Meet Rob Williams and Jonesy

Rob Williams, an entrepreneur and political blog writer, has been a dog park regular for the past several years, ever since his daughter first brought Jonesy home.

“My daughter knew someone who was leaving the country to go and climb the Himalayas,” said Williams. “He needed someone to take his Chinese Shar Pei, and she just showed up with him one day. I knew that I would eventually be the one taking care of him.”

Jonesy has become an important part of Williams’ life over the years. Williams reminisced how his dog helped him through some difficult times, especially when his mother passed away.

“Jonesy is such an intuitive dog. If there’s ever anything wrong, or if I’m feeling really down, he’ll stay by my side and look into my eyes, as if to say, "it’s going to be okay." I think part of his understanding is due to his rare breed,” said Williams.

Williams, originally from California, has lived and worked in several cities across the U.S. for the better part of 20 years. Northeast Cobb is where he currently calls home.

“My daughter and granddaughter live in Northeast Cobb, and I’ve really grown to love the area. I’ve made some incredible friends, and the people that live around here have such great character and are so willing to help others on a personal level,” he said.

Williams knows this first hand. The Northeast Cobb house he owned foreclosed not so long ago. He is currently living with friends he met at the dog park.

Williams said that in Georgia, all the mortgage company has to do is run a "for sale" ad four times in the local newspaper, and they can sell your house out from under you. He didn't know about the foreclosure until the house was sold.

“My friends have been a godsend to me," he said.

Williams' future plans include working with Sunrise Senior Living to develop in-house communication rooms for seniors. “The seniors living in assisted communities aren’t very familiar with today’s computerized technology. Instead of only being able to contact with loved ones by phone, they will have access to live video chats, as well as being able to receive e-mail family photos and other types of more personal communications.”

Be sure to visit the leash-free dog park to spend time outdoors and meet new friends. Who knows, you could be our next “citizen of the week."