This is a series of “Gifts Outside the Box”. Different ideas for presents for everyone that you love in your life. The following is article two:

“Mom. Mommmy. Moooom. Mother. Karen. Mom!”

“What?”

“Hi.”

I have my very own Stewie, in the form of a white, four-legged furry creature. He’s a tad bit demanding. Those of you that have Terrorists – I mean Terriers – will understand. Charlie is a Westie wanna be. I say that only because his gene pool is quite shallow and he doesn’t quite make the mark – a typical puppy mill puppy. Charlie Brown (his middle name is Clearance – the people we adopted him from bought him on sale) is the most joyous and loving dog ever. If his exuberance could be cloned, I’d be rich. Charlie Brown (aka Charlie Daniels, Charles in Charge, Chuck, Chuckmeister, Charles Manson, Charlie Chaplin, Charlie Sheen – that’s when he’s a bad boy), has a little sister named Lucy. Yes, the connection is obvious. Lucy also has some aliases: Lulu Belle, “Ol Lucy Brown” (those of you old enough to know the song “Mack the Knife”), Lucy Lou and yes, the obvious one – Lucy van Pelt. She’s the good one. Smart as a whip (part mini Golden Doodle and part mini Australian Sheppard) and can run faster than any dog I’ve ever met.

So when Charlie asked me the other day when I was going to take them out for a special Christmas shopping spree, I realized I’d better get my act and gear and figure out where to take them. It ended up being a great day, and probably best if I just let Charlie and Lucy tell you about it.

Charlie: Mom, are we there yet?

Lucy: No, stupid. We just left. And leave mom alone, she’s trying to drive. And stop touching me or I’m going to tell on you.

Charlie: Mom, where are we going first? I’m hungry.

Lucy: You just don’t stop, do you? We just ate breakfast.

Charlie: Well at least I don’t barf up breakfast when we ride in the car.

Lucy: Shut up and stick your head out the window, loser. We are almost there.

Charlie: Almost where?

Lucy: You never do listen do you? Mom said we could stop at Lindy and Co. to get some homemade doggie treats.

Charlie: Oh, boy oh boy oh boy oh boy!

Lucy: I just read their website yesterday. What’s cool about them is that they are run by Daybreak Shelter and the kids from the shelter are the ones that actually make the treats. I can’t wait to meet Lindy. Oh goodie, here we are! And there’s Lindy! Hi Lindy! Oh, I think I have a dog crush. I always wanted golden hair. But look Lindy, I’m part Golden Retriever too.

Charlie: Lucy, quit babbling. You are making a fool of yourself. Hi Lindy, will you tell us about your place here – and your yummy biscuits?

Lindy: Well, I teamed up with the people from Daybreak, a non profit agency in my hometown of Dayton, Ohio, who helps homeless youth.

I created “Lindy and Company” to open a pet treat bakery where pet parents can buy healthy, delicious homemade treats baked by homeless youth who are working to develop skills they need to get a good job. Lindy & Company was created specifically to help homeless youth gain work experience so that they are able to secure and maintain livable wage jobs, for without a job, they will never become self-sufficient.

As part of the programming, Daybreak requires residents to be employed as they work towards self-sufficiency. But many of the kids were having a hard time finding and keeping jobs because they lacked the “soft skills” most employers are looking as well as the work experience.

So, now they make these yummy doggie treats. And look at all these flavors!
Lucy: I will shake, dance with joy, play dead or sit for a very long time for a treat. Which trick do you want?

Charlie: And I can, um. Well, I can…I can dance too! Yes, I’ll dance. Please, please…can I have a Cheddar Chomper, oh please?

Lindy: Yes, you can try them all if you want…we have a sampler pack.

Lucy: Oh happy, happy, joy, joy!

Me: Ok, kids, we are here to buy presents, remember? So go ahead and pick a few things out. And let’s remind everyone again to go to the website to find out more about the amazing mission of Daybreak and more information about Lindy and Company. www.lindyandcompany.org.

See you next time! Woof!

Well, this is where part one of the day out with the doggies ends. The next segment will involve other local dog-friendly businesses…and the new dog park as well. So stay tuned for the next adventure of Christmas Shopping with Charlie Brown and Lucy!

View all of our “Gifts Outside The Box” articles here: