Having a rescue dog in your home means having a loyal friend for a lifetime! When Graham and Skip Fellers from Asheville, North Carolina, opened their hearts to Dime, they had no idea he would become the center of their lives.
With a rough past behind him, Dime was ready to embrace a beautiful journey with his new pawrents. However, during this path, they uncovered a heartbreaking secret about their beloved dog…
Dime – A Gentle Giant
Dime’s early life was spent outside in a junkyard in Atlanta, Georgia, along with other dogs. One day, he and his dog dad managed to jump the fence, ultimately finding refuge with an incredibly kind woman.
Shortly thereafter, Graham was contacted by this woman, asking if he would consider adopting Dime. Instantly smitten, Graham wasted no time. Within days, Dime had found his forever home!
Graham and Skip were overjoyed to welcome Dime into their loving home. Living in the mountains provided ample space for Dime, who loved exploring. Initially shy, he soon revealed his gentle personality, transforming into a kind and sweet lovebug despite his impressive size.
In 2020, the couple adopted another dog, an American Bully named Pork Roll. While different in personality, Dime and Pork Roll formed an immediate bond.
Unlike the more serious Dime, Pork Roll was a goofy pup who constantly entertained Graham and Skip. “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 shared on Instagram.
The bond between Pork Roll and Dime was incredible. Despite their differences, they enjoyed delightful play sessions outdoors, went for walks together, and even cuddled up during nap time. However, it was clear that Dime held a special place in his dad’s heart, forming their own little world.
A Heartbreaking Surprise
Years into Dime’s life with the Fellers, they noticed he was favoring one of his feet and struggling with mobility. Concerned, they took him for a veterinary exam, and the diagnosis was heart-wrenching: degenerative myelopathy, a progressive disease affecting his spinal cord, causing hind-leg weakness and numbness.
Determined to provide Dime with the best care, Graham and Skip devised various ways to ease his life. Initially, he needed just a little support while walking, so Graham crafted a special harness to support Dime’s hind legs.
The couple later provided Dime with a wheelchair to facilitate independent walking. Occasionally, his little brother, Pork Roll, would tug on the wheelchair during walks to assist Dime.
Despite his progressing condition, Dime retained his vibrant spirit. Embracing his new life, he adapts well to the changes while remaining joyful 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 wrote on Instagram.
Dime’s family continues to ensure he feels included. Alongside Pork Roll, he savors every moment spent in the mountains, enjoys walks with his dad, indulges in long cuddle sessions on the couch, and relishes the best treats for being such a good boy!
Grateful for Dime’s presence in their lives, Graham and Skip understand that Dime’s disease is merely a speed bump on their journey together!
