Kharisma

July 2024

I have been battling both homelessness & addiction since I was 18, which is over 30 years. Having parents who drank and who constantly reminded me that I was not a wanted child. I was constantly depressed from being unloved. It took me down the road of addiction for most of my life. A friend told me that her dog was having puppies, knowing that I was depressed, told me that I could have one. Unsure, I went to see them. That’s when one of the puppies got into my lap and would not leave. She chose me. When I felt my heart being pulled was when I was about to leave and she looked up at me as if to say, “I love you.” So I took her home and for once in my lif,e I felt unconditional love. I named that love Kharisma; she has been by my side now for four years and has given me joy. So about a few months ago I was getting high and she walked in and looked at me as if to say “what the hell are you doing your better than that” On that same day the fire department came out to check on us (as they do weekly) and told me about Katie and what she has been doing for addicts like me but I had to get clean. I decided to go into a treatment place or 30 days. It was the longest 30 days for me without my dog, but when I was reunited with her my heart was warmed once again. And I have been working with Katie ever since. I love my job and I love working with dogs

-Scotty