This story was shared within the framework of the Fur Fam Storytelling Contest. You can submit your own story through December 5. Voting will take place from December 6 to December 31. The three grand prize winners will receive a $500 prize, plus $2000 cash and supplies for their favorite shelter. Share your story here!
What is the meaning of family? “Have someone who loves you unconditionally despite you and your shortcomings!” What better definition could you give our little boy Champ? He is a puppy saved from a dogfight.
Given his natural instincts as an Akita, a fierce protector, it seems odd that he has thrived in a family of four younger cats for less than 5 years now. His other genetic trait of loyalty and love transcends anything, and he not only has an unlikely close family, but also an extended family of 7,300 Facebook followers. , who call themselves CHAMPions and also love and help protect him! (It’s a very large family.)
Mark Twain said it best: “Everybody thinks they have the best dog and they’ll all be right.” Champ makes that quote complete. I know that certainly holds true in our family. My sister has been taking care of my mother for several years now, and she recently had emergency surgery. I had to jump right into the notification and try to handle a situation I really didn’t know about.
I took Champ with me, mainly because I couldn’t leave him alone for that long. He stepped up like the Champ he was, staying by her side, protecting her and being her protector for three days. My mom just loves that! He’s also oblivious to what we brought him in, but he treats it like family and we love him so much.
We’re so glad he’s in our family!
This story was submitted by Mike Duenke, supporter of Stray Rescue of St. Louis. To share your own submission for the Fur Fam Story Contest, click here!
