Our Story.
Pierre, like many family dogs, was so loved.
His days consisted of morning belly rubs, afternoon string cheese snacks, and daily walks to find his stick of the day. Oh, the joy each new found stick would bring him as he confidently carried it home bringing smiles to everyone he passed. But his favorite moment of each day was next to a window where he would patiently await a stream of sun, plop down, and bask in the it with a smile. Even on the cloudiest of Portland days, he would find the few moments to enjoy the sunny spot.
The day I got Pierre, my life changed. P became part of our family and was a flooding ray of light in the middle of a thunderstorm of my mom’s severe health battle. Laughter filled our home at a time when tears were frequent. He continued to bring comfort for 10 years, even in moments when happiness felt like it might never be in our home again.
We experienced so much together. We were two peas in a pod who needed each other every day. A true companionship. I have never loved anything more.
Such a special kind of love, in turn, can make a sudden loss so much harder. So many of us have experienced this as a part of life in one way or another.
In April 2023, Pierre suddenly and unexpectedly passed away from an unknown, medically traumatic health emergency – one I could have never seen coming, and one that continues to haunt me. My journey from experiencing this loss has resulted in a lot of reflection of the life lessons Pierre taught me.
Savor the joy in the day, like finding the perfect stick. Love whole-heartedly. Soak in the quiet moments. Patience. Empathy. Search for the sunny spots in life, and then, take the time to bask in them.
My Goal
Since losing Pierre, I have constantly thought - what is something I can do to embody these lessons and provide the same quality of life Pierre had for other local dogs in need?
That is when I found the Pacific Northwest Bulldog Rescue.
Their mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and re-home local English and French bulldogs in need from commercial breeding kennels, public dog shelters, private rescue groups, owners, and good samaritans. Their organization is comprised solely of volunteers who nurture and foster these dogs as well as provide education and training. Their goal is to place healthy and happy dogs into forever homes.
Since the rescue started in 2001, they have helped more than 1,000 local bulldogs who would otherwise have long waiting times in shelters, suffer from lack of medical care, or remain abandoned without homes. Most of their dogs who are placed in foster homes while awaiting their forever homes are adopted within 4-6 weeks.
During the month of April, my goal through P’s Pals is to raise $2,500 to help this organization feed and care for these dogs while they wait to find their true home, like Pierre found with me.
There is no question that Pierre lived a wonderful life, and in his memory I want to provide that experience for more local dogs and their humans alike.
I am asking for your help in donating to my annual fundraiser, P’s Pals. Helping local bulldogs find their sunny spot, in memory of Mr. P.
Thank you so, so much.
With love (and belly rubs),
Katie Spellman
Learn more about Pacific Northwest Bulldog Rescue by visiting their website.