalls, before the horses got too far, “Charlie walked in front of one of the 2,000-pound mammals who lowered his face to Charlie’s face as Charlie sat up on his hind legs and put his paws on the horse’s head, above its nose. He ‘kissed’ the horse on the mouth before the horse gently tapped Charlie’s belly with his head.”

These public displays of affection were second only to what Charlie brought to the Parquette family.

“Our dog, Charlie, is our best friend,” says Richard. “He’s good at everything and listens so well. It’s clear to us that he’s very smart and understands that he is so loved. He has one mean tooth and loves to show it off! I know that my love for Charlie will be eternal.”

In fact, Richard and Charlie shared a special futon where they could comfortably watch TV together. At 9 p.m. sharp, Charlie would jump down and stare at Richard from his position on the floor… it was time to open the cookie jar for his special doggy bacon strips.

Because Charlie came from the SPCA, Richard is aware of the magnitude of the Society’s contribution to the community. He feels blessed to have found Charlie when he did and is forever grateful.

“Even when I’m gone, if my savings can help an animal, whether a dog, cat, or other animal, I truly believe that they need it more than anyone else. Pets want to be treated the way we want to be treated. That is why I became a Forever Guardian by leaving a gift to the BC SPCA in my will.”

In the winter of 2020, Richard noticed Charlie slowing down and on his next visit to the vet he knew something was not right. After the vet examined Charlie, he sent for x-rays and blood tests. Not long after the vet confirmed that Charlie had a tumour on his heart. He was sick for a while before passing away at 19-and-a-half years old. Devastated, Richard was inconsolable but knew he had a lot of great adventures and loving memories with Charlie.

Shortly after Charlie passed, Richard woke up to his puppy sitting on the edge of the bed, calmly looking at him in the dark. Not scared but relieved, Richard smiled and thought he was getting a special visit as he drifted off to sleep. The special visits happened two more times, which for Richard is proof that Charlie is in a good place.

While he plans to one day adopt another animal from the SPCA, Richard is currently pleased with his plush toy dog who fits Charlie’s favourite #13 jacket perfectly.

If you or a loved one are interested in becoming a BC SPCA Forever Guardian, contact Caitlin Fysh at cfysh@spca.bc.ca or 778-786-2630 (toll-free outside of the Lower Mainland at 1-855-622-7722 ext. 6059). You can also visit foreverguardian.ca for more information.

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