“Charles”, the K&FT Therapy Dog

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In Loving Memory of Charles, the Therapy Dog

Dear Kids & Families Together Community,

We are writing to share some difficult news – our dearest Charles passed away on Thursday after a courageous battle with cancer. Since his diagnosis in March, he received ongoing treatment and was surrounded by love – especially in his final months at the K&FT office, where he was uplifted by heartfelt messages from clients, staff, and community members.

Charles lived a long and meaningful life. He turned nine in February, surpassing the typical lifespan of his breed (Bernese Mountain Dog) which is seven to eight years. As a therapy dog, he offered countless hours of support, comfort, and joy to the people we serve. Charles truly embodied the K&FT and PathPoint values of compassion, excellence, wellness, and collaboration. We are deeply grateful to Rachel, his mom, for sharing him with us all these years.

Charles’ Memory Book will arrive at the K&FT office the week of August 25th– please stop by if you’d like to take a look and add a message.

To view a digital version of Charles’ Memory Book, click here!

 

Thank you for being a part of our organization’s “loving village” and for walking alongside K&FT and Charles during our rainy days. We are honored to have been a part of Charles’ life for the past nine years and are even more humbled to think of the immense impact that he has made in the lives of many children, parents, caregivers, and families!

Resources

“Helping Children Cope with the Serious Illness or Death of a Companion Animal”

– The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center

“Children in Grief: Understanding their Journey” – Coleen Ellis

“The Invisible Leash” by Patrice Karst (link to purchase the book) – copies also available at the K&FT office

 

Charles’ Story

Charles was an AKC (American Kennel Club) certified Canine Good Citizen. Charles passed the required temperament evaluations, received the proper training, and had been a certified therapy dog through Love on a Leash since November 2017.

A therapy dog is different from a service dog. Service dogs are trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability. A therapy dog’s job is to bring comfort and joy to those in need. Charles loved making new friends and helping them feel comfortable sharing their stories with him. Charles was social, affectionate, and a great co-therapist!

FAQs about Charles

Breed? Bernese Mountain Dog

Do all Bernese Mountain Dogs look like him? Yes. They all have this same coloring; however, most have a little more white on their paws and the tip of their tails (Charles only has 3-4 white hairs on his tail).

How much did he weigh? 115 lbs.

What’s his birthday? February 3, 2016

What is Charles’ adoption story? Charles was adopted in Spring 2016 when he was just eight weeks old. When his parents brought him home, everything was new and different. He was a little scared and really missed his birth mom. Over time, he quickly learned how much his parents love him, so he started to relax, feel safe, and trust them.

How many brothers and sisters did he have? Charles’ litter had six boys and four girls.

What were his parents’ names? Charles’ mom’s name is Shay, and dad’s name is Zodiac. His maternal grandmother’s name is River.

Where was he from? Charles was born in Laguna Hills and raised in Ventura.

Did he shed? YES!

Did he drool? Not much. Unless you stick some food in his face!

What did he like to do for fun? Cuddle, go for hikes, play at the beach, get belly rubs, take naps, give high fives, play tug-of-war, and make new friends.

Did he eat a lot? He eats about 3 cups of food a day.

Did he bite? Never. If you are playing with a toy with him, he may accidentally put his mouth on your hand but will let go immediately when he realizes his mistake.

What tricks/commands did he know? Sit, down, here, drop, leave it, stay, wait, back up, high five, and more!