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, little did they know that the dog would become their whole life!
With his rough past behind, Dime opened his heart and soul to his pawrents, ready to embark on a beautiful life journey together. However, somewhere along the path, the couple discovered a heartbreaking secret about their loving dog…
Dime – A Gentle Giant
Dime lived the first three months of his life outside in a junkyard in Atlanta, Georgia, with a bunch of other dogs. One day, he and his doggo dad jumped the fence, and he ended up finding refuge at one giant-hearted woman’s home.
Only a few days later, Graham Fellers was contacted by his Atlanta friend about Dime. She wanted to know if anybody around him wanted to adopt Dime, and Graham immediately sprung into action!
He fell in love with this handsome boi right off the bat. And, within just days, Dime found the pawfect new home!
Graham and his wife, Skip, were so happy to welcome this dog into their loving home. The couple lived in the mountains and had plenty of space, which Dime loved.
He was shy during the first couple of months, but eventually, his gentle personality kicked in. Despite his fast growth and the fact that he turned into a giant, Dime was nothing but the kindest, sweetest lovebug!
In 2020, the couple adopted another dog, an American Bully who they named Pork Roll. Even though he was nothing like Dime, the two immediately formed a special bond.
Unlike his older brother, Pork Roll was a goofy pup who had his own way, making Skip and Graham entertained at all times!
“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 a blast together! Despite their differences, the dogs were extremely bonded. They had wonderful play sessions outside, went on walks together, and even slept cuddled up next to each other.
Still, Dime’s favorite person in the world is his dad. He is very attached to him, and it is safe to say that the two have their own little world together!
A Heartbreaking Surprise
Years into his life with the Fellers family, Dime’s owners started noticing something strange. Dime was favoring one of his feet more than usual. He had trouble moving as easily as he used to, so the couple decided to subject him to a vet exam.
Sadly, after almost nine wonderful years, he was diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy, a progressive disease that affected Dime’s spinal cord. The disease affected his mobility, resulting in hind-leg weakness and progressive numbness.
Graham and Skip did everything they could to make Dime’s life easier.
For the first few months, all he needed was a little support during his walks, so his dad came up with an idea. He made his boi a specially-designed harness that supported his hind legs during the walks.
The couple also got Dime a wheelchair that helped him walk independently. Sometimes, his little brother, Porkie, tugs the wheelchair during the walks to help Dime walk easier.
Despite his progressing condition, Dime never lost his sparkle. He accepted his life without a problem, and now, even though he lives by a certain set of new rules, he still seems so happy 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.
His family makes sure to make him feel included in everything. Together with Pork Roll, Dime enjoys every second in the mountains.
He still goes on walks with his dad, has long cuddle sessions on the couch, and has some of the best treats for being such a good boi!
Graham and Skip are grateful for having Dime around, and they know that his disease is nothing but a speed bump along the way!