[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 67 (Thursday, May 25, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E843-E844]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                           MAIN STREET POOCH

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                           HON. GEORGE MILLER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 24, 2000

  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, the people of Martinez, 
California, lost a great friend and a fixture in the community with the 
death of Charlie, the beloved golden retriever and member of the Ross 
family. Mr. Speaker, the relationship between Gene Ross and his dog, 
Charlie, was wonderful to behold. They went everywhere together. 
Whether Gene was running in the hills of Alhambra Valley or the trails 
of the Sierra Mountains above the Tahoe Basin, Charlie was always at 
his side. And if you walked or ran with them, you could listen to their 
constant conversation.
  During summer vacations at Donner Lake, Charlie would dive into the 
chilly water where others were timid. He especially loved it when the 
kids were in the water, so he could look after them and swim with them. 
As friends and family gather for the upcoming traditional Fourth of 
July festivities at the Ross cabin, this year will be different. This 
year just before the fireworks start, we will not kid Gene as he talks 
to Charlie to calm him down about the

[[Page E844]]

fireworks and then puts him in the bedroom with the radio on so he 
won't be frightened at the explosions. In all those years together Gene 
could never convince Charlie not to be afraid of the fireworks.
  Mr. Speaker, downtown Martinez and all the friends of Gene and Marge 
Ross are going to miss both Charlie and the special relationship that 
they enjoyed. Following is a letter that Gene wrote that was published 
in our local paper:

                [From the Contra Costa Times, May 2000]

                  Main Street Pooch Won't Be Forgotten

       Dear Gary: On Monday we suffered the loss of our believed 
     golden retriever, Charlie.
       Charlie was a fixture on Main Street in Martinez. He went 
     to work with me every day for 14 years and had so many people 
     that loved him. This is our way of letting them know about 
     him.
       Last Friday, Dr. Ruth Adams, our veterinarian, diagnosed 
     Charlie with a fast-growing bone cancer. There was no hope of 
     saving him, only of keeping him happy for the few remaining 
     days.
       Charlie loved greeting visitors to our office, visiting 
     with clients (as long as they didn't try to sit in ``his'' 
     chair) and going down Main Street with me to take care of 
     business. He brought a smile to everyone's face.
       He ran in Briones Park with our running group, Rob, Peter, 
     Paul and myself, for 14 years. His excitement over our long 
     runs never altered. If we ran 10 miles, he ran at least 15, 
     always checking back to make sure we weren't lost.
       He loved hiking in the Sierra, swimming in Donner Lake and 
     cheering on our bocce team. His energy was boundless.
       He talked, really ``talked'' to my wife, Margie, every 
     night to let her know how our day at the office went. And 
     always with two or three tennis balls in his mouth.
       He let our two little grand-daughters cuddle and climb on 
     him with such patience.
       On Monday he went to the office with me for the last time. 
     By noon I could see that he was not doing well. I took him 
     home to my wife who ``talked'' to him. He told her he was in 
     pain and that it was time. She gave him medication to ease 
     his pain.
       As he wagged his tail and held his tennis ball in his 
     mouth, we held him close, and Dr. Adams eased him into the 
     world where his puppyhood friends, RJ and Morgan, waited for 
     him at the Rainbow Bridge.
       His tennis balls are still scattered around the house. Not 
     to tell us he is coming back, but to tell us he will always 
     be with us.
       Thanks to all of Charlie's friends who have been so 
     supportive and kind. And to you, for letting us share our 
     loss.
                                              Gene Ross, Martinez.

     

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