Bringing a rescue dog into your life often means gaining a companion whose loyalty runs deep.
When Graham and Skip Fellers, a couple living in Asheville, North Carolina, decided to adopt Dime, they couldn’t have imagined how central he would become to their world.
Dime left behind a difficult past and gave his whole heart to his new family, ready to embrace a life filled with love. But as time passed, Graham and Skip uncovered something about their beloved dog that would reshape their journey together.
From Junkyard To Mountain Home
Dime’s earliest months were spent in a junkyard in Atlanta, Georgia, where he lived outdoors among a group of other dogs. One day, he and his dog father managed to escape the fenced yard, and Dime eventually found refuge with a kind woman.
Soon after, Graham received a call from a friend in Atlanta asking if he knew someone who could take in Dime.
Graham didn’t hesitate. He was immediately drawn to the pup, and within days, Dime had a new home.
Graham and Skip were thrilled to welcome him. Their mountain property offered wide open spaces, which Dime quickly grew to love.
Though timid at first, his gentle personality soon emerged. Even as he grew into a large dog, Dime remained soft-hearted and affectionate.
Later, the couple added another dog to their family, a playful American Bully named Pork Roll. Though very different in temperament, the two dogs bonded quickly.
Pork Roll brought a burst of energy and humor to the household.
“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.
Together, the dogs enjoyed outdoor adventures, daily walks, and cozy evenings curled up with their humans. But Dime’s strongest connection remained with his dad, Graham. Their bond was deep and unwavering.
A Diagnosis That Changed Their Path
Years into their life together, Graham and Skip began noticing changes in Dime’s movement. He started favoring one leg and struggled with mobility. Concerned, they took him to the vet.
After nearly nine years of cherished memories, they received the diagnosis: degenerative myelopathy. This progressive spinal condition causes weakness and numbness in the hind legs.
Determined to support him, Graham and Skip did everything they could to ease his discomfort. Graham built a custom harness to help Dime walk.
ater, they acquired a wheelchair so Dime could move independently. Sometimes, Pork Roll would even tug the wheelchair to help his brother along.
Despite the challenges, Dime remained upbeat and adapted to his new routine. Even with added care, his spirit never dimmed.
“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.
Graham and Skip make sure Dime is always part of their adventures. Whether hiking with Pork Roll, relaxing on the couch, or enjoying special treats, his days are still filled with joy.
For his family, the diagnosis is just one part of the journey. Their love for Dime remains the foundation of the life they continue to build together.