Charlie Malcolm: My Muse

In the movies, there are often moments when the sun shines down from the heavens, the angels sing and the life of the protagonist is forever changed. In real life, there are these moments, too – only they are usually not accompanied by harps or a parting of the clouds. Sometimes, you don’t even know the moment is happening until quite some time later, when you look back and say, “THAT was a moment/person/event that changed my life!”

In my life, there have been a few clearly defining moments and incredibly influential people, but this entry is dedicated to only one: Charlie Malcolm.

When I adopted Charlie as a Sophomore in college, I knew two things: 1) I wanted to provide a home to a dog in need and 2) I wanted a big dog to follow me around and cuddle with me in bed. Charlie gave me so much more and I will be forever grateful.

Charlie was my first baby. For years, he and I were a two-man team. Charlie and Mama. Mama and Charlie. We moved from apartment to apartment and lived with a variety of roommates (even a few cats!), but it didn’t matter where we lived, as long as we had eachother.

When Charlie started losing his fur, we began our cycle of frequently-scheduled vet visits and trips to specialists. Diagnosis: underactive thyroid and allergies. Treatment: pills every day for the rest of his life and high-quality dog food/treats.

From this, Hungry Dog Heaven – A Dog Barkery was born. In exchange for his unyielding loyalty and love, it seemed only fair that I find a way to treat my boy to healthy, homemade cookies.

Years later and a slew of other health problems encountered, Charlie left us for the Rainbow Bridge. It was 2005 and it had been years since we first met and the thought of life without Charlie was unbearable. But… with time, I gained clarity and have come to realize that Charlie is very much alive and with us.

Every cookie, cake, pupcake and specialty item we bake is made in Charlie’s honor. Without Charlie, the barkery may never have been born. Hungry Dog Heaven is a special place because it has been created out of the greatest love – love for Charlie and for all dogs.