Courtesy of Kimberly Minor
As you know, there are amazing and heartwarming stories about animals on the Internet. We are going to share one with you.
On a hot summer day in 2013, John found them. Out on their porch, Patrick yelled for his wife, Kimberly, to come out. She walked out and saw a huge red dog wandering in their street. She called for him, and he ran right up to her like a movie, smiling.
Permanent cigarette burns marked his nose and his ears boreholes.
Already, Patricl and Kimberly had June, a tiny puppy of 8 weeks. Nevertheless, Kimberly Minor could not abandon him. With no rescues available and knowing a shelter might euthanize him, they decided to clean him up and then search for a suitable home.
Courtesy of Kimberly Minor
It was apparent he had never been in a home. They named him ‘John’, just like Johnny Cash and June Carter.
During the vetting process, they discovered John had heartworm, a potentially fatal condition—the costly treatment done by Dr. Billy Watts free of charge. After successful treatment, they kept John.
Courtesy of Kimberly Minor
When Riley stayed with them John acted as a devoted babysitter, doing nightly laps to check on sleeping Riley. They became best friends, and Riley believed him the most faithful dog he had ever known.
Courtesy of Kimberly Minor
John and June became even closer and always together in their new home. He calmed her, and she gave him love, and they became like an old married couple.
When Kimberly gave birth to Georgia, they hesitated to bring her home. They have heard horror stories of family dogs turning on new babies. They were not sure how to react. John climbed onto the couch the first night and stuck his nose into the bassinet. He was in love at first sniff.
Courtesy of Kimberly Minor
Courtesy of Kimberly Minor
Georgia was his girl. And John was her good boy. John slept beside her every night until Pat came home from work. John was her shadow in every picture he took. John loved her so much.
Courtesy of Kimberly Minor
Even though the boys had turned into isolated teens, he sat outside their bedroom or the playroom. He loved it so much that he could not control it.
They joked that if a thief ever came in, John would wag his tail and ask them to pet him. And every person who ever met him fell in love with him. John was kind and loving. He was loyal beyond words and protective. Despite his vast body, John had a certain gentle way about him. He seemed to know immediately what your heart needed.
Kimberly Minor said that John was always aware of what she needed. For example, if Kimberly cried, John would run to her. If she yelled, John showed up upset. Moreover, John used to sleep at her feet every night. John used to follow Kimberly into the bathroom.
Sounds amazing, huh?
Furthermore, John would get mad at Patrick if he was too playful with Kimberly.
Courtesy of Kimberly Minor
According to Kimberly, he was the definition of a good boy. The perfect dog. . Despite initial concerns from friends about his breed, he turned out to be the nanny dog, always watching over Georgia. He welcomed the boys lying on top of him, enjoyed hugs, and loved to give kisses. As he aged, he became Kimberly’s sweet old man.
Introducing Dolly into their lives brings chaos, especially for June, who is not fond of new dogs. However, a distressing thought arises when Kimberly sees John teaching Dolly how to play and where to sniff. Kimberly began to wonder if John was aware of his nearing end and was preparing Dolly to be his replacement. It was so sad to think of his forthcoming departure.
Courtesy of Kimberly Minor
One night, John, in obvious pain, went to a corner of the yard and remained there for hours. Pat soon brought him inside, but instead of seeking a comfortable resting place, he went straight to Georgia’s room and lay next to her bed. Concerned, Kimberly asked for help in getting him to the car, and he vomited. The vet revealed that John had a cracked tumor in his abdomen, and despite catching it early, the only option was a risky surgery with a low chance of survival. Even if successful, the aggressive cancer would give him only six months to live.
Kimberly felt like it was her dad all over again.
She was not ready. It was too soon. But she thought John knew she was improving and that Georgia would have Dolly to look after her. And the boys are grown now, and his job was done.
Courtesy of Kimberly Minor
Kimberly remembered John had not been awake for long when they brought him home. Despite his weakness, he managed to lift his head and rest it on her arm. She reassured him that John was a good boy and they would be okay. Sensing his fatigue, she asked if he was tired, and he rolled on his side, beginning to snore. Kimberly knew it was time.
She acknowledged that, to some, he might be ‘just a dog,’ but to them, he was a cherished family member for nine years. He was present at every Christmas, comforting them during tears, caring for their babies, and welcoming every guest. As the older dog in ‘Homeward Bound,’ he led, taught, and exemplified how a dog should behave. He had chosen them, and they had done everything to ensure he lived a fantastic life.
He was more than an animal or a dog; his absence is deeply felt. The tears seem endless for Kimberly, especially when breaking the news to Georgia that their ever-present guardian would not be with them anymore.
Courtesy of Kimberly Minor