How We Met

Charles and Jasmina have slightly different memories of the day they first met, but they agree it was primarily thanks to their dogs, Millie and Cinderella. When asked how they met, Charles likes to say, "Have you seen 101 Dalmatians?" While not exactly like the movie, Cinderella the Dalmatian was working hard to make the introduction, and Millie was adamant that Charles needed to go for a walk outside their usual time.

Cinderella, or Cindy for short, was a very memorable dog, partly due to being a Dalmatian and partly due to her bright pink sweater. She had just arrived in Dallas, Texas from Sweden a day or two before with Jasmina and was exploring the city and nearby Cole Park.

Charles had been taking his chocolate lab, Millie, to Cole Park twice a day (mornings and evenings) for about a year, where they met with other dogs and owners. On February 3rd, there was a rare snowstorm in Dallas. Millie, who loves snow, had convinced Charles to skip work at 11am for an icy game of fetch.

Upon arriving at Cole Park, Charles noticed a Dalmatian running around in a pink sweater. He thought it was funny but didn't think much of it until she ran right up to him and sat down. Millie was too focused on fetch to notice her new friend, but thanks to Cindy, Charles got to speak to Jasmina for the first time.

They continued to meet at Cole Park every day for months. Charles had learned from others in the Cole Park dog group that one bad date could make evenings with the dogs awkward, so he hesitated to ask Jasmina out. It wasn't until he knew he was moving away from the park, and even then it took a few drinks at the Robert Earl Keen Farewell Tour Concert, that he worked up the courage to ask her on a date.

Their first date was at Barcelona Wine Bar, which partly inspired the proposal in Barcelona, Spain.

Below is the link to the scene from 101 Dalmatians where Pongo meets Perdita.

More Photos of the Matchmakers