I saved my cat and she saved me… I found her when she was only 1 day old.. her umbilical cord was still attached and she had no fur. The vet said she had a 99 percent chance of dying. That there was no way she would live. She’s now 17 years old… she’s been through everything with me. Divorce, addiction, jail so many horrible things. And she saved my life. I kept going for her… she’s my best friend. She is everything. 🥺

I saved a pit bull from a bait dog situation. That dog saved me from drowning just a year later. I've never been so moved

This guy has a very distinct way of speaking. You can clearly understand every fucking word he speaks. I could listen to him all day. Tragic story, yet tremendous story teller!

I’ve never felt so strongly for a persons story. I wish Charlie all the health and wealth in this universe, truly a man.

Cried during the highway scene with dog and dad and didn't stop blubbering till 10 minutes after the end. Now here's a guy I can relate to as I've reached the age of 54. Married, kids, good job, and my aging German Shepherd that has taught me knowledge i could never glean from any human. I always thought I'd reach a point where I thought I had made it, and be able to bask in glory and nirvana. This man's testimony confirmed the opposite...ill always be a work in progress, a human BEING.

Mark really out did his self again when he found this man. What a treasure.

This has got to be one of your most interesting guests ever. Charlie has an amazing story and tells it in such a fluent and engaging way. I can’t actually believe anyone is able to recount their life so perfectly and with such characterisation. I really feel Charlie’s story could be turned in to a book or film. It’s fascinating. ❤️🐾

Charlie is exactly what this world needs more of, compassion and empathy❤️

As a recovering addict/alcoholic, this story hit the heart. Thank you, Charlie, and God bless. I am sitting here with my pittbull and have an overwhelming sense of gratitude for today 🙏

This is a beautiful man and a beautiful story. I cried with him because the loss of a pet who loves you unconditionally is the hardest thing. It is especially for those who have lived through trauma.

This man had me from the minute he started speaking until the very end. I was mesmerized.

That was the most mesmerizing story I’ve ever heard. Charlie deserves an Oscar for his story telling and you, Mark for filming it. I have never been so touched by a stranger.💖🐾💖

Mark, when I tell you I literally tell everyone about your channel. I’ve been a SWU fan forever. Thank you for this upload. Your channel means more to me than you know. I could literally feel the agonizing pain in this man’s voice. Something like this happened to me. Last year I ended up having cardiac issues unbeknownst to me. Months earlier, I had been saying that I wanted another “baby” (dog). I already had a Yorkie-Pom that stayed under the bed in her cocoon, but wanted another as a larger companion and protection. Days later, on a Tuesday, I left work early and drive 80 mph for 30 mins to rescue my 6 month old, scared, frail, mostly white pit bull with brown spots and freckles with yellow eyes “Stella Wella” aka “Tella”(who I named after my late grandmother) from PAWS. Initially they resisted because I didn’t have my lease but finally allowed me to rescue her after they knew that I wasn’t budging. She was my baby and no one was going to stop it. I rescued her February 2nd, 2021. Fast forward to April 2021. Something about me wasn’t right. I was tired, I could barely take care of myself and for the life of me, I couldn’t breathe - so bad that I couldn’t even complete a yawn. I knew I didn’t have the “vid-19” but didn’t know what it was. It ended up being cardiac issues. I was up watching past SWU episodes on Amanda. I was so proud of her because she had gained wait, was healthy and looked as if she was doing great, when I started coughing up blood. Stella began to tap my chest and start howling. I remembered saying “Hold on baby. Mama’s checking on auntie Amanda. Uncle Mark just uploaded on her” but she wouldn’t leave me alone. I tried to put her in her cage, but she wouldn’t budge. I propped my phone up to finish watching about Amanda and got dressed. I went to the hospital and left weeks to about a month and change later. I found out in the hospital that Amanda had passed. If it were not for my baby girl, I would not be here today. She is still as sweet and protective as she has always been. I have since adopted 1 after her and had one previous to her and love them all dogs, but know that she is my guardian angel. I couldn’t imagine life without her. She will be 2 years old July 17th.

I have never felt so proud of a stranger. So much respect for you charlie.

Rip star ❤️I’m so sorry you lost your best friend Charlie. I lost my best friend recently and some people have no clue what a dog can do for someone and how much they can teach us . The bond between a man and his best friend I believe can be stronger than in human relationships.

See's title, instant like! Animals are special man, i was goining thru a breakup and my rescue dog saved me, I looked up, saw her limping down the road on 3 legs, and I was like sameeee puppers same!! We saved eachother, healed together, and now she is the most loyal, best protector and guard dog we could ever ask for! Love u Puppers!

This story has been the best on this entire channel. Our dogs are angels among us. Thank you so much for sharing, this truly touched my heart❤️❤️❤️

A great interview. I am a Substance Abuse Counselor at a 28 day in-patient rehab and have referred many clients to Graymoor. (also know as St. Christophers in Garrison, NY). Their program is exceptional and the last I knew, had a sucess rate of 87%. The clients refer to the facility as "the miracle on the mountain". I live very close to Graymoor and frequent their thrift shop once a month. Thanks so much for sharing this interview.

One of the most beautiful documents of human tribulation and compassion I will ever see. I cried and I held my doggy close on this one. Charlie's story is unforgettable. Thank you, Mark.

His definition of drugs is spot on. They way he explained it is so true. Where ever you take yourself if you’re wounded you’re going to feel your feelings. Powerful! My 2 year old Shepherd fell out my truck April 2 and shattered her femur. That is also my 5 year sobriety date. I understand the love this mans feels for his dog.

The love of a dog is life-changing, bless you Charlie x

Damn, this guy is a great story teller. I could listen to him all day. The love this man has for his dog is just like the love my wife has for our cat that passed away this last winter. We miss her daily

This interview touched me more than any of the others. I cried my way though it. He is a wonderful story teller and his passion for the journey of life is palpable. Loving his dogs so intensely and putting out the effort to save Star's life says so much. I wish more humans had his compassion.

Had me crying. Dogs are special indeed, the human and dog relationship is such a special one. We are very, very lucky. Bless you Star and Charlie.

A dog changed my life also....I still miss you cole,thank you.

My dog passed away February 15 2021. I believe she saved my life. I’ll love you forever Tincey.

Charlie you touched my soul. You are a beautiful person inside and out. Thank you so much for fighting through, making it and sharing your pain and story. You hit my heart hard forever and I Thank you. I rescue animals and my dog Bella has saved my life. She found my breast cancer. Last year Bella was diagnosed with cancer and we got through both our cancers together. The love I feel for Bella and all of my animals and all animals period is truly not describable. I know you feel this way too. Hugs, love and gratitude. 💕💜💕🙏🏻✌🏻😋🌹🎈

This was amazing! Due to childhood abuse & neglect I also feel I never had a childhood. I adopted my first dog 8 years ago & she gave me the childhood I never had, allowed me to feel true love & joy for the first time. In human relationships it always seems transactional but I know my dog’s love is unconditional. RIP, precious angel Star🌟 🙏🏼👼🏼. Thank you, Charlie, for the much needed cry & for the affirmation of how lucky I am to have my own savior, my furbabygirl, Aliyah 🐶.

Beautiful, tragic, uplifting, enlightening, inspiring. Thank you for sharing your story, Charlie❤️ rip Star.

This interview was powerful. I was brought to tears when he spoke of his father passing. It really touched me. I myself am dealing with forgiving my parents. They both are aging I know I need to contact them before they pass. For me, it’s so much easier said than done. 😔💔. God Bless this man for sharing his beautiful story. 🙏🏾

"Make something good out of something bad". Charlie and Star's story will stay with me forever. Forever. It made me cry, but warmed my heart so much. Animals definitely can save human lives...every day. I know mine have saved me. I believe this is my favorite interview of all. Thank you, Charlie and Mark. Charlie, keep on sharing your story. You and Star have made a huge difference in so many lives and will continue on inspiring. Star's legacy will continue with your sharing. What a beautiful story. Made my day. Thanks so much for sharing it.

I felt his pain when he was talking about his dog. If you're not a dog lover you will never understand. R.I.P to my Karma girl-American Bulldog🐶

As a retired dog rescuer, this story warms my heart. Wishing him all the best.

How blessed is he that he got to witness STARs last breath? Wonderful story and heartfelt. He is embracing his second chance. Thank you for sharing!

Charlie is a very sweet soul who only wanted the love from his father.

What an incredible story. He grew up so badly and yet still became such an incredible person and an amazing story 💜

Good God this was fantastic. My eyes were sweating from about 20 minutes in. Thank you for sharing your story. It truly has given me pause...thank you.

I wish I could think of something profound to say here but the tears are falling like Niagra Falls. Thank you for sharing your story Charlie. Aloha

I’m glad I stuck in all the way through, that dog meant something to him, it’s gave him a sense of purpose for his past of unfortunates in his life. More then his parents. ‘The dog was more of a human being then a dog’. Everyone does deserve a second chance i believe that too Charlie.

This man’s story should be made into a movie. Thanks for sharing!

This is (IMO) the best video I have seen on this channel to date. It is an amazing full circle story. I almost didn’t want it to end. Kudos to Mark! Great job to Charlie for opening up like this!

Yes give man’s true best-friend his time to shine 🐕💯

Raw, genuine emotion and heartfelt story. Definitely one of the best interviews on SWU.

These people are amazing, they tell their stories, but occasionally you have people on here that are 'story tellers'. I mean, it's like I'm reading a book listening to this man. There's been a few others. Maybe these are the people that should actually write books.

Holy shit I'm bawling my eyes out first thing in the morning. My heart goes out to this beautiful man and his fur baby. Run In Paradise Star 🌟 🐕❤

Star was so lucky to have Charlie, and vice versa. ❤️ My heart broke seeing him talk about Star’s death.

I like the variety of personalities you been featuring. I miss my dog , actually my dads, he died and she became mine. The responsibility of another living creature can save a persons soul.

I loved how descriptive he was in every aspect of his story. He's told this story before, I can tell. Likely in the halls of group. As sure as I am of this fact, I'm also certain he's saved lives in narrating his journey. The fact that you provided him your platform to do the same to countless masses is a service that can never be repaid or even thanked. Anyone who thinks his story is made up has never stepped foot in a meeting long enough to feel the rawness of the manifestation of a spiritual awakening.

This is now my favorite interview BY FAR! such amazing emotion and how belief shook him is amazing.

As a man who has been saved by my dogs and as a survivor of more than I have words for, this man's story touched me deeply. Thank you Charlie, Star, and as always, Mark.

Wow, just wow. This story brought tears to my eyes but in a positive way. Thank you Charlie, you are an inspiration to all.

This is a really intense and inspiring interview. Thank you Charlie, for baring your soul and telling your story. I can relate to so many things that you said and I'm sure many out there feel the same way. The experience of growing up with an angry parent, not knowing where the anger came from, growing up living in constant fear, trapped in survival mode throughout adulthood, struggling with addiction being penniless and helpless. And even today, feeling like I'm 'living in reverse' - everything you shared is incredibly relatable.

Stunning orator.

I usually tap out at 18 minutes of KZfaq videos. However, this one held my interest until the end. What a fascinating story. I was bawling towards the end. I am glad they are training officers to interact appropriately with dogs that are just protecting their owners. Blessings to all!

As a recovering addict & dog lover, this story struck a cord with me. Thanks to Mark, Charlie, & Star

Holy crap, best interview yet. My dog is my life also, so I feel deeply connected to this story 💜

I cant believe how the stories keep getting better and better. I actually felt emotionally wrung-out after this one. I'm also a Pit Bull owner. After the Boston Terrier in my profile pic died on 6/20/20, my son talked me into going to Animal Shelter where we saw a big head dog with a scrawny body, but eyes that followed us everywhere. The story we got is the owner had been arrested & never came back for the dog. Apprehensively, I caved in to my son and we brought the dog home. After a couple months of walks and good food, we were told Buddy is an American Bully. His personality is really passive EXCEPT when an unknown male adult comes between him and anyone in my family, though I can quickly call him off and he will retreat behind me in a defensive stance. Its a shame Star was shot in NYC, since the dog was doing what she thought she was supposed to do.

I have no words... this was such a story unlike any other! I sure do hope that any person can benefit from this story !

This is the best interview I've ever heard in my life. This is unreal. This man is brilliant and a heart of gold!

Thank-you, Mark, for all that you do. Of all the interviews I listened to on this channel, this has been the MOST touching, the MOST well described...... Charlie is a natural born story teller. ....and couple that with the fact that he is in touch with his emotions, his story comes alive in my mind and in my heart. His story is very heart renching.....and at the same time, we see the strength of the human spirit shine through. Thank-you for sharing, Charlie. Thank-you for showing the good and the bad........ Congratulations on all your accomplishments. and all your good works. -Angèle

What a true life storyteller, fascinating! I love his story.

Real people with real stories. Awesome channel.

Oh Charlie, you have no idea how much your story has impacted me. Thank you for sharing. I pray you never forget the true warrior you are. You are a pure soul, and I will remember your story forever.

