It’s hard to believe a year ago at this time, we had been struggling for almost three years with secondary infertility and in a desperate attempt to give Greta a sibling and a playmate–we adopted Charly.
I had been scrolling through the online classifieds and there was a photo of her and  I just knew that is our dog. She belongs with us. It was a a weird thing, coming from me especially. Me, who never had a dog and wasn’t all that convinced I would ever have a dog, sending this photo of this huge dog to Chris with the text, “Can we?” He was caught off guard, but by the end of the night, she was riding in the back of our car and it felt right.
IÂ remember the first two weeks of having Charly, I worried that all 150lbs of her would suddenly turn on all of us. Charly is my very first dog and I couldn’t eat. I couldn’t sleep. I was a big bag of nerves. I can say now that those first two weeks I was mildly afraid of her. Now, a year later, I am confident in her sweetness and gentleness.
I have accepted that her freight train snoring and the constant shedding hair is here to stay, and really, it’s a small price to pay for all that she gives us–but especially Greta.
Charly, or Chawly as she calls her, is Greta’s best friend. Greta follows her everywhere, usually on all fours.
I thought it would be a short-lived phase, but here we are a year later and Greta still walks like Charly when they play.
Charly is her pillow and snuggle buddy.
Her constant companion.
Sometimes I warn Greta to be more gentle and you’re pushing her limits! But time and time again, Charly has proved me wrong.
I have been asked how Charly is with Faye? Having a new baby in the house has been an adjustment for everyone, including Charly. We have worried about her as she has seemed down lately, which I heard can happen to dogs when a new baby comes along or a move happens (both of which we’ve gone through in 7 months).
As we figure out life with Faye, Charly is showing her patience with us and is so gentle and protective with Faye, too–she’ll even stand guard in her room a lot of the time!
I’m so grateful that Charly became the friend Greta desperately needed, but what Chris and I needed as well. And even though we have another child now, Charly will always represent the blessing that came into our lives at the moment we needed it.
Charly is so patient and loyal and loving and sweet. We feel like we won the dog lottery adopting her. I just can’t say it enough. To many more years with our big girl!
What a beautiful post! I’m so happy that Charly has been such a wonderful addition to your family. I love that Greta walks like him when they play! So sweet!! We got a pup last fall and I can’t believe the amount of love and joy she brings into our lives.
You certainly lucked out with this lovebug. I only met her once, and I could tell she was a great protector and friend, and a perfect member of the Marcum family.
What a sweet story! Love the pic of Greta having a tea party with Charly! So cute!
Dogs are the best! We have a yellow lab and while he was a HUGE handful as a pup, and took a lot of patience and time for training, he is the best dog now. He is so good with both our girls and also very protective of them. I can’t imagine our life without him. You are all lucky that you found each other.
Thank you for this post.
I grew up as an only child with a 150lb dog myself! He was a Great Pyranees so he shed a LOT too. I grew up playing with my dog named Zeus. We wrestled and cuddled. It sounds like Greta will have a similar experience as I did (you know except now she has a sister to have group tea parties with!)
I could walk ANYWHERE with him because who would attack a girl with such a huge dog? It helped bridge that gap of a child and a teenager because my mum knew I’d be safe wherever I walked in the neighborhood. Maybe Charly will provide that security for you when Greta is older!
I’m forever grateful that my parents saw that I needed a best friend. I’m sure Greta will thank you for years and years.
I don’t even like Greyhounds!