Instagram iconInstagram icon
Facebook iconFacebook icon
pinterest iconpinterest icon
YouTube iconYouTube icon
Tiktok iconTiktok icon
LTK iconLTK icon

Chocolate Chunk

For a little over a week, our house has been warmer, more energized, more chaotic and more comedic than ever before – and we can thank the newest member of our Vargo family for that. Everyone, meet our sweet girl, CC (shortened from Chocolate Chunk, as was dubbed in her adoption description). Those lips! The floppy ears! That gummy nose and those pretty, pretty eyes!

After finally – finally – realizing that Chicago has our heart, we bought this house. And while we’ve spent more time bundled up indoors (hey, thanks, winter!) than we’ve been able to enjoy outside since moving in, we have a yard. A yard! For us, this was a non-negotiable (it was the only item on Jack’s home-hunting-wish-list), as Scott and I had every intention of adopting a rescued sibling for our Jack. (After all, Maddie and Libby have each other!) We wanted them to run, play and spin circles in their very own grassy patch right here in the city. We were in no hurry for this dreamed-up scenario, but for months, we’d been meeting with foster pups, going to adoption events and checking in on our favorite rescues a little too often.

It was so important for us to find the right fit for Jack and the girls, and we knew (hands down!) we wanted another lovable, smooshable Bully breed in our lives. (You know that raising positive breed awareness has been a cause near and dear to our hearts; Jack approved, too!). Truth be told, there were a couple of less-than-stellar meet and greets, and although that was a bit disheartening, we told ourselves that the right dog would come along. I had mentioned this in a conversation with a former Pet Shop partner, Bridgid of Project Rescue Chicago, and she casually mentioned that we should meet their adoptable Chunk. She’s easy peasy!, she said. She’s great with cats! She would be so happy with another dog!

All these things? They were true. (Also true: She’s 4 years young and 65 lbs of sweet, sweet sugar.)

Jack and CC’s first meeting went phenomenally well at the adoption center, which was then followed up with another seamless play date at our house. We signed the adoption papers a month later (this was entirely due to Jack’s stitches that needed to heal properly), and we have just been swooning with excitement ever since! (See our adoption photo right here!) We have become enamored with her every move. Our phones are overwhelmed with daily photo sessions – CC eating, CC sleeping, CC sitting, CC deep in thought. And when her and Jack play / sleep / kiss / snuggle? Well, forget it. Hearts. Exploding.

Welcome to the family, girl. (You’ve got an incredible brother to show you the ropes.)

PS… Better Homes & Garden has nominated these two kids as the top 5 in the Decorating category of their Blogger Awards! Have you voted yet? (We’re in pretty fantastic company; we urge you to check out all the finalists!) Voting can be done once an hour and runs through Wednesday this week. Winners in each category will be mentioned in an upcoming issue of BHG – crazy! Click here to vote. Thank you; we love you. XO.

Add a comment...

Your email is never published or shared. Required fields are marked *

  • Julia@Cukoo4Design3.4.14 - 6:27 AM

    Oh she just melts my heart. How adorable are those lips and she looks so content and happy.
    I’m all for positive bully breed awareness! They are great and it’s so sad how many of them have to die every year because people are clueless.ReplyCancel

  • Jessie Aucoin3.4.14 - 6:42 AM

    Welcome to the Sociabulls family, CC!ReplyCancel

  • caroline [the diy nurse]3.4.14 - 7:18 AM

    So freakin sweet and cute!ReplyCancel

  • Ahwwwww she is adorable! Love that smooshy face. So glad you adopted.ReplyCancel

  • Sara J3.4.14 - 7:47 AM

    I am pretty new to your blog (LOVE it by the way!). I didn’t realize until today the wonderful work you’ve done to help our bully friends find the loving forever homes that they all deserve. As the lucky Mom of two of the sweetest and silliest bullies ever, thank you SO much!ReplyCancel

  • Kate3.4.14 - 8:30 AM

    omg. i can’t handle them together. so cute!!! congrats on your new baby girl!ReplyCancel

  • Oh my gosh…. she’s such a cutie pie! (I’m smiling so big right now.) She’s got an amazing home and a super cool brother to show her how things go. Congrats on the addition!ReplyCancel

  • Shannon3.4.14 - 8:39 AM

    Ahhh CC is adorable!! Reminds me so much of my parent’s Lola!! :)
    How exciting!! :)ReplyCancel

  • omgggg congrats on your new family member!! she is so beautiful!! haha im often jealous of your house, but now i am most jealous of the fact that you get to have TWO big dogs!

    now that you have a yard, do you think you’ll still take the dogs out and about as much? i have a teeny little older boston who can only handle so much running around before she just wants to sleep and snuggle, but we are always looking for new places to take her! her favorites are palmer square, the montrose dog beach, and the wicker dog park (just because thats where her all friends are / the only place we can trust her off-leash), but if you have any more suggestions for pups in the city, send em my way! :)ReplyCancel

