Conducting Joy, One Pawprint at a Time
At Ensemble Financial Strategies, we believe every relationship has its own rhythm — and sometimes that rhythm includes a playful grace note. You’ve found ours. Consider this our “easter egg,” a brief moment where we step out of planning and share something more personal.
Behind the scenes, our advisors are joined at times by a few unofficial team members — the four-legged companions who wander into video calls and remind us that even the most disciplined financial life needs lighter measures. They may have skipped professional grooming for their debut, but they still earned unanimous approval to stay part of our ensemble — and we thought you’d enjoy meeting them.
Ensemble’s Furry Harmonizers
Giraffe
Meet Giraffe, the Charlotte branch’s Chief of Security. After it was discovered that he was more interested in napping than patrolling just weeks after a fresh haircut, we implemented a strict ponytail policy for all security personnel.
When off duty, Giraffe enjoys long strolls on the Charlotte Greenways, crashing Goodman family BBQs, stealing the spotlight, and soliciting anyone bold enough to let him chase them.
Ever dream of being chased by a giraffe? He’s got an approved outside business activity for those requests. Just make sure to bring your A-game—and your running shoes.
Jeter & Kobe (Seana’s Doggos)
Jeter (Left) – Jeter likes to think he’s the man of the house—and he acts like it, too. Whether he’s dramatically barking at the mail truck, blocking the doorway like a bouncer, or “supervising” every move you make, he fully believes he’s in charge around here. That is, until a new person walks in… then it’s nothing but tail wags, kisses, and full-blown cuddles. Jeter lives for walks (as long as he remains the center of attention), thrives on wrestling sessions at the least appropriate times, and proudly carries around his Pups Blue Ribbon like it’s a medal of honor. He’s got a big personality, a bigger heart, and absolutely no concept of personal space. Tough guy? Maybe. Giant teddy bear? Definitely.
Kobe (Right) – Kobe is the resident baby boy, professional cuddler, and softest soul in the house—emotionally and literally. He has never met a lap he didn’t want to sit on or a toy he didn’t think needed to be always carried around. He spends most of his day subtly (or not so subtly) reminding everyone that he should be the favorite. His facial expressions could star in their own sitcom, and his happy place is in the yard, chasing bubbles like it’s an Olympic sport. While Jeter is all about being the alpha, Kobe’s content being the lovable little brother with the biggest heart and the best snuggles. If you’re ever having a bad day, Kobe’s solution is simple: sit down, he’s coming to fix it—with a slobbery toy and a face you can’t say no to.
Lacie, Smokey & Dusty (Diane’s Feline Trio)
Lacie – Part Norwegian Forest cat, part pet dog, official greeter. Never met a stranger. Never met a piece of heavy equipment she wouldn’t try to operate. Neighborhood celebrity. Expert at tripping ring cameras.
Smokey – Pretty boy and Lacie’s partner in crime in an attempted theft of an excavator. Fur resembles a wooly bear caterpillar. It seems to predict a harsh winter. Rescued with his brother, Dusty, at 2 weeks of age and bottle fed around the clock for a week.
Dusty – The Little One, Halloween Cat, mamma’s boy, fierce protector of the homestead from evil interlopers, aka stray cats. Skilled hunter of frogs and lizards. Learned how to get down the stairs by rolling, courtesy of Lacie.
Gracie Girl
The furriest member of the Curry household. She is a two-year-old GoldenDoodle that is very proud of her cinnamon fur coat. She poses for pictures more than a movie star and always must be the center of attention. We recognized her affinity towards billiards, so we appointed her as “Keeper of the 8-Ball.”
As almost empty nesters, Kelly and Tom wanted a girl in the house after raising three boys. She loves tug of war, eating paper products, chasing birds, protecting the home from small children walking by, snuggling with her humans and being precious.
Domino, Ginger & Pongo (Denise’s Kitty Trio)
Domino (Middle) – Domino, the OGC (Original Gangster Cat). When Domino was a kitten he would knock over everything, hence his name. He is a protector, king of the house, cream cheese & ice cream loving kitty. You can always find him a few feet away watching over Denise and his domain.
Ginger (Left) – Ginger is Denise’s family tortie. She is full of tortitude. She was found in a storm drain during Hurricane Matthew and was so small and scared and now she is sassy and Queen of the Kingdom. She loves to talk, bird watch and snuggle. She is a beautiful combination of fall colors and loves to play.
Pongo (Right) – Pongo is Denise’s monster tuxedo. Named for 101 Dalmatians he is both regal and huge. Big Boy as we sometimes call him, but the biggest scaredy cat in the world. He spends most of his day sleeping in his favorite hiding places. But at night it is party, party, party. He loves snuggling, playing with toys and being the night watchman.
