Cheddar Greeting Card Collection

Back in July 2018, I remember sitting on my couch quietly wishing for a dog. Not just any dog, the right dog. One who would feel like she was meant for me.

A few days later, on the 4th of July, while outside lighting sparklers with my family, a small dog ran past me.

She was clearly terrified of the noise, so I called out, “Come back.”

To my surprise, she did.

She hesitated a bit. I was a stranger but for some reason, she trusted me enough to turn around. I gently scooped her up and brought her somewhere safe for the night.

By morning, she was calmer, but still timid and shaking. She was covered in dirt, and I had no idea where she came from. I made her some eggs, the only thing I had, and she slowly came out of the kennel to eat.

After giving her time to settle, I gave her a bath, bought a leash and harness, and we searched the neighborhood for her home. Every step of the way, she stayed close, walking between my legs like I was her shelter.

I’d like to say I fell in love with her the moment I saw her, but the truth is, it was the moment she trusted me to protect her and chose not to leave.

Even though a part of me hoped she’d stay, I did everything I could to find her owners: talking to neighbors, putting up flyers, and checking for a microchip at the vet.

No one came forward.

After a couple of weeks, the vet agreed that we had done everything we could. So I made it official. I got her checked, vaccinated, and brought her fully into my life.

She became my ride-or-die—my constant through whatever comes our way.

Eight years later, knowing our time together won’t last forever, I wanted to preserve her spirit and share the feeling she’s given me.

That’s how the Cheddar Greeting Card Collection came to life.

The cards don’t look exactly like her, but they capture something more important about her personality. The quiet comfort, the awkward reassurance, the little moments that say, “hey… you’ve got this.”

Because that’s what Cheddar has always been to me.