110 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com our pets Hi there! My name’s Russ. I’m a great Dane/ lab mix — emphasis on great — and this past weekend, I packed my favorite toys and went on a little adventure. My mom Allyah dropped me off at a new house to be dog sat, but this wasn’t just any house. This was Charlie’s house. Now don’t get me wrong … I’ve stayed with other humans before, but this place? This one was special. From the moment I loped through the door, I could feel the good vibes. There were four other dogs, and one awesome guy named Charlie who took care of me alongside his family. Charlie is 20, has autism and loves dogs more than I love cheese (and I really love cheese). When I first met Charlie, I was worried he might be intimidated because I’m a big dude, but within minutes, Charlie looked right past my size and into my very chill, cuddly soul. Boom. Instant friends. He dumped out a whole bin of toys for me (score), played all day and even shared his cheese with me. I knew right then that this was going to be a weekend to remember. Charlie’s got this amazing way with animals. His family told me he’s been obsessed with pets since he was a baby: dogs, cats, guinea pigs, horses, even farm animals. If it’s got fur or makes noises, Charlie’s into it. He remembers names, birthdays, even vet visits. Charlie talks to us like we’re people and honestly, I understood him better than most humans. He doesn’t treat us like pets. He treats us like we belong. That’s a big deal, especially for a mutt like me who doesn’t quite fit on the furniture but tries anyway (spoiler: I did fit … sort of. I made it work). My days there were a mix of play, naps, snacks and poolside mayhem. The backyard was the coolest place ever. I’d sprint from one side of the pool to the other while Charlie was swimming and laughing his head off. Every time I almost jumped in but chickened out he lost it, and I couldn’t tell who was happier, him or me. His laugh was pure joy. No judgment, just love. He even let me try to sit in his lap, which was hilarious for both of us. Yet again, I made myself fit. Charlie’s family has four dogs of their own that were really cool too, though I clicked with Toby the best. He’s their youngest pup and was the first one to play with me. The others were a little intimidated by my majestic height at first but hey, I get that a lot. Before long we were all best friends. They even took me on a field trip to the pet store which was so fun! When I wasn’t playing, I was soaking up cuddles. Charlie gave the best pets and gentle back scratches. He’d talk to me about his day, his favorite movies and this big dream that he and his family have: opening a dog sanctuary. You heard that right. This family isn’t just pet-sitting to pass the time; they’re beginning to build something incredible. They want to create a space where dogs can get another chance, and where Charlie can do what he loves every day. Not just because he’s good at it, but because that’s where he feels like he belongs. It’s a dream that gives Charlie purpose, independence and the kind of happiness that only animals seem to unlock in people. His family said it best: “Animals don’t care that your chronological age and mental age don’t match. As long as you’re kind, they’ll be kind back.” Right now, they’re just getting started by boarding pups through Rover. This helps Charlie learn the ropes and gives him more responsibility by feeding, walking and socializing dogs like me. But someday, that sanctuary will open its doors. I just know it. So, if you’re reading this and you need someone to love on your pup while you’re away who understands dogs, respects them and truly enjoys their company, you should call Charlie. Hire him. Meet the family. Trust me, they’ve got this. You can find them by scanning the QR code on the picture of Charlie and me. As for me, I’d go back in a heartbeat. And maybe next time, I’ll even jump in that pool. Weekend at Charlie’s BY RUSS HARRAR
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