As a dog lover and rescuer, it brought tears.I have been through the pain of losing dogs over and over. It never gets better. I feel good pain. This was one of your best works to date.I am so glad this man got his life together. May God always bless him and the filmmaker bringing us these heart touching stories.

I've watched a lot of the Soft White Underbelly videos but this one left me in tears streaming down my face. The love you can get from an animal is so unique and so special 💖 I've had animals pass and was just as, if not more in some cases, than some of the people in my life. Gut wrenching when they're gone but worth every day of love and companionship.

I just started the interview and while listening to Charlie, I read the pinned comment. I’m in tears from Star’s shooting and recovery and ending. I am holding back tears from that with a knot in my throat. I can tell already with how mesmerizing Charlie’s story is and HOW he tells it, I’m going to need some tissues. Thank you Mark for all the diversity with who you interview here!

Thought provoking! What a phenomenal way to start this Sunday with inspiration! He articulates addiction wonderfully. My father was a functional addict with pills in the medical field, you can be a good soul trapped in addiction. His story will make a difference, I know it! “Your test is your testimony”.

Mark- I am an avid watcher of your videos on this KZfaq channel and I have to say this is probably the best/my favorite story that I’ve heard so far. One of the things that you do best is you know when to probe people and/or when to just leave them alone and let them flow, telling their story with no prompts. Your “hands off” approach is appreciated here because Charlie is such a great speaker! As always, your work and the folks who participate are on another level. Charlie- Your story resonates a lot with me because it has some elements about Recovery I can certainly identify with and I’m a huge dog person too. I have 2 pitties that I’ve rescued and the way you tell Star’s story and just talk about her with pride and ownerships shows how much you loved her and how you still love her memory everyday. Definitely my favorite portrait so far and I wish you luck and good health in the future! I hope you continue to keep working with the rescue community or at least think of adopting another pup in the future because your the type of guy who changes stigmas behind pitbull ownership!!

Finally a story of a person who was able to rebuild. Thank you. Both I and your channel needed it. Watching this channel every day ended up putting me in a very dark place (to be fair, I was already there before, fighting cancer and losing my career while fighting it because I refused the death-jab from hell).

You’re awesome man! Your one of my favorite channels right now. Great content

I was mesmerized by his story. I could feel every word he spoke. Thank you for sharing 🙏🏻🙏🏻

I’m captivated by him. Charlie, giant hug to you. Wow! You’re strength is amazing!

Your contribution to spread awareness is so precious. I admire you, Mark. Thank you 💜✨

Thank you, Charlie. You are a wonderful story teller, it brought me to tears. Bless your precious heart, Star.

That was the most beautiful interview yet! I can’t stop crying! Thank you, Mark!

Charlie, she knew you were ready to carry on without her. She had to go but made sure you were prepared for the next step in your life.

I know Graymoor, I have been there. They help people like this man. I was at one time chemically addicted until I couldn't afford it. Now, years later, I'm still here, through the Grace of God.

This is the most inspirational and emotional rollercoaster I’ve been on in awhile this is amazing to hear and actually see how your life can always be turned around.

I'm sobbing.. Amazing, Incredible!!! The Wonderments of Marks interviews. Thank you for this interview on Palm Sunday. I wish Charlie all the best.

Over the last year, I have watched every SWU video--many of which I consider life changing. So when it comes to all of Mark's expertly curated human narratives, I am averse to ranking best over worst, good versus bad, etcetera but...this story and its presentation are both really special. Among hundreds (thousands ?) of SWU video posts, this beautifully told story earns a singular place of honor and distinction. When you consider Mark's large catalog of work, that is really saying something.

Man out of all the stories, this one had me wrapped up. You sir really inspired me. Sorry for your loss, losing a dog is like loosing a family member. To be honest I like dogs more than I like humans

Love from the Midwest Charlie! Happy to see a fellow Nebraskan on here with such a beautiful story. Thank you so much for sharing it. It resonated heavily with me. I am currently living my life in reverse as well. Hearing your story was hard but eye opening and I needed it today. I really appreciate you continuing to tell your story and I hope to kick the addictions like you have. Survival mode is something I never understood until a few years ago. I have been struggling with being a human being and not a human doing. To be honest I never could just "be" and trying to learn to do so every day. Star sounded like a beautiful soul and I am so happy you were able to give her the life you did. There is something about holding your puppy in your arms when the life leaves their body. I didn't have the choice when I was younger and had to put down my family dog. Holding her while her life left was one of the hardest moments of my life. Felt this one on a different level today.

