Until you adopt your first pet, you don’t realise how special it feels to have a constant companion. In 2013, John found his constant. Kimberly and Patrick, a couple, had just adopted the cutest little puppy, June. While they were settling down in the home they recently bought, something strange happened. A large, injured dog suddenly appeared on their street.
The red visible rope burns on his skin, cigarette scars, and ears full of blood made it clear that he had been badly treated and was in great pain. The dog did not even have a collar, so they could not expect an owner to arrive. Despite being injured, the dog approaches Kimberly with a big smile that could melt any heart.
The couple had no option other than bringing him home, although it was a significant risk, especially if it was a stray. The couple knew that no such shelters or organizations could rescue and treat the dog; thus, the plan was to nurse him back to health and find him a loving home.
However, when the dog was taken to the vet, the doctor broke the heartbreaking news that it had been diagnosed with heartworms. The treatment was costly, but if not treated, it could also be fatal.
The chances of him getting adopted were low with the condition. The couple decided not to let it free and leave, as the doctor, who is more of an angel, Dr. Billy, offered to treat him for free, and after the treatment was complete, John was officially a part of the family!
Being a stray, John was not trained and gave the family a hard time in the beginning as his habit of chewing remotes and furniture left marks, and not just that, he even peed on the furniture at times. The day he jumped out of the window, there was chaos in the house! But the dog and the family bond were built in no time. Everyone loved him, especially baby Riley. Not just this June, the puppy also loved John, and their bond resembled an old couple. It was adorable!
The couple soon welcomed a new member to the family, a daughter whom they named Georgia. They feared how the dogs would react to the new baby, especially John, but John adored and protected her all the time when the baby arrived. He checked the baby’s pulse on the monitor, only went out of the room for potty breaks, and even slept beside the baby’s bed.
Over time, John learned skills and became the most lovable dog in the house. People outside loved him, too. He always welcomed people with a wagging tail and was there to snuggle Kimberly on her lows. If treated right, a dog becomes your protector and your best friend.
With their increasing love of dogs, the couple thought it was the perfect time to welcome a new pup, Dolly. John became Dolly’s mentor and taught him everything he had learned since becoming part of the family. However, the bond didn’t last long.
One day, while John played outside, he lay down in the yard and suddenly had no energy to get back up. Patrick picked him up to bring him inside, and at that moment, John lay beside Georgia’s bed. The declining energy and health made it clear that it was time to visit the vet, where the doctor confirmed a ruptured tumor.
Nothing could be done, as the surgery was risky; thus, it was time to bid John farewell. Kimberly held her close, and while it was time to let go, the nine beautiful years they had spent together constantly replayed in her head.
He was not just a dog but a member of the family, a member who protected and loved everyone!
