Amelia and Adam Chaikin always wanted a big family, but only managed to have a daughter they named Lydia thanks to a novel Amelia read early in her pregnancy. Adam had his reservations, they had been planning to name their little girl Ruth after his beloved grandmother, but figured a middle name would be just as fitting of a tribute, mostly because he rarely fought with his wife about anything and certainly wasn't going to after she spent nearly a whole day in labor. After a few more years of trying to conceive a (hopefully male) sibling for her to no avail, they accepted their fate and poured even more of their hopes onto the daughter they already doted on, knowing she was their only shot to get it right.

She proved to be a friendly child. The sort who craved attention from her parents, other children and even adults she'd randomly strike up conversation with over the course of the day no matter how many heart attacks it gave to her mom who tried to instill caution about approaching strangers. In truth, she would have liked the sibling her parents tried so hard to give her. She absolutely loathed being an only child and often felt lonely, longing for a playmate. Or at the very least someone, anyone to talk to. So when it came time to start school, Lyddie seized her chance to finally be around other children, often being scolded for focusing on socializing rather than her schoolwork though teachers often remarked that she had a wonderful way of getting along with most of her peers and often times, making them feel included. She knew how terrible it felt to be lonely, after all.

Sensing their daughter longed for companionship, they bought her the first of many pets on her fifth birthday and it was the beginning of a lifelong love affair with animals. Though very loving parents, the Chaikins couldn't help but be slightly disappointed that their daughter didn't seem to excell in school. Her grades were nothing if not average and nowhere near the excellence they hoped for so that their daughter could get into a good college. They often wondered if Lydia might be creative instead, something not exactly as good as top marks in their minds, but at least worth something when it came time to brag about their daughter at temple. Her parents weren't the only ones who weren't worried about her finding her niche, but ever optimistic and determined to go with the flow, she figured her lightbulb moment would come in time.

Her mom and dad were upset Lyddie didn't go to college, but figured they would give her some time off to find her footing. But by the time she turned 20, they were fed up and gave her an ultimatium: either go to school or make a go of it on her own. Though intially hurt by this, it was the kick in the pants Lyddie needed. She's been a vetrinary assistant for a little over a year now and though her parents are still not entirely pleased with her career path, they are placated and proud of their daughter for finally going out on her own.