10.28.2013

The Best Part: Choosing Charlie


On my birthday a couple of weeks ago, made three years ago that I adopted my dog, Charlie.  I thought I would share that story with you today. I hope you enjoy.

Three years ago, I made the decision to move to Atlanta, somewhere I’d always wanted to live. My friends back home would gently tease, saying that I had the best life because I lived in the big city, and had no kids or dog to worry about. I could sleep in if I wanted, I had a quiet house, and it was always clean, etc. I definitely felt content in my life, but knew something was missing.  I had a new job I loved, and despite making a couple of new friends, I was still lonely sometimes. I dreaded my first birthday in a new city and had made no plans to celebrate it.

During my day at work, I received a text from my friend Tiffany. I expected a text full of birthday sentiments, but instead was a message that would change my life forever. Inside was a picture of a little dog, with hair all in his eyes, but the sweetest smile. The text read: Meet Salem. Kim saw this dog thrown from a car on Salem Road. He looks like a Yorkie and he needs a home. Are you interested?


 This was the picture in the text.

I was admittedly not an animal person. We briefly had a pet when I was younger, but I was never raised with animals. When a pet came up to me, say, at a friend’s house, my natural instinct was to turn the other way. But something changed in me when I saw that text from Tiffany. I knew that I needed this dog. I knew he was my dog. Normally, I’m very indecisive, but sometimes you just know.

When I met him, I bent down and he came right to me.  I told him we were going home and it was like he knew what I was saying. He was very malnourished, with matted fur that had never been cut. He had stomach parasites and was half the weight he should’ve been. But I just knew this was the right decision.

A couple of days later the Morkie (Maltese-Yorkie) was named Charlie Brown, or Charlie as we all call him. In the three years since, he’s almost perfect, leaving myself and others in disbelief when I see that first picture of him. He’s brought me such happiness and finally that thing, that piece that was missing, is complete. Charlie is a therapy dog, bringing joy to everyone, even other dogs, but especially me. Charlie wakes me up with three taps on my face, and it’s one of the best parts of my day.  I’m now an animal person, who tears up at those animal commercials. I’m completely smitten with this pup. And it was the best decision ever.

Charlie Brown

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53 comments:

  1. I got chills reading this. What an amazing story! I'm so glad you were willing to rescue him — and it sounds like he's paid you back 10 times over. You're such an amazing person! I'm glad you have Charlie to take care of you (and for you to take care of). :)

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  2. Awww, I think I'm in love with Charlie! What a beautiful, sweet dog! Thank you for rescuing him. You did a great thing!
    My daughter's class had about a dozen therapy dogs visit last week. She enjoyed meeting them very much.

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  3. Awe, I teared up reading this. I can't imagine someone just throwing an innocent animal out of a car, or in general. I am a big animal person, if I could take in every stray I would. I'm so glad he made his way to your home and heart. Such a sweet dog!

    Dogs are the best companions!

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  4. What a great story. Clearly you and Charlie belong together!

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  5. I adopted my sweet tabby cat (Tabitha) about four years ago this week! It was the best decision possible to do so. Like your adorable Charlie, Tabitha is therapeutic to us--here at the Bradley household--as well. :) Hugs, T. http://tickledpinkwoman.blogspot.com

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  6. Such a beautiful story! You two were meant to be. Reminds me of how Gunner and I found each other. <3

    http://www.somethingmonumental.com/

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  7. I'm in love with your doggie, I'm def a dog lover honey <3
    So sweet!
    Xxx

    Carolina

    www.the-world-c.blogspot.com

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  8. I love your story! I got a dog in a very different way too, and I don't regret one second of it!
    Thanks for sharing!

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  9. Awww thats beautiful Elle, its amazing how animals can change our lives with their warmth and love.

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  10. i swear (some) humans are THE WORST. what kind of sick fuck throws an animal out the window and neglects them?! i HATE cruelty of all kinds but abuse of dogs/animals really get to me. i'm so glad that you and charlie are together; he is so adorable!!!

    -kathy
    Vodka and Soda

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  11. That's such a sweet story. I'm glad you opened your heart and home to the lil guy. My family did the same thing with a pit bull that was dying in the road. We brought him to the vet right away and the vet said that if we would've found him even 12 hours later, he would've been dead. :( Now he's a part of the family. Anyway I'm glad that you found him. :)

    xo, Sarah
    Hustla, Baby.

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  12. Hi Charlie! Aren't you a handsome devil. I believe certain animals are fated to be our companions and after they enter our lives, everything improves.

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  13. Absolutely touching. He is such a cutie pie too. Who wouldn't love him?!
    I feel the same way about my babies. They are the joy to my life. :)
    I'm so glad that you've found each other. It's so amazing to see animals from abusive homes move to loving and caring homes. <3

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  14. So cute!!!! Lovely story!!!!!
    Happy new week doll!

