Fate has a Funny Way of Working Out

My name is Charlie (I am the handsome one on the right). And, if I may, I’d like to tell you the story of my wonderful, beautiful, fateful life. It started November 2010. When my brothers and I were born, we weren’t wanted (despite how unbelievably cute we were). So we were left in a box. My luck started here. We were all taken to a lovely woman who ran a rescue. It was here that I spent so much time with my brother Gus, we especially liked to snuggle together, and play tug. We literally spent every second together. But one day, Gus left for what they were calling his “forever home.” I was sad, but excited, because I heard I got one of those too! The day came and went, and I had my new family. They didn’t really seem to like me though, and it made me really scared. They punished me when I didn’t listen right away, even though I tried really hard. They said I couldn’t hold my potty (I really could, they just scared it right out of me all the time!) and called me a Bad Dog, and sometimes would hit me. I was in the car one day, and to my surprise, we went back to the nice lady at the rescue! She loved on me, bathed me, and let me play with all of the other puppies, it was such a relief. She said to me one day though that I just couldn’t stay- but she had a new “family” for me to go to. So, I got packed back up and took a long drive from Kentucky all the way to this place called Wisconsin. When I met my new mom, she hugged me and made me feel real safe. I was shaking, I was so confused and scared. My new momma told me it would all be ok, and I believed her. Once we got to my new home, my mom let me explore my new house. I could smell something I remembered, but I couldn’t quite put my paw on it. Then, my new dad came in the door- and immediately I remembered what it was! “It” was my brother Gus!! I ran over to him and we sniffed each other and started playing, rolling around and romping. It was so fun! I also had a big sister who loved to sniff me and lick me and play too. Could it be too good to be true? My new momma let me sleep in bed with her, we snuggled so close! I was allowed to sleep on the couch, anywhere I wanted! There was no more Bad Dog, it was just me, Charlie! I even heard my mom tell my dad that my name was the same as my late grandpa- she was crying, but I knew it was the good kind, and it made me feel really special. My new mom and dad love us so much, we go on long hikes every day, and we get to run and sniff whatever we want! We go camping, and on road trips, I have even been to Canada! We love going to this great big beach on Lake Superior, where I learned how to swim! I get to see Santa every year, and he brings my siblings and I so many presents! My mom and dad let me smell the things that still scare me, and I am learning not to be so scared, after 3 years with them I have learned that I can trust them. Recently, we got a new sister, she is just crazy! We love to play and chase each other! Being a big brother has really helped me be more confident, my mom says how I am like a different dog. I want to tell her that is silly, that I am still the same dog- but I have a sister to protect now, I have to be brave! This past summer, my mom and dad got a fence so we could have the whole back yard to play in, Gus and I like to chase my little sister Mika- in the winter time it is especially fun because we roll in the snow when we catch her. The other night, my mom and dad had a fire in the fireplace. They had all of the lights out, and moved the table and put all of the pillows on the floor so we could all snuggle. I walked over to my mom and dad, I laid down right in between them all cozy by the fire. I took a deep breath and stretched out. I was so happy and content. My life hasn’t always been great- I remember what it was like to be Bad Dog, despite it all I am so lucky, (even though my mom and dad say they are the lucky ones), to just get to be Charlie.