Having a rescue dog at home means having a loyal friend for life!
When Graham and Skip Fellers of Asheville, North Carolina decided to open their home to Dime in 2014, they had no idea that this dog would become his entire life!
Now that his painful past is behind him, Daim is ready to open his heart and soul to his feet and start a beautiful life together. But at some point, the couple discovers a heartbreaking secret about their beloved dog…
Dime is a gentle giant
Dog sitting on the beach on a leash
Dime spent the first three months of his life in a dumpster with other dogs in Atlanta, Georgia. One day his father and his dog jumped the fence and he found refuge in the home of a big-hearted woman.
A few days later, Graham contacted Fellers about his friend Dime in Atlanta. She wanted to know if anyone close wanted to adopt Deem, and Graham jumped right in!
She immediately fell in love with this handsome boy. In just a few days, Dime found her perfect new home!
two dogs hugging
Graham and his wife Skip were so excited to welcome this dog into their loving home. The couple lived in the mountains and had a spacious house that Dime loved.
Although he was shy in the early months, his gentle personality gradually revealed itself. Despite his rapid growth into a giant, Dime was the kindest and most adorable love bug!
In 2020, the couple adopted another dog, an American bully named Porky Pig. Even though they didn’t look 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!
