Sometimes we don't choose our pets, they choose us. The story of Clark.
Annabelle and Jacob were a young couple living in Los Angeles, while pursing their law degrees. They had been volunteering at NKLA (No Kill Los Angeles), walking the dogs who were searching for their forever homes.
While Annabelle had grown up with dogs, Jacob was new to having a dog. Having recently battled brain cancer, Jacob, along with Annabelle, decided to get a service dog. To help keep an eye on Jacob as he recovered from brain surgery and to be on alert for any possible complications. So the couple began searching for a new furry family member to be Jacob's companion during his recovery.
One day during a volunteer shift at NKLA, Annabelle and Jacob were walking into the shelter, as Clark was returning from a walk with another volunteer. Upon seeing Jacob, Clark (7 years old at the time) ran up and jumped on Jacob. An immediate connection was made, and this was the moment Clark chose Annabelle and Jacob to be his parents.
Clark is a Chow mix with lots of golden fluffy fur, closely resembling a lion. Clark had been a stray wandering around the streets of Compton, CA. He wasn't in the best shape when found. He was covered in mats, had lots of bugs living in his dense fur, was underweight, and had holes in his teeth from chewing on the metal bars of cages. Yet, he was a very calm, friendly, and loving soul.
Shortly after being adopted, the family of three drove across the country and settled in Chicago, where the winter weather and snow seemed to suit Clark's Chow roots just fine.
Like many of us, Clark is truly considered to be family by Annabelle and Jacob, and he means the world to them. Being adopted by Jewish parents, Clark recently participated in one of the most celebrated and meaningful events for a person of Jewish faith. He had a BarK Mitzvah! Complete with a service, music, and prayers, this family celebrated Clark's coming of age!
As all pets sadly do, Clark is getting older. Annabelle and Jacob wanted to celebrate the love they have for Clark, honor the meaningful role he plays in their lives, and capture his handsome good looks and his sweet personality, which shines right through the photographs. Fortunately, Jacob's health has long-since stabilized and Clark hasn't had to use his service dog skills for which he had been trained. Yet, Clark remains true to his service dog responsibilities, consistently providing calm and loving support to both Annabelle and Jacob. As his Dad says, "Clark is the guy who is always there. He may not say a lot, but you can always rely on him".
