Thank you everyone...
I am blessed to count you as friends and compadres... I know many of you have four footed kids and have been in this place before. I am without "human's best friend" for the first time in 23 years... So, yeah, hug them extra for me..
He was my protector, in many ways. He "protected" my kids too. DD #4 once used a jump rope to tie a thermos jug to her waist and as she ran, it followed after. Crothers thought it was chasing her and over the fence he went to get that dangerous thermos... I laughed til I hurt.
He would wear sunglasses, hats, blankets, bows, whatever. Loved being brushed, blow dried, and vacuumed.
Charley, I hope big headed brown dog is somewhere as beautiful as your picture for him. If, as the movie says, "All Dogs Go to Heaven," he has earned his place there. He was a loving and loyal companion and friend and he is loved and terribly missed.
Again, thank you all for your words of comfort and condolence. I appreciate you wonderful guys and gals very much.