Shih Tzu

Fern (2) & Channing (1)

Molly B's Shih Tzus from Paintsville, Kentucky

Our journey to Fern and Channing was truly one of healing and fate. We were heartbroken after losing our 14-year-old Shih Tzu, Roslyn. Our other senior dog, Rambo, who was also 14, was still with us, and we couldn't bear the thought of him being alone. We found Fern, a little black Shih Tzu puppy, and she was the perfect medicine for our grieving hearts. She brought immediate joy to us and was a wonderful companion for Rambo in his final days. When we picked Fern up, we absolutely fell in love with her father, a beautiful all-white dog. So, when her parents had another litter, we knew we had to bring home Channing, who looked just like his dad. Tragically, just two weeks before we were scheduled to pick Channing up, our sweet Rambo passed away. It was another devastating loss, but it also felt like destiny. We were meant to have two dogs, and this way, Fern wouldn't be alone. Fern and Channing were the perfect pair to mend our hearts and make our home feel whole again.

Our pets’ names came from two very different places! Our own community inspired Fern’s name. All the streets in our neighborhood are named after plants and flowers, and we thought that was such a lovely, creative tradition. We wanted a name that felt connected to our home, so 'Fern' felt perfect. Channing’s name is a bit of a funny story. From the moment we saw his first pictures, it was clear that he was an incredibly handsome and charming 'pretty boy.' I’ve always playfully joked about my 'Hollywood boyfriend,' Channing Tatum. So, when we saw this handsome little puppy, my husband laughed and was the one who actually suggested it! We always say they both live up to their names perfectly. Fern is our beautiful, determined, risk-taking, sweet girl, and Channing is every bit the charming boy we knew he’d be.

Oh, my heart just melts at this question. They’ve made our lives better in every way imaginable. First, there is simply so much love. They are our constant companions, there for us day and night, and always by our side. The unconditional affection they give my husband and me is priceless. They also get us up and moving! They are the reason we go on daily walks, get our steps in, and have a wonderful way to explore and enjoy our community. But the most wonderful part is how they've expanded our social world. They get us to the dog park—and Norton Commons has a fantastic dog park community—where we not only get to bond with other people’s fur babies, but we also get to enjoy time with our friends. Fern and Channing fill our days with joy, give us a wonderful sense of routine, and connect us to our community. We truly have an outstanding life, and they are the heart of it.

We'd love to give a shout-out to their 'best friends'! It’s been so fun to watch them build their own little social circle. Their number one buddy is Clark Mears, who is also a Norton Commons resident! They all met at the Pet Station Country Club. Clark was Fern's first best friend, and it’s been heartwarming to see how he's welcomed Channing right into the fold. When we get the daily update photos from daycare, the three of them are almost always pictured together, either playing or just lounging around. They also have another dear friend right in the neighborhood, Mia Minor. They just adore her, and they have the best time running and wrestling together at the park