Happy

The Story That Started It All.

Inspired by Charlie, the real golden retriever who started an entire universe of stories.

Books

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Discover the book and what’s to come from the Universe From Happy.

Kids’ Memory Wall

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See the pets and memories shared by children.

Helping Hearts Heal

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Gentle support for children, families, and educators experiencing pet loss.

Explore the Universe.

Adult Memory Wall Submissions

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Share a story, poem, or memory about a pet you love.

Podcast

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Hear the stories, ideas, and people behind the Universe From Happy.

Kids’ Activities & Memory Wall Submissions

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Play, create, color, and share a special memory of your pet.

Adult Memory Wall

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Read stories and memories celebrating pets who made a difference.

Meet Charlie- The Dog Behind HAPPY

Charlie was born near Seattle on June 11, 2010. He came into my life on January 13, 2012, and life was simply better with him in it.

Charlie was there through the roller-coaster years. When life was tough, he made it better. He watched my family grow and was there to meet my oldest daughter. Sadly, he never got the chance to meet my youngest—but my youngest will know who Charlie was.

We lost Charlie on May 15, 2023.

What started as a poem about him became Happy. Everything that has come since, and everything still to come, stems from him. This entire universe was put in motion by Charlie and by the joy he gave not only to me, but to everyone who knew him.

Charlie was real. Happy was real. Everybody had a Charlie!

This was built to honor him, but it’s here for you, too—for the animals you love today and the ones you’ll carry in your heart and mind forever.

Ryan M. Sanders

Author and illustration creator of Happy.
Creator of the Universe From Happy.

Just a guy who loved a dog.