11/29/2025
Sappy story ahead!
Today we had a very special vistor at the show. This is one of our past puppies, his name is Charlie. Charlie is 6. We are SO proud of him and his wonderful owner, Brian.
Charlie has a very special job in life. He was recently awarded his Advanced level AKC therapy dog certification. For several years now, Charlie has worked supporting and comforting service members who are being deployed. He is one of the last hugs they receive while actively deploying. This is so close to my heart.
My husband is a former Marine who served 2 tours and 4 deployments, who could have really used one of these hugs when he was deployed for 9/11, to Afghanistan. They were told that they likely would never make it home, but this was what they signed up for, and to be brave while they brought in the Chaplain for last prayers. They weren't allowed to say goodbye to their family or tell them where they were going, for obvious reasons. My husband made it home, but some of his fellow Marines did not, and it still affects him to this day. To see Charlie do this work brings me an incredible amount of pride to know one of our babies is providing comfort that my husband never received on his deployments. It brings tears to my eyes when we get photos of service member visits.
Charlie is also a hospice dog. He is there for last days, to provide hugs and comfort. I cannot post any of those photos because of their sensitive nature, but, it is so humbling and bitter-sweet to see the comfort he is able to provide in peoples last days and hours. He is truly a guardian Angel.
To say I am proud of Brian and Charlie would be an understatement. I am so proud to be part of their journey, and so proud of the work they do to comfort others when they need it most in life. We absolutely love this sweet duo ❤️ I am so glad they made the journey to visit us at the show today. They just moved to our state and we are happy to have them here!
