Saying goodbye Please share this post in memory of Cheeno to raise awareness for Bully breeds As some of you may know, I am proud bully breed Momma. I have a boxer and pitbull that adds life to our family. They have been my rock, my protection, my best friends. My children love them, adore them, cherish them. I have had my ups and downs owning dogs that look mean and scary. People judged my ability to parent, questioned my character, judged me as a person, a mother, and a dog owner, for choosing to have such large, intimidating dogs. While others just got it. They knew a dog is only as good as its owner. A bad owner can lead the best dog astray. Regardless of breed. About a year and a half ago, we had rescued this tiny little 4 pound dog that someone had abandoned. My 100 lb boxer loved having her here. He was over joyed. the kids loved having her as well. She was still a puppy though, and I did not have time to train her. I found her a loving home and thought that was that. I returned home to find my big tough boxer moping around the house. He missed her! So did the kids. I felt some regret but knew I did the right thing for her. A week later, My friends Jane and Andrew messaged me on Facebook, desperate to find a home for their aging Pitbull, Cheeno. They were moving and he could not come. Circumstances were beyond their control. They had contacted no kill rescues, but because of his age and breed, the outcome was bleak. Bring him to me... I didnt even have to think about it. That night, they arrived. I waited outside with my Boxer, Harley, as they brought this sweet, timid, shy little creature out of their SUV. The first few minutes they sniffed, and then my boxer decided he needed to show this guy who runs things, and flipped him on the ground. oh no, this is NOT going to work I said. Andrew said just give them a minute.. Cheeno laid on the ground, fully submissive, aware this wasnt his home. Yet. They slept together the very first night. They snuggled on my couch like they had known each other forever! Pretty soon we got into a routine, both dogs happily following along. The pitbull took a liking to my daughter Charley, 6 years old. He became her secret keeper, her teddy bear, her best friend. He taught her how to be calm when you want to jump all over EVERYTHING, he taught her compassion, he taught her love. We have had so many good times, so many laughs, tears, and hugs. When my brother passed away suddenly a few months ago, I kenneled the dogs to go to his funeral in Nova Scotia. When I returned, he was so happy to see me, he peed himself!! he could NOT keep still. we got home that night and I cried. I missed home, my family, and my brother. Cheeno never left my side. He pushed himself into my lap and he stayed. He didnt want to be petted, scratched, fed. He just wanted to fix me. A few weeks ago, my old guys pace started to slow. He was going blind, barely eating, arthritis had taken over, and cancer set in. As time went on he lost control of his bodily functions, lost all sense of sight and smell, and had to be hand fed because of this. I did it all without question. I knew his time was coming though, and fast I told the kids Saturday night that it was time. Cheeno had loved all of us for so long, his previous family and mine, and it was time to return that love and do what is right. He was tired, he was in pain, and he needed to cross to rainbow bridge. I called the vet that night and made an appointment for the next morning. He would come to my home, something he rarely did, so that my old boy could spend his last moments with all of us. That night, me and the kids said our goodbyes, we snuggled, told stories, loved him and hugged him, kissed him, talked to him. I took some photos. Morning came and we were all pretty reluctant to start our day, knowing what was to come. The vet arrived and we all broke down. I held my boy in my arms and told him how much I loved him. My boxer laid by his side and licked his sweet face. The kids hugged, and cried, and said goodbye. It was over fairly quick. He went peacefully, with no pain. His job here was done. We miss him terribly. Harley looks for him and cries for him. The kids cry, I cry. He left an emptiness. Sure, people will say he was just a dog. And youre right. He was a dog. He was also our best friend. I will never have another dog like him. And if the world had of met Cheeno, the stigma surrounding pitbulls would be non existent.. He was JUST that awesome. We will never forget you, we will always love you, and we will never stop missing you. We love you old boy. Please hug your doggies a little tighter tonight. Thank you Cheeno, for all the love you gave. Thank you Jane Henwood and Andrew Henwood for giving us this time with your boy. #pitbull #dontbullymybreed — with Andrew Henwood and 8 others. (13 photos)
Posted on: Fri, 28 Nov 2014 09:29:51 +0000