I knew he was destined to be mine the instant I went into the shelter and saw him—a 4-month-old Great Pyrenees who was missing an eye and a paw. I was drowning at the time, in the lowest depths of my existence. I was left so broken after my parents died in a car accident…
I knew he was destined to be mine the instant I went into the shelter and saw him—a 4-month-old Great Pyrenees who was missing an eye and a paw. I was drowning at the time, in the lowest depths of my existence. I was left so broken after my parents died in a car accident that I made two attempts to take my own life. Selecting him felt more than just getting a dog; it was a covenant between two souls, one lacking a piece but the other whole. We were best friends ever after I gave him the name Frankie.
Frankie was more than simply a pet; he was my anchor in an endless storm and my savior. He offered me unconditional affection and steadfast allegiance, which filled the vacuum left by my parents’ absence. Since I knew he would always be there for me, I set up cameras in my house so I could keep an eye on him and make sure he had water and food in case I had to remain late at work.
He became the focus of my world and adored snacks, belly rubs, and any kind of affection. Frankie was more than just a dog to me—he was the most significant “person” on the planet.
A puppy of the Great Pyrenees | Source: Getty Images
I told Leslie, my girlfriend, right away about Frankie and our unique relationship. She appeared to comprehend it, and during our three years together, she and Frankie grew close and trustworthy. Up until we started talking about moving in together, everything was going well.
One night, while looking through real estate ads for a home big enough for kids, a pool, and work studios, I made a lighthearted comment about how Frankie would be our practice child. She chuckled before stating—to my complete surprise—that Frankie was not able to accompany us. I ignored it with a giggle, assuming she was kidding. But it was obvious from her harsh expression that she wasn’t.
The ensuing dispute lasted for several hours. I refused to back down from my position on Frankie’s role in my life. “No matter what, my dog is coming with me because he saved me,” I emphasized, reaffirming that I would never leave him behind. We didn’t speak for two days after she departed in a rage.
I found it difficult to be without her, but I remained steadfast. My furry angel, Frankie, has been my pillar of support during my darkest moments. It was unimaginable to consider abandoning him for a romantic partner. He was more than simply a dog; he represented my resiliency and healing and was an integral part of who I am.
I came to the realization that Frankie would need to be a vital part of my life, not just an add-on, in any relationship I had in the future. My unbreakable connection to him is evidence of our journey from brokenness to recovery. I hoped my fiancée would realize this and view Frankie as an integral part of who I am rather than as a roadblock to our future.
I spent my days with Frankie as I waited for her to get in touch, and every second served to confirm my choice. I was constantly reminded of how far we had come, whether we were strolling together, playing in the yard, or spending quality time together on the couch. I never would have thought that Frankie, with his one eye and three paws, could teach me so much about love, devotion, and resiliency.
The days that followed Leslie’s passing were hazy with grief. I was terrified of losing the girl I had come to love so deeply, but I also stuck by my decision. Fortunately, Leslie had the same sentiments. She didn’t call me for over a week, and when she did, she asked if we could still make things work. I assured her that Frankie would not be leaving, but I did really miss her.
It seemed as though we had never been upset with one another when we got together for coffee. After some time spent talking and laughing, she came over for dinner and a movie at my house. We seemed to have moved past my dog’s problem and enjoyed a wonderful evening together. We also had a great week, and we moved in together a month later.
After three weeks of barely settling into our new home, I went back home to discover Frankie was gone. I was furious when Leslie eventually came through the front door because she wasn’t there either. I was aware of her actions toward him.
“Les, where is he?”
“I believed that if you weren’t the one saying goodbye, it would be simpler for you to do so. He’s at the safe haven. I apologize, John, but I want to have children someday, and I won’t be bringing such a large dog around.
“You already know how important he is to me! How are you able to accomplish this?
“You really believed that one day I would let that monster around my kid? You’ll have to decide between me and our future or your ugly puppy!
And that was all. I gave her the order to gather her belongings and leave my home. I was the one who made the most money, so even though we shared a residence, everything was in my name. Leslie collected her belongings and walked out, stunned yet furious. She never got back to me.
My heart fell when I learned that Frankie had been adopted as I hurried to the shelter. With desperation with every phrase, I begged the employee, but secrecy laws prevented her from disclosing any details. Only then, when she noticed how distraught I was and how my tears were discoloring the chilly ground, did she mutter something about Frankie’s new owner going to this park.
I waited for what seemed like an eternity at that park before I finally saw them: Olivia, Emma’s kid, and Emma herself, a graceful lady whose eyes were filled with a light I hadn’t seen since, well, since my entire world fell apart. Frankie was there, leaping toward me with the happiness and affection that had been my savior.
Emma listened carefully as I related my tale, the relationship Frankie and I had, and the traumatic turn of events that brought us to this point. Upon glancing at Olivia, who had found solace in Frankie following the death of her father, I could see the turmoil in her eyes. After Emma told their tale, it was evident that Frankie had once again come to someone’s rescue.
Driven by necessity and a common understanding of grief and recovery, I offered a temporary solution: I would take Frankie to see Olivia every day.
