All dog lovers have their soul dog. For me, it was Charlie. Charlie wasn't adopted, he found me and put the pieces back together when things fell apart (as they do in your 20s). He came to me in 2009, tied tight to the handle of my front door and we were together for 14 amazing years, including the move from MA to AR. He loved NWA, the Farmer's Market was his favorite day of the week! He was the sweetest old soul in his final years, knowing I needed him more than he needed me. We laughed and cried (a lot through my pregnancy), and he was there when we brought little Julian home. He was there for late night feedings, following me down the dimly lit hall, and mid day story time. He was there for seven weeks of Julian's life, and then he wasn't. Hormones and heartbreak are not a great combination, but through smiles and tears I remembered him each day.

For months his toys and treats sat untouched - until it was time. My husband and I packed our car and donated the toys to Best Friends Pet Resource Center. We walked in, got our receipt, and walked out. I wasn't ready.

Until I was. One Saturday in October 2025 we started our day at Lowe's, grabbing the last free stuffed Dalmatian giveaway for the day. I texted my mom 'we got the last dog'. She knew we were going to Lowe's, but panicked in confusion…she called: 'WHAT?!'. I said relax, I'm talking about Lowe's. Then we headed to the farmers market where we told our friend Katie our plans for the day, and somehow she knew exactly how it would end, and she was right.

That afternoon we decided to take Julian to Best Friend's Super Adoption Event for him to see all the dogs. I must have said a dozen times 'we are absolutely not adopting a dog'. And then, into the North Forest, I saw her. Bingo. A couch potato and adventure buddy full of spunk. We took her for a walk and inquired about adoption. If we wanted to adopt we had to take her home…right then. And so we did.

This time I called my mom for real, 'hey, we're adopting a dog and I need you to come watch Julian while we get her set up'. Another 'WHAT?!' followed but her seeing the pictures and immediately melting just like we did. A few hours of chaos, one missed wedding (sorry Steven and Ross- so glad you love dogs!), and a million small moments later she made herself at home. Just like Charlie, she chose us.

Nine months later, Bingo is our girl - balancing this household and keeping us on our toes. I know that Charlie sent her to heal my heart (just a little) and give Julian the best friend like he was to me.