On September 4, 2020, Vinnie had crossed The Rainbow Bridge.
Vinnie came into my life as a rescue through PetFinder on December 13, 2011 from the Portage County Dog Warden. He had a very rough start to life and many subsequent behavioral and health issues. The shelter workers seemed to know him and cared for him well. Shortly after adopting him, my first dog, Mercedes, had passed away from a stroke she never recovered from. I was in bad shape physically and emotionally prior to that, and I feared a return to my old habits. But Vinnie was there to hug and hike. It was his turn to rescue me. He had endured so much negativity during his developmental years and still overcame the obstacles in his way. In the Fall of 2019 I started to have concerns. Vinnie would leave his animal toys laying in the doorway to our room, sitting up and looking in. It seemed like he wanted them to look after me, that he knew he didn’t have much longer. I made sure to let him know that I was proud of him as often as I could. I feel that’s the greatest thing a parent can say to their child.
Vinnie meant the world to me, and for the 8 years after the passing of my Mercedes, he was my everything. I’m grateful for the time I had with him and will always wish I had more.
Full Memorial Album: