Where do I start. We rescued Pivot when he was presumed to be about 3 months old. Because he was a rescue, little is actually known about his actual birthday or his upbringing. Here’s what I know.

Pivot, his sister, and a number of other various mid to large sized breeds were abandon and found locked in a small room in an abandon house in Detroit, presumably for breeding/fighting.

Pivot was found with a very severe case of mange. It had covered the majority of his coat and his entire face. When my wife and I were looking to adopt, our hearts utterly sank when we heard about him. We rushed to meet him and his sister to see which once we would like to adopt. It was apparent from the beginning that Pivot was the runt of the liter and was very docile. His sister was far more energetic and the mange hadn’t impacted her as it had her brother.

We decided to adopt Pivot because we wanted to give him the best life possible and we didn’t know what would happen to him if we did not. Which is why we named him Pivot.

The first few weeks were trying with Pivot, he was coming into his own, afraid to trust anyone, and he slept. A lot. It was only after about a month in a half in that he started to bark and his coat was coming in fuller. He loved going for walks and barking at any and everything. I think it was his way of telling the world that he wasn’t going to be taken advantage of, which is why he appeared so loud and rambunctious.

Pivot, to me, my wife, and daughter was a great dog. He was a protector, a goof ball, and a shit head at times. He always had difficulties letting people in, and I never blamed him for it. He loved going for walks… more like runs, and he loved playing in the snow but not the rain. I always assumed there was some water mistreatment when he was a pup but it’s hard to say.

Toys for Pivot were more an obstacle for him than entertainment. Someone must not have told him that toys are not for breaking but playing, however I don’t think he cared. He loved snuggling and putting his face on your lap. He loved all food and would assist my daughter in not eating her meals by clearing her plate for her.

Pivot passed unexpectedly. He woke us up in the middle of the night sick. It was quick and he passed surrounded by those that loved him the most in this world. I think that Pivot would want other dogs to know that peanut butter and toys is a good combo and to not waste your breath on the Lions. He also didn’t mind his Halloween costume, he was a sting ray. I will always remember Pivot as my partner in crime, an extension of my outlook on the world, and a great dog.

We hope to see you again and we’re sorry we couldn’t have more time together. We are so blessed to have you as long as we did and know that you will be missed so much. I love you Pivot.