Winston.

This guy. It’s hard to say if we chose for Winston to come and be apart of our lives or if he chose to come into our lives. It was a hot summer day when I met this sweet boy. I was running around the neighborhood where my parents live in Shelby, N.C. when out of the woods shot this slim black dog with his mouth wide open and paws hitting heavy on the pavement. I stopped in my tracks to give him a better look. Eyes just staring at one another. I finally put my hand out towards him. He immediately shot back, then seconds later decided to give in and let me rub his head. White ticks hanging from his floppy ears, scabs on the backs of his legs, dirt along his back…I just kept telling myself that he had to belong to someone, because of his sweet mannerism. I gave him a pat on the head and turned to finish my run. After enduring three more miles in the summer heat; I turned to find this boy still behind me. I rubbed his head, then told him goodbye as I went inside my parent’s house. He took off and I thought, “well he’s going home now.”

Next morning, 7a.m. Running shoes are on. Open front door. Black dog with white spot on chest. “Dude,what are you doing here?”

Five miles later, side by side I decided to wash this ole boy up, remove the ticks, clean the wounds, and see if he wanted some food.

Long story short..months passed as we advertised that we had a black male lab mix if anyone was missing a dog. Neighbors informed me that he had been eating out of trashcans since the spring. We continued to advertise, took him to the Vet to check for a chip, alerted the shelter if anyone called, etc. No one ever contacted us or shared any information on previous owners. I called Jimmy; we discussed loving homes that might want Winston…nope…everyone wanted a puppy. I was becoming attached to this guy, especially after watching him play with my girl, Cleo. I brought up the idea to Jimmy of us taking him in…

Well it’s been almost three years since Winston came into our lives. He has been a blessing to our family in so many ways. He loves deep. Deep enough that he insists his face against your face while he sleeps, deep enough that he follows you everywhere; (even to the bathroom), deep enough that he kisses all over Jimmy when Jimmy says bad words about the Panthers losing, deep enough to comfort his fur sister who struggles with anxiety.

He does not and refuses to miss a day of exercise. He pushes me through every run. He never lets his pace, endurance, or energy up. He has pushed us both enough to have trained me for my first half-marathon where I actually beat my time by ten minutes.

I could go on and on about how this guy has changed our lives for the better. Have we always had the easiest of days with Winston? LAWD NO. This boy has definitely put us through some wild, disgusting, obnoxious moments; however, he makes the actual hard times better.

There are more Winstons out there. They may not be full blooded, top of the AKC line, or super intelligent canines but let me tell you that the joy they will bring to your life is immeasurable. When you are thinking about adopting a dog, then please consider adoption before buying a dog. There are more Winstons out there in rescues, shelters, roadsides who need a stable and loving home. You might find out how much you need them.