🐾 C is for “Charlie”

✨ A special series highlighting Cotl’s namesake pets ✨

Cotl (pronounced “coddle”) is an acronym for the names of four pets–Charlie, Odin, Thor, and Loki–who supported our founder, Sean, during the most significant stages of his life.

Sean’s relationship with these pets taught him that pets are more than just something we own. They’re family members with their own wants and needs. In this series, we share the story of each of them.

Some dogs are so special, they leave an imprint on our lives no matter how short of time they spend with us.

Such was the case with Charlie, who came into Sean’s life during a past relationship.

Different from any pet he had had in the past, her intelligence, awareness, and genuine attachment made her stand out among the rest.

And the impact she had on his life was so strong, she became part of the Cotl legacy forever.

Welcoming Charlie into his life

When Sean met his former partner over a decade ago, he didn’t realize the relationship came with an added bonus: a precious puppy named Charlie.

“When I met her, she was so little because she was only a couple months old. She was just so happy and so playful… I would be rolling around on the ground with her, laughing and silly and completely happy. I just immediately had such a strong good bond with her.”

Charlie, and her sister Koko, were the last of a litter of Australian Shepherds–two lucky dogs that were picked up by his partner’s mom.

She kept Koko, and his partner took Charlie. But Koko’s home wasn’t far away, so the two Aussies grew up being best buds.

“It was special that they got to be friends and grow up together. And I found that only an Australian shepherd can tire out another Australian shepherd. They play so rough… They would come running at each other from across the yard and they would just, BOOM!! slam each other and roll around…”

As the relationship became more serious, Sean took on responsibility for Charlie and helped raise her into adulthood.

And because of his close relationship with her, their bond became unbreakable.

Not “just” a dog, she was something more

“Charlie was extremely smart to the point where I used to swear she was a little human trapped inside of a dog's body, and that someday she was going to learn how to talk. She could understand full phrases. We would be talking about stuff and you could just tell she understood.”

Having been around Labs most of his life, Sean was used to the carefree, happy-go-lucky demeanor that many Labs seem to possess.

He had never experienced a dog so attentive and aware of its humans.

Being a herder at heart, Charlie was always focused on her people, as if to say, “are my people here and together?”

Because of this, she could be trusted to stay by their side, no matter where they went.

Charlie joined her human duo and their friends for many hikes and camping trips, soaking up the sunshine, fresh air, and quality time with people who cared about her.

“If a group of us went on a hike, the whole time she would be moving up to the front and then to the back, making sure that everyone was there.”

To Sean, she was more than just a dog–she felt like a teammate, or even a daughter. Him, his partner, Charlie, and later Odin and then Thor (who you’ll learn about in a future newsletter!) became a close, loving family.

Addressing the challenges of an intelligent dog

Because Charlie was so smart and focused on the world around her, she tended to struggle with anxiety at times.

“When you're super smart and aware, you're also hypervigilant about bad stuff too. She had a lot of anxiety, and sometimes it was a lot to keep up with.”

Charlie needed long walks and runs to burn through her energy. Sean and his partner would take Charlie to an off-leash park where they’d stand a hundred yards from each other and call Charlie back and forth until she was finally tuckered out.

She was also always on-guard of her people and her home. Even gentle, fluffy pups can take on a sense of “responsibility” for their group and their home that keeps them on high alert and awareness at all times. With hyper-anxious dogs, it can be hard to focus that awareness.

“Frankly, one of my regrets with her is not being more in tune with her having those needs and giving more space and time for that. I wish I’d seen her hypervigilance and intelligence as an invitation to engage her mind more. And to listen to the unique ways she needed engagement.

I think I learned a lot from that with her. Now with pets, I'm like, ‘Oh, I have to make sure they have engaging toys and varied stimulation.’”

That feeling when… Your dog is always there for you

“I could be struggling or feeling rejected… directionless or hopeless. And whatever else was going on in my life, there was always this kind of grounding space I could come back to with a dog who's genuinely appreciative that you’re there.​

That definitely made me feel a sense of unconditional love.”

Life is filled with struggles, and for Sean, Charlie was there during some of the most challenging ones.

Between going through law school, navigating a romantic difficult relationship, and searching for a place in the world, Sean always found Charlie by his side, no matter his mood or state of being that day.

“She would know when you’re not feeling great. But at the same time, she wouldn’t expect me to feel okay or need me to feel okay–which is different from my experience with people. She was just happy I’m there. She didn’t need me to be anything specific.”

How a dog can change your life

“She's the first animal in particular that I felt truly attached to. That changed me by opening my eyes to how special and deep a pet’s bond can be, and how fundamental that is to my well-being and my life.”

Many people go through life having dogs (and other pets too!) that feel like loyal companions. But they’re usually still thought of as animals.

In reality, these animals are beings with their own sets of needs and wants. They need stimulation, opportunities for good health, and a bond with their humans.

The depth of Sean’s connection with Charlie changed the expectation he had around this act of connecting in general–both with pets and humans.

Realizing that deep, meaningful relationships could positively affect his life, he didn’t want to settle for anything less.

“I don't know that I'd ever really experienced that before. Being able to come home and there's an animal or person that's just genuinely grateful and values that I'm there, and that we have this special bond and attachment.”

“Breakups are hard on pets too.”

Unfortunately, after about four years, Sean’s relationship with his partner came to an end.

Even though Sean had been part of almost all of Charlie’s life, because she technically wasn’t his, the opportunity to remain part of her life ended as well.

“Eventually I kind of had to grieve that I was just never going to see her again. It was pretty hard on her, too.”

As with many breakups, there were times where Sean would get together with his partner to hash things out or talk through logistics of splitting, and Charlie would be there.

“I'd see her and, being such an intelligent dog, she was very clearly confused why I wasn’t around all the time anymore. And then I would leave, and she'd be confused why I was leaving again… At this point, I haven’t seen her since 2018…”

Becoming one of Cotl’s namesakes

Between dogs, cats, rabbits, and goats (to name a few), Sean had grown up with dozens of pets.

But after a short period of time where he didn’t have any, Charlie came into his life. And she solidified that he would never live without pets ever again.

“Charlie was the dog that kind of opened my eyes to seeing pets as more than just companions, but instead, as actual living, intelligent beings.”

Because of her, Sean was able to experience the true depth of connection one can have with an animal.

“She was the one who awakened that in me… Seeing them as a member of a team, and as a genuine friend. She was the one who opened my world to that.”

Supporting pets through a breakup

We never go into a relationship thinking it’s going to end. But sometimes, life throws a curveball and changes our plans.

In that case, what happens to the pet you had together?

Whether you’re closing the chapter with a friend, a family member, or a romantic partner, you can make sure your pet is still supported, cared for, and loved… In the way you both agreed to before things got rough.