Teddyâs Hide-and-Seek Reign Continues at Brick Church
The Dog Who Won Ballantyne (and the Auction Too)
By Nell Thomas | Strolling Ballantyne & The Charlotte Mercury

Ballantyneâs most beloved new resident didnât buy his homeâhe was bid on. Teddy, a 13-week-old Bernedoodle with curls like couture and charm like a Southern debutante, was the surprise star of the Ballantyne Ball Auction this February.
The gala, benefiting the Greater Charlotte Foster Care System, turned serendipitous when Veronica Dieckmann locked eyes with the hypoallergenic heartthrob. “I texted my kids and they begged me to bring him home,” she said. She did. They havenât stopped cuddling since.
Teddyâs Law: Follow, Snuggle, Repeat
Teddy settled in like a natural. With a stuffed bear as his bedtime essential and a gentle temperament that makes chamomile tea look aggressive, he quickly found his rhythm. Favorite activity? Hide and seek at Brick Church dog park. Favorite vibe? Chill.
âHeâs just… the best,â says Veronica. âHe hangs out with us in the living room like a roommate who pays rent in serotonin.â
But this isn’t just a fluff piece (pun intended). Teddy’s impact goes beyond cozy evenings. Veronicaâs three kids have stepped upâtaking on daily walks and meals. “Itâs been great to see them grow through that responsibility,” she says.






Neighborhood walks have become a parade. Teddyâs big, Bernedoodle eyes and social-butterfly energy have earned him sidewalk celebrity status. Heâs the kind of dog that people have to say hi to. His loyalty? Movie-script level. Follows his people room to room. Waits at the door like a canine concierge. Probably knows everyoneâs Amazon routine.
In a twist no one saw coming, the Dieckmann family didnât just gain a petâthey found their missing puzzle piece.
Teddy, of course, remains humble. Probably because he doesnât know heâs perfect. But we do.
đ¶ Want more heartwarming pets and charming chaos?
Check out our full archive at https://strollingballantyne.com/category/charlotte/pets
Explore our launch partner features, including:
đ At The Hop Auto Services â Because even your car deserves a glow-up.
đ§ł WanderLuxury Travel â Travel planning that rivals spa day levels of zen.
đ
Donât forget to RSVP for our May 22 Sip & Stroll event here.
đž And heyâyouâve got stories. Send them to ballantyne@strollmag.com.
đŹ Subscribe to the vibe at https://strolling-ballantyne.beehiiv.com/subscribe.
đ With coffee in one hand and a tennis ball in the other,
â Nell Thomas
Senior Writer, The Charlotte Mercury
Pet paparazzo, Ballantyne bench-sitter, and unapologetic puppuccino purchaser