By Staff writer Leon Russ
There are so many wonderful things about CPR, but to me, our SOS (Save Our Seniors and Specials) program is the very heart of the farm.
Why? Because here, no dog is ever discarded for being “too difficult,” “too shy,” or “too sick.” Euthanasia is never an option unless it’s the most merciful choice—when medical care can no longer ease suffering or when a senior has reached the very end of their journey with us.
Instead, we create a place for these dogs who might otherwise be forgotten. Our sanctuary dogs—many of them victims of neglect, abuse, or displacement—are given what they’ve always deserved: safety, love, and lifelong care.
That brings us to Charlie Chattanooga, a soon to be 12-year-old Cockapoo.
Charlie was supposed to come to us way back in 2015, but he never actually made it to the farm. We call these situations a “transport fail”—he was on his way to us when the people transporting him fell in love and decided to adopt him themselves.
We had been told by Charlie’s previous owners that he was an absolute sweetheart and that they had never had a single problem with him. Sadly, things changed dramatically in his new home. After two dogs turned on him, Charlie’s behavior changed, and he began snapping and biting at his adopters.
For nearly two years, they worked tirelessly to help him. They tried everything they could to change his behavior and give him the chance he deserved. Eventually, realizing that Charlie needed something different, they reached out to us.
In September 2017, Charlie finally arrived at the farm—and this time, he was exactly where he was meant to be.
And honestly? Life at the Sanctuary couldn’t be more perfect for Charlie.
Charlie is a confident, self-appointed king who knows exactly how fabulous he is. He has a swagger all his own, a bark that announces his presence, and a personality that is impossible to ignore. He has a special talent for turning heads, making us laugh, and stealing our hearts.
Charlie is not your ordinary good boy. Charlie is an experience.
He is wholeheartedly convinced that the Sanctuary belongs to him, and he graciously allows the humans and other animals to coexist in his kingdom. He barks orders at the employees, bosses around the other dogs, and somehow manages to keep everyone on their toes.
In Charlie’s world, the rules are pretty simple: if Charlie wants it, Charlie gets it.
Food? Obviously.
Privacy? Absolutely.
A toy? Without question.
And if achieving his goals means grabbing onto whatever human or canine appendage happens to be within reach, well… Charlie has never been one to let a little thing like that stand in his way.
His confidence is legendary. His attitude is enormous. And heaven help anyone who forgets that Charlie is supposed to be the center of attention. Because Charlie knows his worth—and he is more than happy to remind everyone of it.
But beneath all that bravado, bossiness, and larger-than-life personality is something incredibly special: a dog with an enormous heart.
Charlie is fiercely loyal to his people and deeply connected to the Sanctuary he has called home for nearly a decade. This place has given him the space, understanding, and freedom to simply be Charlie—and in return, he has given us countless laughs, unforgettable moments, and a whole lot of love.
Yes, Charlie can be a handful.
Yes, he has opinions. Lots of them.
And yes, he absolutely believes he is the most important creature at the Sanctuary.
And maybe, just maybe, he’s right.
Because after everything Charlie has been through, seeing him living confidently, comfortably, and completely on his own terms is exactly what we hoped for when he finally arrived in 2017.
So no… Charlie isn’t looking for a home.
He’s already home.
He is living his very best life, ruling his kingdom, bossing everyone around, and proudly holding the title of the Sanctuary’s most charismatic rascal.
And we wouldn’t have him any other way.
At CPR, we are a bridge to forever homes for many adoptable dogs. But for Charlie, and for others like him—dogs who may not appeal to adopters yet still have so much joy and life to live—we are their forever home.
And we are only able to give Charlie this safe, loving sanctuary because of you.
Your support—whether through volunteering, donations, food, toys, or simply spreading the word—makes it possible for dogs like Charlie to live out their days with dignity, comfort, and love.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. Thank you for believing in our mission, and for giving Charlie, and so many others like him, the gift of home.
Because of your kindness—whether you donate, volunteer, share our story, or send supplies—dogs like Charlie are given a real Charlie. A life filled with comfort, respect, and unwavering care.
You are the reason they are safe.
You are the reason they are loved.
You are the reason they are home.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you—for believing in them, for standing beside us, and for seeing the beauty in those who simply need a little more understanding.
Thank you for giving Charlie—and so many others like him—the greatest gift of all:
a place to finally, truly belong.
If you feel called to help dogs like Charlie, we invite you to become an SOS monthly or annual sponsor. Your support provides the steady care, comfort, and security our sanctuary dogs depend on every single day.
We need you.
They need you.
And everything we do is only possible because of you.
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