‘No pets’ policies for SLO renters are unfair; Charlie needs a home!

Dear Rental Property Owners of SLO County,

I love your county. I vowed to myself that when I was older, this is where I would call home. After the past decade of living an uncomfortable life in Los Angeles to work in the film industry, I am finally ready to make my dream of relocating and settling to San Luis Obispo County a reality.

There’s just one hitch: My husband and I have a dog.

Charlie found us. Three years ago, we were strolling in a neighborhood park when we heard this whimper in the bushes. We found a 4-month-old Pembroke Welsh corgi with a shattered leg begging to be rescued. He’s all better now. He runs like the wind and loves everyone and everything (except skateboards). You would probably love him if you met him (look him up on Instagram @CharlieBaxtertheCorgi or Twitter @_CharlieBaxter).

But you refuse to meet him! It is nearly impossible to find rentals in this community open to having a dog. I’ve voiced these frustrations to friends and family, and so many have suggested, “Why don’t you make him an emotional support animal? It’s illegal to turn away renters with an ESA.” My husband and I firmly believe this law is in place to help truly disabled people, which we are not, and have refused to grasp at that loophole.

Please reconsider your “no pets” policy. Be a little more open to renting to a kind, responsible couple whose only child has fur. He won’t put crayon marks on your walls or keep other residents around him up all night with his crying. The only thing he might do is bark at a passing skateboarder, and who hasn’t wanted to do that anyway?

This story was originally published March 21, 2016 at 8:37 PM with the headline "‘No pets’ policies for SLO renters are unfair; Charlie needs a home!."