Typing through tears isn't easy. Thank you for telling your story and for telling Stars story. I've been sober on methadone maintenance for 10yrs and you are just a riveting storyteller for starters. Thank you for showing that there is hope,. God hears our cries for help and brings the people we need and the four legged friends into our lives at the right time Bless you, sir

Thank you to Charlie and Star for this story. I needed some inspiration today. Greatly appreciated. Keep going Charlie, just keep going.

What a beautiful story I'm full of so many emotions after listening to this thank you so much for sharing your story

All of my past pet deaths came back flooding my soul. This was so vivid and remarkable I couldn’t fall asleep . Thank you for sharing these heartfelt emotions 🙏✌️❤️

ONE of YOUR BEST INTERVIEWS EVER! Charlie is such a heartfelt, raw, and articulate soul. This man deserves a medal for his compassion and strength. Thank you.

Beautiful story. You are wonderful Charlie and so was Star.

The best story I've ever heard on here, amazing. There have been some super interesting people on here but this one is the winner for me, told beautifully. You know its a classic when Mark dont get to the end of his usual questions and the guest just takes the lead.

Mark - thank you so much for this and what you do. These interviews help both those giving and those receiving. This is one of the most compelling stories I have heard in recent days. As someone who has been around a broken home along with addiction, Charlies story has resonated with me, not only the bad but also the good. Shortly after getting divorced with a 3 and 5 year old I was initially overwhelmed with guilt, fear and sorrow over what the divorce was going to do to my sons. Time passed and a few years later the boys thought it would be a good idea to get a dog. We ended up rescuing a pug from Oklahoma named Daisy. Daisy's presence in our household brought serenity and joy. She passed when she was 13. I have no doubt that without Daisy our lives would have been quite a bit different, and not for the better. There is something about the existence of a dogs love and compassion that cannot be overstated. Thank you Daisy, we love you and miss you.

This is the first interview I watched from start to finish. Charlie is an incredible person, so strong and raw. Thank you for your story.

Mark - I live in Eugene Oregon and I can tell you that myself included, there are thousands of stories and people similar to those who you've interviewed on your channel right here. Thank you for the work you do and keep it up. Thr more people become aware of reality the more we have a chance to change a broken system.

Humbling is the word that comes to my mind watching this interview. Charilie, wishing you the best and proud of you for turning your life around.

Thank you Mark for doing what you do. Charlie was a very inspirational speaker and a survivor. I have never cried while watching a lot of your videos, but this one did. Im a dog owner of 3 and they are my life. I hope this video touches the hearts of other dog owners too to love their dogs ans pets with all their might while they are still living. Coz truly, we don’t deserve them 😭

Beautiful! Charlie, you are a magnificent speaker! Truly, a beautiful story ! I had a similar situation with a dog that I adopted while homeless. They were going to euthanize her soon bc she wasn't getting adopted...I jumped through hoops to be able to adopt her since I was young and didn't have a home at the time. I had her for over 12 years until she passed away from cancer. I lost a part of me the day she left and continue to miss her so much my heart aches. She had a wonderful long life and was the best thing to ever come into my life. She gave me the will to live and changed my life for the better. I will never forget her. Always by my side.. during the bad times, sad times and good times...She never abandoned me. I miss her dearly every day. I will forever cherish the strong, beautiful bond we had. Animals are so special..sometimes that's all a person needs to keep going. I could go on forever about my precious baby Rainey, as we had many stories and memories together. The day she passed, I felt like the air had been completely sucked out of my body and all I could do was fall to the ground and let out a cry like a mother when she loses her child. Hardest day I've ever experienced. She was more than a dog to me, she saved my life. Thank you for sharing your beautiful story. It is truly inspiring. It touched me deeply and I related in so many ways. May you continue to share your story and I wish you good luck in the future!!

I can really relate to him when he says he was so broken that the only willpower he had left was to destroy himself. Rock bottom is a deep dark hole to be in but that climb out makes you so much stronger 🙏

There is me waiting for the realisation that, yes he is part of a family, his story can help millions.

I couldn’t turn away from Charlie telling he and Star’s story. What an amazing man, dog and interview! Thank you for helping to save dogs and animals.

I have watched SWU for years. This interview, by far, is the most relatable, poignant, heartbreaking I have seen. Human fragility and the power of love! Thank you Mark. Beautiful.

What an amazing life story I could not stop listening start to finish so inspiring