Cheryl: My Brave, Loyal Guardian

When I think of Cheryl, the words that come to mind are vigilant, athletic, gentle, protective, intelligent, sensitive, and deeply loving. She wasn’t just a dog; she was the heartbeat of our home. From the moment I met her, she made my world feel safer, fuller, and more alive. Her presence shaped my days in ways I will carry with me forever.

How She Came Into My Life

Cheryl entered my world in the early summer of 2012. She and her sister had been found running alongside a road and were taken to the Mission Viejo Animal Shelter, where staff estimated the puppies to be about six to eight weeks old, and named her Elvira. I already had one dog, and the plan was to visit several different animal shelters to find the right fit. She was the first dog I saw that morning. As I pulled into the parking lot, she was out on a walk with a volunteer, and when she spotted me, she exploded into wiggles of pure joy. When I knelt down, she peed from excitement, a habit she carried with her throughout life in moments of overwhelming happiness.

I visited other shelters just to be sure, but my heart already knew. I went back that same afternoon to bring her home. She had already chosen me.

Moments That Shaped Us

Cheryl’s personality was a striking mix of strength and sweetness. Her protectiveness was instinctive and constant. She reacted to disturbances with astonishing speed, one sharp bark and the entire household felt her presence. Her sensitivity allowed her to detect subtle changes long before any of us noticed. Even so, she was never aggressive without cause; she simply believed it was her job to keep us safe.

Her joy matched her vigilance. Cheryl adored her toys, especially her balls. Fetch was not just a game to her; it was a performance. She leapt straight up to catch tennis balls mid-air, twisting her body in perfect form. Her kickball focus was legendary: standing still, eyes locked, muscles poised, and then launching into motion like a trained athlete.

Some of my fondest memories involve her digging with wild enthusiasm at the beach, yard, park, it didn’t matter. If the ground was diggable, Cheryl dug with her whole heart, especially if encouraged with a cheerful “dig, dig, dig!” Her love of food added charm and chaos to her personality. She once stole an entire head of lettuce right out of the fridge. Puzzle toys became her specialty; she solved them quickly and learned new words with ease. She could retrieve specific items like a water bottle, a toy, or even a wallet. Her intelligence shone through everything she did.

Her Unique Personality

Despite her protective instincts, Cheryl expressed affection with remarkable gentleness. She loved leaning against me, offering her body weight as trust. She softened her eyes, blinked slowly, and brought a quiet tenderness into every moment she shared with me.

I’ll never forget coming home from a long trip when she was still a puppy. At first, in the dark, she didn’t recognize me and backed up protectively, trembling. But the moment she recognized my voice and scent, she transformed into pure joy, all wiggles, kisses, tripping over herself to get close.

Cheryl earned the nickname “Sheriff” because she kept peace and order in the household. She broke up cat fights, monitored the dogs, and believed it was her responsibility to care for everyone. Her devotion shaped the rhythm of our home.

Lessons She Taught Me

Cheryl’s final years were marked by a series of mast cell tumors, an unfortunate genetic predisposition for her breed. She faced each surgery with bravery and resilience. When the cancer returned aggressively in May 2024, the doctors had no time to intervene. On the evening of May 22, 2024, as the sun set, Cheryl was freed from her suffering at twelve years old.

Her loss carved an ache that still feels sharp, but her legacy remains steady and grounding. Cheryl taught me that boundaries protect joy, not restrict it. She showed me that bravery isn’t always loud; sometimes it’s quiet, steady, and patient. She reminded me to move my body, embrace play, breathe deeply, and love without withholding. She proved that strength and gentleness can coexist, and that true protection comes from devotion, not fear.

A Love That Endures

Without Cheryl, the world feels different… quieter in ways I still struggle to name. Yet her lessons continue to guide me. Her presence made me braver, more aware, and more open-hearted.

To Cheryl:

Thank you for being my guardian, my teacher, and my loyal companion. Your presence filled our home with safety, energy, and devotion. You will always be my brave girl, my Sheriff, and my heart’s steady guardian. Your life was a blessing, and your love will stay with me forever.