This sweet Golden Retriever lived a charmed life until there was a death in the family when he was about eight years old. When one of the “parents” was given a cancer diagnosis, his life was turned upside down. So, how does this lead to a story titles “Dog Demands Daily Visits With His Neighbor”?
The Golden Retriever’s name is Cheddar, and he was loved dearly by his original family who grieved over their inability to care for him any longer. Dealing with the cancer diagnosis was more than enough for them to handle, emotionally and financially.
Crisis In The Family Leads To A New Home For Cheddar
No longer did they have the resources, energy, or time to take proper care of Cheddar. They were forced to make a heartbreaking decision. Choosing to surrender Cheddar was incredibly difficult. Yet, they really had no alternative.
By being surrendered to a rescue, group, Cheddar had the best chance possible of finding a loving new home. Sadly, the aging dog was forced to leave the only family he had ever known. Fortunately, Cheddar did not have to wait very long to be introduced to his new, adopted family.
Meet Cheddar’s New Family
Immediately after his arrival, Cheddar established a method for showing his gratitude for being adopted. He demanded attention constantly. Virtually every minute of the day, he had to be around one of the family members.
Shelley Vassall, Cheddar’s human mom commented on how extremely needy he has been since he first joined the family. He cannot tolerate being alone and needs constant attention.
If you give him any attention, the moment you try to stop, he encourages you to continue. For example, if you try to stop rubbing him behind the ears, he will tap you with his paw. Cheddar would happily sit for hours being petted if he had the chance.
This loving, but needy dog did not usually play favorites. Cheddar loved all the people who gave him attention equally. This was the case until he met one special person and fell head over paws in love with her.
Meet Jean, Cheddar’s Favorite Neighbor
Cheddar was taking a walk with his “Mom” not long after his adoption when the magic happened. The walkers stopped to talk with an older man and woman sitting on their front porch steps.
Instantly, Cheddar felt a connection with this woman, named Jean. After several minutes of visiting, the two walkers headed home. Since that day, the two have visited Jean almost every single day.
Cheddar took an instant liking to the woman, Jean. They hung out with them for a while before heading on their way, and since then, they’ve gone back to visit every single day, because Cheddar refuses to have it any other way. The dog demands daily visits with his neighbor. He makes no bones about it. He wants to visit Jean.
Vassall says that they do their best to visit Jean if at all possible. “Jean and her husband live nearby. Their house is right around the corner and just one street over from the Vassall home. It is just a short walk over to visit.
What Happens If They Miss A Visit?
If Cheddar has not been able to visit Jean for more than two or three days, it has an obvious effect on him. While this rarely happens, when it does, Cheddar is very vocal at the next visit with Jean.
Cheddar is one smart dog. He knows the way to Jean’s house. If they do not head in that direction, he pulls on his leash until they go in the right direction. He will not allow them to walk past Jean’s house without stopping.
If they try to do so, he plops down, using his entire body weight as an anchor. He remains on that spot until they give in and allow him to visit Jean.
Although Jean admits to having cookies for her canine visitor each time he drops in, there is a stronger draw. Cheddar has a connection with Jean that is like no other
While Jean does have cookies for Cheddar every single time he comes over, the real draw is the connection he has with her. For some reason, their connection is unlike any he has with anyone else.
What Are Their Visits Like?
They understand that Cheddar gets great joy from visiting Jean every day He reserves a very special reaction for seeing Jean. Although has never been a barker he is vocal when he is very excited or extremely happy. You can tell he is happy when he sees Jean as he is very vocal.
Cheddar clings to Jean every time they visit. Each time, he remains with her for as long as possible. They visit year-round, regardless of the weather. During the winter months, they visit inside of Jean’s house where he sits quietly at her side. He is happy as long as he is being petted.
Inside or out, this dog demands daily visits with his favorite neighbor!
Dog Demands Daily Visits With His Neighbor Regardless of The Weather
During the other three seasons of the year, when the weather is usually better, the visit outside. Cheddar enjoys rolling in the grass or playing with a ball or his leash for a little while. He then wants to sit next to Jean for one-on-one attention. He loves having Jean pet him whether he is inside or out.
Dog Demands Daily Visits But The Love Goes Both Ways
This love-fest goes both ways. This determined dog demands daily visits with his neighbor but she loves the visits as well as looks forward to seeing Cheddar every day.
After nearly three years of enjoying his “new” family, this eleven-year-old Golden Retriever is still energetic and full of love. His devoted family and his favorite neighbor, Auntie Jean, have made sure that Cheddar gets all the love and attention he needs.
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