Dexter and Bug

Animal Stories

Dexter and Bugs
by Shawne Young

Champaign County Humane Society
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Our family has been blessed twice with additions from CCHS. Our first adoption, Dexter, was a handsome mix-breed male who has brought us so much joy. No one has been able to tell us what type of mix Dexter is, although many have tried to guess. We often feel sad that he isn't a breed in himself and that others can not enjoy his beauty or his friendly and obedient nature. I believe in getting pets fixed however, Dexter is such a joy I wish there was a million more of him and I dread the day the world is without him because I know there will never be another quite as handsome or as loving as he.

We adopted Dexter, then named Dogwood, about 5 years ago. Not long after he was adopted he was hit by not one truck but two in the same day, due to an unfortunate accident in which he got out without his leash. Thanks to the incredible staff at UIUC Vet Med Dex (Dexter) was able to resume a normal dog's life after recovering from surgery to repair a hind leg that had broken in several places. We are not rich people, the decision to repair Dexter rather then put him down was a very difficult one. However, what he has brought to our family has been priceless.

My sons grew a bond with him and became compassionate young men before my eyes. Our family extended to include "outsiders and those less fortunate", which taught us a lesson in commitment and commitment to others - human and non-human, family and non-family. It taught my sons to love one another as well as to love those different then themselves.

The best part of this is Dexter did it without trying, or expecting anything.   He gave us the opportunity to be better people and we were. It is a rare gift to be allowed the experience of finding your potential to love and be rewarded for it, Dexter gave us that gift. For that reason and many more Dexter will always be "that dog" in my family... the one who was great, the one who was the most handsome, the one most loved.

Due to circumstances beyond our control Dexter has moved to CA to retire and live his life in a controlled environment as a 'mountain dog.' And, we are kept abreast of his circumstances.   Illinois winters were very hard on his metal parts and he enjoys the company of other dogs very much. It seems he is an Alpha dog and now he has a pack to lead around with pride.

After Dexter left our home we felt a huge hole in our family and adopted Bug, formally Wriggly, from CCHS. Bug was an impulse adoption, which is never a good thing.... except in this instance!   Bug is a Pug, the cutest Pug you ever did see.. the kind of cute that even people who think Pug's are an ugly dog makes them reconsider.

Bug has restored our family and given us joy again that only an adopted dog can give. If you haven't adopted a dog then this is something I can't put into words you'd understand. This month Bug will be a year old, which means he will be with us for many years to come.

Bug isn't Dexter by any means he is entirely different, it is rare to ever find a dog like Dexter in a lifetime... it is more rare to find two dogs that compliment your family as my two dogs have. Bug isn't Dexter. He is 100% Bug... which is a super great thing! He is a perfect dog in his own right. Bug is just as loved and adored as Dex ever was ... and we are the very lucky family to be the ones who get to adore him.

Thank you CCHS.

There are plenty of shelter pets waiting for the right person. Maybe that person is you.