The Doggy Diary: May 2018

I grew up in a puppy mill and it was all I knew. I didn't know about cuddling, cooing, petting and love. I think I've got the idea now. I have a Mommy and a Daddy who have been patient with me and two sisters and a brother who have been teaching me how to speak "dog." I didn't realize I was missing out on so much when I was stuck in that cage at the puppy mill in Tennessee.

My new Mommy and Daddy started fostering me in February. I had a different name when I first arrived, but I didn't respond to it. They decided to call me Charlie. Charlie Buck. My new Daddy had a favorite uncle and a grandfather named Charlie and their last name was Buck. It was also my Grandma's maiden name. Just a couple of months before I ever came into the picture, Daddy said if they were to ever get another boy doggy they would name him Charlie. Little did they know I would arrive so soon! Daddy had always wanted a Corgi. Mommy and he decided to work with a Corgi rescue group rather than purchase a puppy because they know there are already too many dogs in need of homes.

I was rescued from the puppy mill by the volunteers at Carolina Corgi Rescue (now Southeast Corgi Rescue). The nice ladies there matched me with my new family. I bonded with Mommy right away. It's been taking some time to feel completely comfortable around my new Daddy. I don't remember having any positive experiences with men at the puppy mill. But my new Daddy is showing me kindness and love anyway and he says he will continue to do so no matter how long it takes for me to feel comfortable. He's a really nice man. I know that. And I'm starting to come around.

From the beginning I really took to my new sister Hope. My family thought that Hope would be the least excited about having a new brother, but I follow her around so much that she can't help but like me. We have grown to understand each other perfectly. But I did find out this morning that she doesn't want me nearby when she is burying a treasure. I spied her preparing a special spot for a stuffed alligator toy and I could tell by the way she looked at me that she wanted privacy. See how quickly I'm learning dog language?

I loved my new yard immediately. It's so much fun to run in big circles in the grass. I never knew about such joy before I came here! There's dirt to dig in, mole holes to inspect, mulch to roll around in and lots of things to smell! There is always something new to take in. And then there's the beach! Wow! The first time I went to the beach was also the first time I was ever on a leash. Mommy and Daddy were so proud of me because I took to leash walking right away.

The rescue organization wanted me to be fostered for at least a month before Mommy and Daddy could officially adopt me. Mommy had to be patient because she wanted to make me part of the family right away. But Daddy and she understood that puppy mill doggies need some time to become comfortable with new surroundings. The day that I became a "Bone"-a-fide family member was the best day! We were all so happy!

I didn't know happiness and safety the first two years of my life, but I do now - because of a new Mommy and Daddy and two sisters and a brother, all who have accepted me and shown me patience and unconditional love.