Ten years ago, Cheyeanne’s life took a dramatic turn when her seemingly healthy mother was unexpectedly diagnosed with cancer and passed away just a few months later. This devastating loss forced her to reevaluate her fast-paced pursuit of financial success. It was a harsh reminder that life offers no guarantees.
This profound realization led Cheyeanne to embark on a journey of self-discovery, one that would find unexpected guidance from a trio of rescue dogs: first Cash, followed by two unforgettable pups named Notorious and Shady.
The adventure began when Cheyeanne saw a video of a small disabled dog joyfully bounding through the snow. Despite having no use of her back legs, the dog’s exuberance touched Cheyeanne deeply. She felt compelled to adopt the spirited pup, whom she named Notorious, inspired by the rapper Notorious B.I.G.
Now estimated to be around nine or ten years old, Notorious shows no signs of slowing down. Using her wheelchair, she tackles activities like running 5Ks and exploring trails with fearless enthusiasm. As Cheyeanne jokes, “She has no idea she’s disabled, and I’m not going to tell her.”
Next came Shady, a senior blind dog who had lost her eyes in an accident. While one eye was reattached, Shady’s vision remains limited. Despite these challenges, Shady is endlessly affectionate and gets along with people, cats, and other dogs.
Initially, Cheyeanne hadn’t planned on adopting Shady, assuming it would be easy to find her a home. She quickly discovered, however, that disabled and senior dogs are often overlooked.
Today, both Notorious and Shady are Cheyeanne’s constant companions and have profoundly reshaped her life. They join her in paddleboarding, hiking, and running races (with Shady safely carried in a backpack), bringing peace and purpose to Cheyeanne.
In tribute to her love for music and its role in helping her through tough times, Cheyeanne names all her dogs after music legends: Cash (Johnny Cash), Notorious (The Notorious B.I.G.), and Shady (Slim Shady). “It doesn’t matter where you start in life; what counts is where you end up,” she reflects.
Caring for dogs with special needs is not without its challenges. It requires patience and dedication, from managing incontinence to ensuring Shady’s safety around water.
Yet, for Cheyeanne, the joys far surpass the challenges. “They wake up every single day happy,” she notes. “Despite having every reason to be upset with people, they aren’t. And that inspires me tremendously.”
Cheyeanne hopes her story will encourage others to consider adopting dogs like Notorious and Shady, who are often seen as “unadoptable.” She believes these pets, while requiring more effort, bring immense joy and fulfillment. “Give them a chance,” she urges. “I promise it will make your life better.”
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