The Phoenix is a mythical creature believed to represent resurrection or rebirth. Before I had even laid eyes on a puppy, I knew I wanted to name him/her Phoenix.
I was deployed for my 2nd time to Afghanistan. It was high tempo, high stress, and on top of that things were not very stable in my home life. But when I told a good friend about how badly I wanted a puppy, things kind of fell into place. Through mutual friends he found a breeder back home in Hawaii who was expecting a litter just a month or so shy of us returning home. I wasn’t familiar with the American Bully breed so I immediately did some research, and immediately felt that it was meant to be. This is the dog I need in my life.
I remember the first time I held her. She was such a chunky potato! I was in love. I remember thinking that this meatball was going to receive all of my love, she was going to be the mark of a new beginning for me. She was going to live up to her name simply by existing. My real life Phoenix.
She genuinely was. Returning home after this last deployment was difficult. But there she was, with her cute eyes, and her warm cuddles. I got up every day to take her for her walk, I focused on training her to be a good dog. I couldn’t sit around and feel sorry for myself. I didn’t feel alone because my puppers was always there reminding me to take care of myself so that I can take care of her.
Phoenix traveled from Hawaii all the way to Maine during the pandemic, just like me. She experienced snow for her very first time on her road trip before she was finally back in my arms. She not only adjusted well to the move, but has also adjusted well from being an only pup, to being a sister to a husky boy, and a furry kitty girl.
If you would like to check in on Phoenix or her fur siblings any time just follow their Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/phoenix_obie_val/
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