“It is amazing how much love and laughter they bring into our lives and even how much closer we become with each other because of them.” – John Grogan (Author, Marley & Me)

How it All Began

lisa pets smallThis is my Yorkie Charlie (Sir Charles when we are feeling fancy) and Cali is the adorable pit bull on the right. Charlie made his way into my life 7 years ago. I was fresh out of halfway and had just moved into my own apartment. I received a phone call from a friend letting me know that they had seen a little Yorkie wandering the streets of their neighborhood for at least two weeks. They had befriended him by giving him treats and belly rubs. They asked me if I wanted to adopt him, and the rest was history. I remember my sponsor and friends advising against me adopting a pet in early recovery, as I was just learning to take care of myself. Quickly, I learned how great of a responsibility being a doggy mom was. I still caution others against following in my footsteps. However, I have not once regretted giving this little fur ball a forever home.

Charles has been by my side through the good times and the bad times and has provided me with more laughs than I can count. Cali was my husband’s dog. I remember giving Charles the “pep-talk” on the car ride over his house when we first started dating, saying, “do not mess this up! You’re meeting a new friend today! If you don’t get along things are not going to work out between her dad and I…” Sure enough, Cali and Charlie became instant best friends. Size has never been a factor in their friendship. Little ol’ Charlie often wears the pants in the relationship. They snuggle, play and hunt all of the lizards together. They are my favorite part about coming home and make every day a little brighter!