Thank you everyone for your messages of sympathy and support for which I have been extremely touched and grateful.
I never thought I would be so upset about losing Charley because in some ways it was an enormous relief. However, his going has left a gaping hole in my life. He has been my constant companion for almost fifteen and a half years - he was ten weeks old when he replaced Benjie, who was almost sixteen years old when he passed on. He was such a lovely dog who didn't have a bite or growl in him. He was totally non-aggressive, and could be trusted with the youngest child. I recall staying in Norwich, when Charley was about six months old, and an elderly lady with her daughter, who had Down's Syndrome, asked if her little girl could stroke Charley. I asked her if she would like to hold him, and she was delighted. Charley was so good when she held him and he licked her and made a fuss: he was so gentle. He went everywhere with me and never disgraced himself in hotels or restaurants in France. I'm not sure I will be able to say the same of Henry who is very boisterous and not at all gentle, although he also has a lovely nature and can be trusted.
Charley is now resting near Benjie at the bottom of the garden.