A Rescue Dog’s Second Chance at Life
Adopting a rescue dog offers the promise of a loyal companion for life. When Graham and Skip Fellers from Asheville, North Carolina, welcomed Dime into their home, they had no idea the profound impact this gentle giant would have on their lives. Dime’s past was rough, but he embraced his new family with an open heart, ready to begin a new chapter. However, their journey together would reveal a heartbreaking secret about Dime’s health.
From Junkyard to Mountain Home
Dime spent the first three months of his life in a junkyard in Atlanta, Georgia, living with other dogs. One day, he and his father escaped the junkyard, leading him to the home of a kind woman. Through a friend in Atlanta, Graham learned about Dime and immediately felt a connection. Within days, Dime found his perfect forever home with Graham and Skip in the mountains of North Carolina. The couple’s spacious property provided Dime with plenty of room to roam and explore. Initially shy, Dime soon revealed his gentle and loving personality. Despite growing into a large dog, he remained incredibly kind and sweet. In 2020, the Fellers family adopted another dog, an American Bully named Pork Roll. Despite their contrasting personalities, Dime and Pork Roll quickly formed a strong bond, enjoying playful sessions, walks, and cozy naps together. Dime, however, shared a particularly special connection with his dad, Graham.
A Heartbreaking Diagnosis and Adaptations for a New Reality
Years into his life with the Fellers family, they noticed Dime favoring one of his feet and experiencing increasing difficulty with mobility. A veterinary examination revealed a devastating diagnosis: degenerative myelopathy, a progressive disease affecting Dime’s spinal cord. This condition caused hind-leg weakness and progressive numbness, significantly impacting his ability to move. Graham and Skip were determined to support Dime through this challenging time. Initially, Dime required only slight assistance during walks, prompting Graham to create a specially designed harness to support his hind legs. As the disease progressed, they acquired a wheelchair for Dime, allowing him to maintain his independence. Even Pork Roll contributed by sometimes tugging on the wheelchair to assist Dime during walks.
Living Life to the Fullest Despite Adversity
Despite the challenges posed by his condition, Dime never lost his joyful spirit. He adapted to his new reality with remarkable resilience and continued to enjoy life with his family. The Fellers family ensured that Dime remained an active part of their lives, including him in various activities such as baseball games, national park visits, backpacking trips, restaurant outings, and trips to both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. He continued to enjoy walks with Graham, cuddles on the couch, and his favorite treats. Graham and Skip cherished every moment with Dime, viewing his disease as merely a “speed bump” in their shared journey. Dime’s story is a powerful reminder of the deep bond between humans and their canine companions and the importance of adapting and providing unwavering support in the face of adversity.
