Some moments in life make you pause, breathe deeply, and truly realize just how blessed you are. For me, that moment came as I sat on the porch with Chooch, my faithful companion of so many years. Today is a very important day for meānot just because of milestones reached, but because of the journey it took to get here.
Twelve years ago, I made the decision to turn my life around and step into sobriety. It wasnāt easy. In fact, there were days when the weight of it all felt almost unbearable. And then, eight years ago, God placed Chooch in my life. At the time, I didnāt fully understand just how much I would need him. I thought I was rescuing a dogābut in reality, he was rescuing me.
Chooch became my constant. Through the darkest nights and the loneliest mornings, he was thereāhead resting on my lap, eyes full of understanding. Dogs donāt judge. They donāt care about your past mistakes. They see you for who you are in the moment and love you unconditionally. And when youāre fighting every day to stay sober, that kind of love can be the difference between holding on and letting go.
I can honestly say I donāt know if Iād still be sober without him. There were times when the temptation to give up was strong, but one look at Chooch reminded me that I had someone who depended on meāsomeone who believed in me without question. That was enough to keep me going.
Looking back now, I see Godās hand in it all. He knew the battles I would face, and He sent me exactly the companion I needed. Chooch isnāt just my dogāheās my partner in this journey, my reminder that grace and second chances are real.
Eight years of loyalty. Twelve years of sobriety. Countless days of gratitude. God is good, and Iāll never stop thanking Him for knowing exactly what my heart needed before I even did.
