Welcoming a rescue dog into your home means gaining a loyal companion for life!
When Graham and Skip from Asheville, North Carolina, decided to bring Dime into their family, they had no idea just how much he would change their lives. From the moment they met him, it was clear that Dime was special.
With a difficult past behind him, Dime opened his heart to his new family, ready to start a beautiful journey together. However, along the way, they discovered a heartbreaking truth about their beloved dog…
Dime – A Gentle Giant
Dime spent the first three months of his life in a junkyard in Atlanta, Georgia, with other dogs. One day, he and his father escaped, and he ended up finding a temporary haven with a kind-hearted woman.
Shortly after, Graham received a call from his friend in Atlanta about Dime. She wanted to find a forever home for him, and Graham immediately took action!
He was smitten with Dime from the start, and within days, Dime found his perfect new home!
Graham and Skip were overjoyed to welcome Dime into their loving home. Living in the mountains, they had plenty of space for Dime to explore and enjoy.
Initially shy, Dime’s gentle nature soon emerged. Despite his rapid growth into a giant, he was always the sweetest and kindest dog!
In 2020, the couple adopted another dog, an American Bully named Pork Roll. Although different from Dime, the two formed an instant bond.
Pork Roll, a goofy and playful pup, kept Skip and Graham entertained with his antics!
“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 will get his way,” Skip wrote on Instagram.
Pork Roll and Dime had an incredible time together! Despite their differences, they were inseparable, enjoying outdoor play sessions, walks, and cuddling up at night.
However, Dime’s favorite person was always his dad. Their bond was unbreakable, and they shared a unique connection.
A Heartbreaking Surprise
Years into their life together, Graham and Skip noticed something unusual about Dime. He started favoring one of his feet and had trouble moving as easily as before, prompting a vet visit.
Tragically, after nearly nine wonderful years, Dime was diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy, a progressive disease affecting his spinal cord and hind-leg mobility.
Graham and Skip did everything possible to ease Dime’s life.
Initially, he just needed some support during walks, so his dad created a special harness to assist his hind legs.
The couple also got Dime a wheelchair, allowing him to walk independently. Sometimes, his little brother, Pork Roll, would help by tugging the wheelchair during walks.
Despite his condition, Dime never lost his spirit. He adapted to his new lifestyle and continued to be happy with 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.
His family ensures he feels included in all activities. Together with Pork Roll, Dime cherishes every moment in the mountains.
He still enjoys walks with his dad, long cuddle sessions on the couch, and delicious treats for being such a good boy!
Graham and Skip are thankful for every moment with Dime, viewing his disease as just a small obstacle on their journey together.
ezekielillusionist
Such a touching story, but also so sad. It’s a reminder to cherish every moment with our furry friends.
haleywhisperer9
That picture of Dime and Pork Roll together is just too cute! 😍
whiskey
Wow, what an incredible journey. I can’t believe what Dime has been through. How’s Pork Roll adjusting to all this?
lillian4
This made me cry a little! I hope Dime is doing okay with his wheelchair. Sending love!
HarperFatespeaker
It’s so inspiring to see how much love they have for Dime. Thank you for sharing this heartfelt story!
rosiedestiny
Oh no, poor Dime! 😢 How are Graham and Skip holding up?