It would not be an exaggeration to say that our love of dogs has played a large part in the story of Auto Glass Express. We first met Elver, our future business partner, because of the sweet Bichon Frise who followed him around at the local glass warehouse. Koki was by Elver’s side for 18 years, hanging out in the truck or wandering near customer’s vehicles as he worked on auto glass.
For a person who grew up in war-torn El Salvador, where dogs were either pests or rabid protectors, the deep love Elver had for Koki (and vice versa) was not something he could have predicted. Koki was one of the smartest dogs I ever met, and would howl on command: “Como hace el lobo?”
Toward the end of his life Koki had hip problems, so Elver built him a ramp so he could climb into the truck. His eyesight and hearing were diminishing quickly, but he still had an incredible sense of smell and could tell if someone he begrudged was walking by.
For several years after Koki died Elver was too heartbroken to adopt another dog. But when Damaris (an employee of 5 years) rescued a Bichon Frise from an abusive family, it was clear Elver fell in love again. He brought Luna treats and started taking her home on weekends, always bringing her back freshly bathed. Whenever she was at the shop Luna would search for Elver. It soon became clear that Luna was Elver’s new sidekick.
While Damaris misses Luna, she knows this sweet dog has a better life with Elver’s family, who run around with her and give her the exercise she needs.
These days if you visit our shop you’ll notice the dog gate but likely no dogs. The mechanic with the black schnauzer has retired, and my maltese-poodle has been at home since the start of the pandemic, keeping my teenagers company. So while these days there may not be a dog at Auto Glass Express to greet you, know that the love we all have for dogs is part of what bonds us as a team.
Truly that dog is a man’s best friend.