  • Kim3.4.14 - 8:43 AM

    Aw. Yay! She’s so sweet. CC, you’re a lucky girl! Congrats, you guys.ReplyCancel

  • Kelly3.4.14 - 8:48 AM

    Welcome to a Family CC! I love the top pic in the bath btw, it’s like she’s giving you the look of, “is this really necessary?” But the 2nd pic seems that she’s perfectly ok with it.ReplyCancel

  • Jackie3.4.14 - 8:56 AM

    Too much cuteness to handle! CC is a lucky girl. :)ReplyCancel

  • andee3.4.14 - 9:00 AM

    She is beautiful! Oh this makes me so happy! I LOVE pet adoption stories. She is a little chunk monster. I’m looking forward to seeing her around the blog!ReplyCancel

  • Liliana3.4.14 - 9:07 AM

    Congratulations, she is adorable! The two kiddos will have loads of fun! Just voted for them ;-)ReplyCancel

  • Rachel3.4.14 - 9:09 AM

    Yayyy!!! How exciting :-) CC is gorgeous! What a beautiful girl and how lucky to have found her forever home with you all. I just wanna squish her little face lol and Jack is as handsome as ever- looks like they get along so nice.
    Your post made my day – so happy for your family :-)ReplyCancel

  • Kim3.4.14 - 9:12 AM

    Thank you, guys! CC and Jack are cuddled up right now. Be still my heart.

    Sara, thank YOU for being momma to 2 Pitties! They’re amazing, aren’t they?

    Zandi, oh man. This winter has been BRUTAL as you know, so taking Jack out (and now CC) on long walks has been so hard. The few times we’ve tried to go on longer walks, Jack gets uncomfortable, and he is such a pansy in extreme weather (forget about rain!). Thank goodness for our yard this year, because they spin their circles, do their business and run back in for quick potty breaks, but we are really looking forward to long walks in Humboldt Park, Palmer Square, Logan Square Farmer’s Market and the dog beach! It truly looks like all your favorite spots are ours, too! Although… because it’s been so cold, we do take Jack to Home Depot with us (they allow dogs there!) so he can stretch those legs as we pace the aisles.ReplyCancel

  • Kim3.4.14 - 9:14 AM

    And Kelly – yea, that pretty much summed it up! She hated her bath but LOVED her head being massaged.ReplyCancel

  • Elly3.4.14 - 9:25 AM

    Aw, super cute! Love her! :)ReplyCancel

  • Julie H3.4.14 - 9:28 AM

    Just voted. Best of luck! And CC is a doll. She is so blessed to have you two as owners! You officially may have an animal kingdom now?? Hehe.ReplyCancel

  • Carrie @DreamGreenDIY3.4.14 - 9:33 AM

    Congrats you two (or should I say, you 6?!)! Such awesome news. CC is precious =)ReplyCancel

  • Hannah3.4.14 - 9:36 AM

    Those pictures in the tub kill me, so unbelievably cute. My parents have a rescued pitt and she’s the loveliest thing that ever lived, I’m so glad to see you are spreading the pitt love!ReplyCancel

  • Kim3.4.14 - 9:37 AM

    Julie, we really do! So much fuzzy love in this house.ReplyCancel

  • misie3.4.14 - 9:37 AM

    oh.mah.gah. stop it. you guys…..so awesome!!! i want to snuggle up with them! our lil buddy needs a friend but its not the right time, much to my chagrin. I shall live vicariously through Jack and CC.ReplyCancel

  • Kiira3.4.14 - 9:45 AM

    I have been anxiously awaiting this post for a few months now! I’m so happy that the little mush face fits right in…I’d met her a few times, including at the open access facility that day she was pulled. Thanks for saving another bully! Jack and CC look delicious together. And that last picture is amazing.ReplyCancel

  • Amy3.4.14 - 9:45 AM

    Congrats to you all! I’ve adopted one dog from Project Rescue and fostered five, and boy does Bridgid know how to pick them. Wishing you all lots of happy wiggly pittie butts in your new*ish* home.ReplyCancel

  • Hannah K.3.4.14 - 9:57 AM

    Squealed. Out loud. At work. So happy for your little (growing!) family! ALL those photos make my heart so happy. Hopefully we’ll get to meet her (and Jack!) in person someday!ReplyCancel

  • Kim3.4.14 - 10:08 AM

    Hannah, move to Chicago! ;)ReplyCancel

  • christine3.4.14 - 10:25 AM

    Yay, congratulations!! She is so smushy and gorgeous and she and Jack look precious together!ReplyCancel

  • So cute, welcome to the family CC!ReplyCancel

  • Super, duper congratulations. How great for you and Jack. I know you’re not official dog trainers, but I’d love to hear more about what you went through to find the right fit for Jack, how you handled the intros, the move-in. Since getting our guy last summer, all I can think about is how much he’d like a friend. I’d love to learn from your experience, as it looks like you found a perfect fit.ReplyCancel

  • Kim3.4.14 - 11:19 AM

    Thanks, Julia, and great questions (inquiries?). We put a lot of trust into the people that worked with the rescues we were considering. Our first attempt at meeting a forever dog went downhill pretty quickly, and the dog trainer/rep from the rescue (and a great friend of ours) told us that she didn’t see a good fit for us, Jack or the girls. Other meet and greets went similarly, although less dramatic. Jack wasn’t interested in them, or vice versa. They stayed on leashes until they could get a sniff of each other – although in a couple cases, we didn’t make it that far! Again, a lot of trust and faith was put into the people behind the rescues, who really know what they’re doing. They were never pushy and were very honest with us about the behaviors they were seeing.ReplyCancel

