Once Adopted, Forever Loved: Charlotte’s Story

Written by Robin | Adopted from HSTV in 2011

We adopted Charlotte 13 years ago from the Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley. At the time, we had a dog named Scout, who we had adopted as a puppy. He was growing a bit too protective of us, and we thought a companion might help him mellow out.

I was driving by HSTV one day and decided to stop in. That’s when I saw Charlotte, huddled in the back of her kennel, clearly terrified. I opened the door and gently reached in. She looked so unsure. I told her I’d be back after picking up my daughter from West High School.

Later that day, I returned with my daughter and Scout. When we brought Charlotte into the meet-and-greet room, she came to life. She was overjoyed to be out of the cage and meeting another dog. Scout wasn’t too sure about her, but we decided to adopt her anyway. She was 10 months old.

We later learned she’d come from a backyard where she, her parents, and siblings had lived unsocialized for her entire life. They weren’t mistreated, just never given the chance to really be part of a family. Her brother, Woody, had already been adopted, and her father (Bear) was still there at the time, but he found a home too.

Bringing Charlotte home was eye-opening. When we opened the kitchen door and let her inside, she looked at us like, “Really? I get to come inside?” That night, she lifted up our bed covers to make a little nest, something she must have done in the dirt for months.

One of her favorite places to nap was in the monkey grass outside. She loved being outdoors, but over time she learned the joys of beds, blankets, and couches.

Thirteen years later, Charlotte doesn’t sleep in the dirt anymore. She rests on her princess bed and watches over the backyard from our deck. She’s still afraid of thunderstorms, likely due to her early days living outside. When storms roll in, we stay right by her side, we’re her thunder shirt. She’s still fearful of new things, but with gentle encouragement, she has done so much.

Two years ago, we took her and Scout to Maine. Scout had been diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, and we wanted him to see the ocean. Charlotte was unsure at first, but day by day, she became more confident. She explored the kelp, discovered crab shells, and even strolled the streets of Boston, getting a pup cup on Hanover Street!

Scout passed away two months after that trip. Charlotte was lost without him. A few months later, we adopted Millie (formerly Enola) from HSTV in 2023. She and Charlotte are now best friends.

Millie had been returned twice, once for tearing up her crate after being confined all day, and once for chasing cats. We have two cats, but with patience and correction, she learned. Now, they all sleep peacefully near each other. Millie is the most loving dog we’ve ever had, 50 pounds of pure affection. She spent her first week with us glued to my lap. She’s resilient and joyful despite everything she went through.

Over the years, we’ve adopted four dogs and even a 15-year-old cat named Vinnie, who lived with us for four wonderful years. He’s the cat you see in the photo cuddled up with Charlotte.

Adopting a dog with a history can be daunting. Every dog has a past, but patience and love make all the difference. Charlotte, Millie, Scout, and Vinnie each brought something special into our lives. Today, Charlotte and Millie ride shotgun on daily errands. If you see a gray-haired terrier and a big black Rottweiler mix in the back seat of a car, that’s them, loving life, together.

We’re heading back to New England in September, and you can bet they’ll be there, snuggled in the back seat, looking out the window, ready for the next adventure.