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  15. I absolutely love the story of how Charlie came into your life! I am so glad you rescued him and were able to give him such a loving home. My dog Jinx was found wandering the streets with another dog and my hubby knew he had to adopt him. I love the phrase "who rescued who?" because I think they come into our lives for a reason :)

    -Sharon
    The Tiny Heart

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  16. Love this post, Elle:) XOXO to you and Charlie.

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  17. Such a sweet story! Adopting a dog is the best thing ever! :)

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  18. Yay for Charlie! I'm so glad y'all found each other and I love seeing all of your adorable pictures of him. :D

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  19. The most Beautiful Love Story ! I Love You Charlie

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  20. Such a great story! I am so happy to hear that you gave him a lovely home! Melts my heart! :)

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  21. Awww! What a beautiful and sweet story! Charlie is adorable!

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  22. What a sweet post. You and Charlie Brown are so lucky to have found each other - you were meant to be family!

    xoxo,
    Chic 'n Cheap Living

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  23. This made my eyes tear up. How could anyone throw that little baby from a car?! What is WRONG with people?????? I just don't get it and I never will. You are the lowest of the low if you do that to an innocent little animal. I'm so glad he found his forever home with you! :)

    Voyage of the MeeMee

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  24. So glad you could rescue him. There was a story on the news last year of a similar incident where a pitbull puppy was thrown from a car and had two of his legs broken. I hate to say this but sometimes I really hate people. Glad you are not one of them!

    Ali of Dressing Ken

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  25. so lovely



    http://www.facebook.com/AmandaChicFashionRoomLounge?ref=hl
    twitter & instagram : @fashionrlounge
    Fashion room lounge

    A chic kiss ;)

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  26. What a little sweetie. He is going to bring you so much joy.

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  27. adorable dog :)

    Kisses
    http://www.mademoisellemode.com/

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  28. This story makes me so happy. I've never lived without a pet and I don't think I'd ever want to...I'm so glad you found a companion in that little pup!

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  29. Lovely story
    so heartwarming.
    Charlie is so lucky to have you.

    http://roomsofinspiration.blogspot.com/

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  30. OMG what an amazing post. Charlies chose you, you know that right? You two were made to heal each other. Fur babies are the best kind of babies :) x

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  31. What a sweet boy, and I'm so glad that you rescued him! My Chester was rescued after being thrown from the highway, too. People are so awful!!! I bet Charlie is so super happy to have you in his life!

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  32. What a beautiful post, Elle. I have tears in my eyes after reading it, especially since adopting my cats changed my life in a similar way and has shown me a love for animals that I never before knew I had inside. I can't believe someone could throw a precious animal like Charlie from a car. You are both so lucky to have one another and be a family.

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  33. Personally im an animal lover especially dog. My dog is 15 yrs old now but he still strong, even though, less active lol your dog is adorable and I am really happy to hear people adopt the dogs :)

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  34. Such a sweet post. As a dog lover myself this really hit close to home. So sweet.

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  35. Oh my goodness he is so adorable :) Thank you for sharing your wonderful story! I'm glad you got him! Animals change your lives in such a magical way, dont they?
    xx
    www.JuneWantsItAll.com

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  36. Charlie is such a handsome guy, and clearly such a character - but what a change from when you got him, he's obviously flourished thanks to all the love you've given him. Seeing him on instagram always brightens my day :)
    xox,
    Cee

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  37. He's just so darn cute that I can't stand it. Not having dogs in my life any more had been tough for me but I am glad I can still like vicariously through other people. Lots of pets from me!

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  38. What a wonderful story! And so glad that you have him in your life. He is adorable! When you mentioned the sad commercials, I had to bring to light their terrible deception. HSUS gives a minute amount (less than half a percent) of donations to actual animal shelters! It is disgusting. Their campaign tugs at heartstrings, but simply doesn't support what you think it does. So donate directly to your local shelter!

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  39. A lovely story. The dog is adorable…

    Min x

    http://www.minsbeautyequipment.com

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  40. Charlie is beyond cute! Pets have a way of finding people who need them and vice versa!

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  41. What a sweet story and Charlie is so adorable!

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  42. Big kisses to you and Charlie <3

    Carolina

    www.the-world-c.blogspot.com

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  43. Such a great story. I got Priscilla the same way but mine was from a customer in my store. Asking me if I would like a dog that she find.

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  44. Awwww, Charlie! Happy Halloween Charlie Brown - you are so loved

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  45. What a blessing animals are! I was never an animal person either, mostly because I was afraid or nervous. But after getting my little dog I have become the biggest animal lover! I am so happy for you and your Charlie ,and happy belated birthday!!!

    vivianstonexo.blogspot.com

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  46. Charlie is so sweet! Thanks for sharing your story with us :)

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  47. This is absolutely precious! I love hearing about dogs being adopted! Charlie has a good life with you!

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  48. Awww such a great story! Dogs really do change your life, I can't picture my life without my dog! :)

    Nina
    http://curvymod.blogspot.com/

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  49. What a sweet story! You all were meant to find each other!

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  50. AW! I love this post. I'm a total dog person and it pains me to see dogs abandoned. So glad you and Charlie found each other!

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