Blair’s Journey with the Interstate Dog
Every once in a while, an animal comes into your life in a way that leaves you forever changed. For us, one of those animals was Charlie.
My granddaughter Blair—also known as Beaux or Bo—had recently moved to Ohio, six hours away from our family bakery in St. Anne, Illinois. She often made that long trip to help her father, John, with Dr. Becker’s Bites, our family’s pet treat business. When she wasn’t at the bakery, she worked from her home computer, always ready to pitch in.
Like many in the Becker family, Blair has what we lovingly call the “rescue gene.” She simply cannot turn away from an animal in need. Whether it’s a dog, cat, a lizard, a spider, or even a stray cow, she finds a way to help. One ordinary day, on her way to Illinois, she spotted something that made her heart stop: a dog running down the middle lane of the busy interstate. Cars swerved around him, many slowed, some stopped, and in that moment, Blair knew she couldn’t just keep driving. She also knew there was only one question left to answer—not if she would help, but how.
She noticed a patch of construction cones up ahead of the dog and quickly maneuvered her car near them. Stepping out, she extended her arms toward the runaway dog and spoke from her heart: “Honey, you need help, come to me and I will help you.” To her amazement, the bewildered, panting dog ran straight to her. His paws were raw and bleeding from the hot pavement. Blair scooped him into her arms, placed him in her car, and continued her drive to Illinois.
Before long, John received a text from his daughter: “Dad, I have a gift for you.” Attached was a photo of the weary dog standing in the backseat. With four dogs, two cats, and acres of land, John had plenty of room in his heart—and in his home—for one more. When Blair arrived, they gave the dog a bath, tended to his wounds, and watched as he blended seamlessly with the other dogs. They named him Charlie.
The family immediately began searching for his owner, posting photos and details of where he was found. A veterinarian examined him, estimating he was three to four years old, unneutered, and a purebred Pointer—a breed built to run. Weeks passed with no response, and finally John, with his compassionate heart, said what his family already knew to be true: “He’s a Becker now.”
John’s Journey with Charlie
Charlie thrived at John’s country home. With twenty acres of woods and a fenced yard, Charlie had room to stretch his legs—and he took full advantage. He would run laps for hours around the fence line until he collapsed, content and exhausted. But Charlie was also a digger. His hound’s heart longed for the woods beyond the fence, and despite John’s best efforts to reinforce the ground, Charlie always found a way out. At first, he returned after a few hours. Later, he wandered for days, only to be found miles away after neighbors spotted lost-dog posters.
Nearly two and a half years after Blair rescued him, Charlie escaped one final time. John and Blair searched tirelessly, posting online and filling utility poles with flyers. Ten anxious days passed before a vet clinic called: they thought they had Charlie. Relief flooded in—until another call came. A family in Indiana had seen the posts. They explained that Charlie was originally their dog, one who had escaped before and always returned—except for the day Blair found him on the interstate. They lived just a few miles from that exact spot. To prove it, they sent pictures of Charlie’s sister.
The resemblance was undeniable. It was a bittersweet moment. John loved Charlie dearly, but he knew this dog had a family who had loved him first. The next morning, he met them at the clinic. The reunion was filled with joy and relief, and a little grief. John would miss him. But thank goodness, Charlie was back where he belonged.
A Gift We’ll Never Forget
Charlie may not have stayed with John forever, but the time John shared with him was a gift. Charlie reminded us of the resilience of animals, the pull of compassion, and the truth that sometimes our role in an animal’s life is to help guide them safely home. And perhaps most importantly, Charlie’s story is a reminder to not give up. Whether it’s posting one more flyer, making one more call, or holding out your hands on the interstate, hope and persistence can change the ending of a story—for both people and pets. Charlie will always be part of the Becker family’s heart, even as he runs joyfully with the family that first loved him.
With much compassion,
Charlie’s Spirit Runs On
In honor of Charlie — the fearless “Interstate Dog” who ran with wild joy and lived life full throttle — we’re celebrating dogs who give it their all. Some dogs play hard, jump higher, and never slow down, even when their joints tell them to.
That’s why, this week, our Joint Tendon Treats and Shakers are discounted 15%! — because every adventure-loving dog deserves support that keeps them moving comfortably and freely.
Run wild, live big, and love harder — just like Charlie. Click Here to grab yours:
Joint/Tendon Bites or Joint/Tendon Shaker
Offer ends Sunday, October 26th 2025 at midnight (no code needed).