Having a rescue dog in your home means having a loyal friend for a lifetime! When Graham and Skip Fellers from Asheville, North Carolina, decided to open their home to Dime, they could hardly imagine the profound impact he would have on their lives. With a troubling past behind him, Dime blossomed into their loving companion, ready to embark on a beautiful journey together. However, as time unfolded, the couple discovered a heartbreaking secret about their beloved dog…
Dime – A Gentle Giant
Dime lived the first three months of his life outside in a junkyard in Atlanta, Georgia, along with several other dogs. One day, he and his dog dad jumped the fence, leading them to a kind woman’s home that would eventually change his fate. A few days later, Graham was contacted by a friend in Atlanta about Dime and whether anyone would want to adopt him. Graham immediately took action, fell in love with Dime at first sight, and within days, Dime found his perfect forever home!
Graham and Skip were thrilled to welcome Dime into their loving home in the mountains, where he thrived in the space. Although initially shy, Dime’s gentle nature soon emerged. Despite his rapid growth into a giant, he remained the sweetest lovebug! In 2020, the couple adopted another dog, an American Bully named Pork Roll. Even though they were different in temperament, an immediate bond formed.
While Dime was calm and gentle, Pork Roll was an energetic and goofy pup, keeping Graham and Skip entertained constantly. “He either has the energy of a Tasmanian devil or he’s napping for 6 hours after his breakfast. He’s stubborn, playful, goofy, and ALWAYS gets his way,” Skip expressed on Instagram. The two dogs enjoyed a delightful companionship, playing together outside, going on walks, and snuggling up next to each other during sleep. Still, Dime’s favorite person was undoubtedly his dad, with whom he shared a special bond.
A Heartbreaking Surprise
Years into his life with the Fellers family, Dime’s owners began noticing unusual changes; he was favoring one foot and struggling with his mobility. After a vet examination, the devastating news arrived. After nearly nine wonderful years, he was diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy, a progressive disease affecting his spinal cord, leading to mobility issues and weakness in his hind legs.
In response, Graham and Skip took various steps to enhance Dime’s quality of life. Initially, he needed some support on his walks, so his dad created a custom harness to support his hind legs.
The couple also secured a wheelchair for Dime, allowing him to walk independently; at times, his little brother Pork Roll even helps tug the wheelchair during walks. Despite his advancing condition, Dime has not lost his joyful spirit. He accepted his new way of life and, although adjustments were necessary, he continues to radiate happiness around his family.
“Dime has lived the most full life with us. He’s been to baseball games, national parks, backpacking trips, hundreds of restaurant patios, the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Ocean, and countless hikes all over,” his momma shared on Instagram.
Graham and Skip ensure Dime feels included in every moment of life with them. Along with Pork Roll, Dime enjoys the splendors of the mountains, still takes walks with his dad, snuggles for long periods on the couch, and receives delicious treats for being such a good boy! The couple is incredibly grateful for Dime’s presence, knowing that his diagnosis is merely a speed bump on their journey together!
