Meet the Dogs Who Shaped Our Family

Our journey with dogs has been full of love, joy, heartbreak, and healing. Each one has held a special place in our family—and each has taught us something different about loyalty, grief, and resilience.

Dakota – The Original Gentle Giant

When I met my husband, he already had an American Bulldog named Dakota. Dakota was loyal, calm, and lived a long, beautiful life. He was the kind of dog who made you feel safe just by being in the room. Eventually, we had to make the heartbreaking decision to put him to sleep due to old age. His absence was deeply felt—but he paved the way for the next generation of dogs in our life.

Raja – My First Puppy

Raja, a tri-color black, brown, and white bully, was my first baby. I got him as a puppy, and needless to say—he was spoiled. I carried him everywhere, let him sleep in the bed, and he wouldn’t sleep without being next to me. He cried for me at night. He was my comfort and my emotional support, especially through some of the hardest seasons of my life.

T’Challah – My Christmas Light

In 2023, we got our first Presa Canario, an all-black beauty named T’Challah, after the Marvel character. He was my Christmas present. After so much trauma and hardship, he felt like a gift of joy and purpose. As he grew, he became incredibly protective—but he was also dominant and didn’t recognize my authority.

We got him into training right away and met Dani, an amazing trainer who helped him learn commands. He was incredibly smart but stubborn, which is common for his breed. She worked so hard with him and helped him improve so much.

Namor – The Gentle One

Then came Namor, another Presa Canario—brindle in color and full of love. He reminded us of Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh. Sweet, slow-moving, and so affectionate. Namor was trained to be my service dog, and he adapted beautifully to working around my wheelchair. It was amazing to see him grow into that role.

The Night We Lost T’Challah

One night, after a beautiful evening with friends and family, we let the dogs out to use the bathroom. My daughter Aliyah and I went outside with them. T’Challah was about 9 months old at that point and very familiar with our yard—including the inground pool.

Aliyah and I were looking at the stars. I thought I heard a splash, and something inside me just knew. I turned—and I saw him. T’Challah had fallen in the pool.

Aliyah was in my lap, and I didn’t want to scare her. I asked her gently to get up, but she clung to my neck. I tried to stay calm, but panic was rising fast. I started screaming. I drove my wheelchair toward the house, screaming for help. Raja barked. Namor stayed close. My chair got stuck. I banged on the house, begging someone to hear me.

Eventually, they heard me. I said, “Challah is dead—it’s been too long!” But I held onto hope.

Whitney and Jaiden ran to the pool and pulled him out. I made it to them, leapt out of my chair, and crawled to him. I tried to give CPR—though I didn’t even know how. Blood came from his nose. I looked at Whitney and said, “Stop. He’s gone. There’s blood.”

Raja began barking and snapping at me. Whitney picked me up and placed me back in my chair. I called for Raja and Namor to follow me, unsure how they would react to T’Challah’s death. As I turned, Raja came around and—just like that—bit me under my eye.

I was stunned. Bleeding. Heartbroken.

I made it into the house and shielded my face from my son so he wouldn’t be scared. Then came the police and EMS—someone had heard my screams. Between tears, I explained what had happened. My husband took me to the hospital, where I received stitches and relived the trauma all over again.

It felt like I lost not one, but two children that night. After that, I was terrified of Raja, and he had to go live with Vince’s dad.

I may never know why God took T'Challah from me or why it happened in such a devastating manner. But I'm trusting that God has a plan.

Venom – The Next Chapter

A few months later, we got Venom, another all-black Presa and cousin to T’Challah. He carries that same protective spirit but understands the pack order in a healthier way. He has brought us comfort and strength. He’s helping us heal.

A Family Written in Paw Prints

Each of these dogs has shaped our lives. They’ve walked beside us—through joy, through trauma, through healing. They’ve been family.

This page is dedicated to their stories, their spirits, and the bond they gave us. A bond only a dog can create.

Forever grateful. Forever changed.