While on a sabbatical in Koh Samui, Thailand in 2002, Charles and partner Chris decided to volunteer at the Samui Dog Rescue Center. When they entered the gate they were surrounded by hundreds of dogs all competing for their attention. The owner greeted them from the porch of the Thai house/office. In her arms she was holding a Thai puppy that had been rescued that morning by a tourist couple who found the homeless pup eating rice out of trash cans. They left with that puppy, later named Samui, and she has been their canine companion, and muse, ever since.