  • Marie3.4.14 - 11:44 AM

    No doubt CC will have a wonderful life with you. She’s finally found her true family. I wish you LOVE, LOVE, LOVE.ReplyCancel

  • OhMelvin3.4.14 - 11:47 AM

    Hearts exploding here too! Jack hit jackpot (and so did she!!!). Love.ReplyCancel

  • jackie3.4.14 - 11:50 AM

    awww she is so so cute. and i’m a huge advocate of adoption, so glad you found her!ReplyCancel

  • Kelly3.4.14 - 11:58 AM

    Congrats on your newest addition! I look forward to more cute pet posts!! I recently added a second bully breed to my household too and she has brought so much entertainment and joy to our lives. Wishing you the same!ReplyCancel

  • Katie3.4.14 - 12:16 PM

    Favorite post ever! Can’t wait to see/hear more of her :)ReplyCancel

  • Adrienne J3.4.14 - 2:09 PM

    Aw. Congratulations!! We waited 2 years to get our first dog a sister. She absolutely loves (and hates) her, just like sisters would. Haha.ReplyCancel

    • Kim3.4.14 - 3:24 PM

      Adrienne, aw, yes. I suppose it’s inevitable, right? Jack and CC each have their own bone, but they want the bone the OTHER dog has. Of course!ReplyCancel

  • What a sweet looking girl! I love the bath pictures :) I’m so glad your family is growing by one more furry face!ReplyCancel

  • Theresa3.4.14 - 3:59 PM

    Congratulations!! And, thank you so much for helping with positive awareness of bully breeds!!ReplyCancel

  • rachel h3.4.14 - 4:41 PM

    EEE! She is perfect! I love the name too! I just adopted a new baby myself, and although they said he was lab mix, he’s got some bully showing through as he grows!ReplyCancel

  • Kate3.4.14 - 5:43 PM

    She looks like such a lovebug and this post made me smile big-time. Congrats!!ReplyCancel

  • Monika3.5.14 - 9:26 AM

    Too cute!!ReplyCancel

  • Amy3.5.14 - 9:48 AM

    Oh my gosh – what a cutie, congratulations!! I love bullys, they are great life companions! We also just added a dog to our ‘construction crew’ and our house has also never been as chaotic and full of love! (http://lifeonhillst.com/2014/02/04/meet-barkley/)

    Congrats again – I can’t wait to see more updates!ReplyCancel

  • Kim3.5.14 - 10:11 AM

    Amy, congrats to you as well! Shibas are sooo adorable!ReplyCancel

  • Julia [Chris Loves Julia]3.5.14 - 10:21 AM

    I love her!!!! I’m so happy you found a good fit for your family. More pics!ReplyCancel

  • ryan3.5.14 - 1:14 PM

    that face! so sweet. and i love seeing one tail at a time on your list of partners :)ReplyCancel

  • Brandi3.10.14 - 4:02 PM

    You guys made Buzzfeed for the adoption!

    http://www.buzzfeed.com/rachelzarrell/12-amazing-before-and-after-pictures-of-rescue-dogs-show-jus

    She’s adorable and congrats on your new addition!ReplyCancel

    • Kim3.10.14 - 4:31 PM

      Oh my goodness, that just made my day! Thank you! Look at her sweet face! AHH!ReplyCancel

  • Jeanie3.11.14 - 6:32 PM

    Congrats on the new addition!! She looks adorable and seems to be adjusting well to her new digs (snuggles already!). And those bath photos — so sweet.ReplyCancel

  • Kelly3.12.14 - 11:06 AM

    OMG CC is such a cutie!! We are bully parents and we love our Izzy girl so much! Cant wait until the day we own a home and can get another one! They are the best breed, just need some good loving and they have the most gentle souls! Congrats on the new family member!ReplyCancel

  • Kim3.12.14 - 1:43 PM

    Thanks, Kelly! Thank you for being a bully parent too!ReplyCancel

Let's be Pen Pals

Our Pen Pals have direct access to first looks, a peek behind-the-scenes, and exclusive interviews showcasing members of the #YBHDIY community. We can’t wait to connect with you!

Kim and Scott

We’re Kim + Scott, Chicago based content creators behind the Home + Lifestyle brand Yellow Brick Home.

Join us as we renovate and nurture vintage homes across Chicago + SW Michigan!

Instagram iconInstagram icon
Facebook iconFacebook icon
pinterest iconpinterest icon
YouTube iconYouTube icon
Tiktok iconTiktok icon
LTK iconLTK icon

LEt's be Pen Pals

Subscribe for first looks, behind-the-scenes, and exclusive community content

/* footer flodesk form */

This site uses affiliate links. We will always disclose sponsored posts in the text and by using the ‘sponsored' tag.

© 2024 Yellow Brick Home. | All Rights Reserved. | PRIVACY POLICY