Clay Luthy and his gorgeous, 10-year-old Golden Retriever named Charlotte are without a doubt best friends, but the story is more unusual than that. The two are also coworkers and, after a viral picture made the rounds on Facebook, social media celebrities.
“Clay, on his own merit, won the job,” says Jay Fellers, an HR manager for the company. “We knew he was going to make a great employee, we just got the benefit of getting Charlotte right along with him.”
Still, Luthy and Charlotte’s story goes back a decade. Though he got her when she was only a puppy, their relationship deepened after Luthy went into the Air Force and was having trouble readjusting to life at home. After some time, he settled in at Lowe’s with his furry friend and he couldn’t be happier.
The friendship between Luthy and Charlotte’s story is familiar to anyone who has bonded with a canine companion—still, what’s less familiar (and refreshing) is the support shown by the legions of internet commenters and by Lowe’s as a company. “I found a way to have a productive life, “Luthy says, “and my prescription is four-legged.”
This story is yet another reminder of the many sacrifices and hardships veterans go through when they finally get to come back home. Support animals can provide non-judgmental love and support to citizens who need it the most, especially those with PTSD and other psychological issues like depression and anxiety.
Although not all businesses and social institutions are always so understanding, this Lowe’s in Abilene, Texas understands and was able to make a home for Luthy and his best friend. As it turns out, some stories still do have happy endings—though it doesn’t hurt to be cuddly and adorable when applying for a job, either.
Check out the full story below! …and please SHARE this with your friends and family.
