Our Story

We had these two dogs when I was a kid. Nikki, a beautiful fluffy white Samoyed and an old English sheep dog named troubles. Her real name was Lilly of the valley but troubles suited her better. 

Nikki was a good dog for cuddling up with on Saturday mornings and watching cartoons. She used to let me lay my head on her belly while Looney Toons played on our 13 inch set in the family room.

Troubles was a different dog entirely. She was way too restless to let you cuddle with her, but she had her beautifully playful side too. We were best friends with that dog, my brother and I. She would let us dress her up as a cowboy and play cowboys and Indians. We had this suction cup bow and arrow set and we’d run around the yard capturing and rescuing our little sister. One time, when we were told to go out and play, we tried to put roller skates on Troubles and try to have her pull my little sister in the red wagon we had. My mom had the forethought to snap a picture of it before she ran outside and rescued the poor dog from our shenanigans. 

I loved both of our dogs, and in their own unique ways they loved us. Nikki was sold when I turned seven and poor Troubles had to be put down. She was kenneled in a dog run along our back fence. Unfortunately that fence bordered a high school. Troubles would bark at the students who socialized near our fence and some of the kids would torment her, shoving sticks in the fence and annoying our poor dog until she became mean. She wasn't safe to play with anymore so my parents had to put her down. I always felt sad when they told that story, because I remember the sweet dog who played cowboys and Indians with a smile on her face. Whose long bangs she would let me barrette up and who me and my brother would be dragged behind when we tried to walk her.

Dogs that are good with kids are a treasure. A best friend, a protector and a loyal companion. I miss both of those dogs and if there is a doggy heaven I hope both of them are running around after squirrels and cats. They deserve all the happiness they brought three little kids.

This is River, my soul dog. She’s a 5-year-old Belgian Malinois from Carmel, CA. Most of her mornings are spent on Carmel Beach, chasing her ball and playing with her dog friends. My wife and I adopted her in 2020 from a family in Los Angeles who needed to rehome her. At the time, we were newly engaged and living together for the first time. My wife, who grew up with chihuahuas, had no idea what she was in for. River was a true “maligator,” as the breed is famously called. She never chewed on furniture, but used us as human chew toys. With a lot of training, she’s become the best dog I’ve ever owned. She’s been by our side through all of life’s biggest moments, our move from LA to Carmel, our wedding, and the birth of our son and daughter. For five years, River has been pure love. She’s my best friend, but she absolutely adores our children and watches over them with devotion. Everyone has their own idea of what makes dogs so special, God’s gift to us. For me, River is that gift. She embodies everything I think a dog was meant to be: loyal, intelligent, fearless, protective, affectionate, energetic, and remarkably attuned to human emotion. I honestly can’t imagine my world without her. She gives only love and companionship. The thought of losing her one day is unbearable, but for now, I take joy in the years that lay ahead together.

My rescue Lab Bo.. I was connected to Bo thru a dog trainer who has a friend which was a foster parent to Bo until he could find him a forever home. I met up with him (Bo) in a parking lot and knew from the moment we met, he would make my house a home. I adopted him just before the pandemic and we made a tough time a whole lot better. I often look back and ask, who rescued who?

Thanks to all the dogs that make our lives a little bit better on a daily basis.

I remember the first time I brought Mia home (named after the famous princess of Genovia, princess Mia). I was on a bike ride with my cousin Ricky. We were about 12 years old at this point in time and Ricky mentioned they were giving away free puppies down the street. I knew I had to have one. I immediately raced up the street and saw the liter of puppies. I picked one and I knew she would be mine. However, my mom made me ask my dad first. Although I had already made up my mind. I called him and “asked” dad can I please have a puppy. He immediately said NO because it was a huge responsibility. I was too focused on the cutest puppy in the world that I totally ignored what my dad said on the call and said “ok dad sounds good bye”. Well next thing you know I was carrying Mia home with me. I was just so amused by Mia the way she walked, ran around and ate. My dad was not home yet, but he was about to be. I remember my dad coming through the door. I was exited for him to meet Mia. As soon as he came in. Mia rushed to him knocking her entire water bowl right in front him. What a first impression I thought. Mia is now 14 years old and the joy of all our lives. She is our “beware dog sign” pup, our feisty energy ball and the coolest Jack Russel in the county.

Car rides are the best..It doesn't matter where we are going, how long we will be gone or if we are stuck in traffic or not..They are just happy to be with us and in the car going somewhere...All we get is smiles for miles.