I have a long history with the Humane Society of Charlotte.

I adopted my 2nd dog Sam, a yellow lab from them in 1997 and in 2008, I was laid off from my job. A month later my heart dog Sloan died. We were in a recession so the job market was crap as was my mental and emotional state so I volunteered almost every day at the Humane Society of Charlotte.

I worked at their front desk and being there was a godsend. I needed something to do to stay busy. I needed a way to help other dogs.

That’s what the Humane Society is all about. Helping unwanted and abandoned pets find new, loving homes.

This is Sierra. She was adopted from the Humane Society last year and to say she is living the good life now is an understatement.

While she lived in Charlotte, I was her dog walker. I walked her and her brother Tahoe around their neighborhood.

Unfortunately for me and for all of Charlotte NC actually, she and her family moved to Washington DC.

I hated to hear that they were moving for a lot of reasons. I always hate saying goodbye to my clients because I miss them when they’re gone.

I also hated it because her dad is NFL Coach Rivera. The rescue dog community in Charlotte lost a huge advocate when he and his wife Stephanie moved.

We miss you. Thank you for all that you did for our community and the support you gave to all the rescued dogs in Charlotte.