Charlie was an accident, but don't tell him that. In fact, he was supposed to be a kitten. It was July, and my family had lost our precious rescue golden Xena a few months prior. There were only two dogs in the house, and it was getting to everyone. One day my dad asked if we wanted to go look at kittens, so our Austin Pets Alive! alum Watson could have a cat friend.

We toured the local Pflugerville Animal Shelter, and of course my dad and I ended up in the dog section. Way in the back was a little blond fluffy dog who looked like he might be part golden. He was so different and cute that we asked to take "Sport" out to the meet-and-greet yard.

We were sold right away. He was young, maybe five months, and friendly. The pup got right up in everyone's laps with no hesitation. When we came back with the other two dogs, he was fine with them. Thanks to a glowing reference from our vet, we walked out with "Sport" (whom we quickly renamed Charlie) that same day.

After we brought him home, Charlie grew a super long coat and added several pounds. We think he may be an Australian Shepherd/Pomeranian mix, but we don't care that much. He's my dad's running partner and my mom's cuddle buddy. The little twenty-five-pound dog has run upwards of ten miles in one go, and he freaks out as soon as she sees running gear. He also goes running to bed if you tell him "bed" or "nap."

He's intense and smart and likes to be busy all the time. He isn't always the easiest dog, but we wouldn't trade him for the world.