A decade ago, Cheyeanne experienced a life-altering event when her mother, who seemed to be in good health, was diagnosed with cancer and passed away within a few months. This profound loss caused Cheyeanne to reevaluate her fast-paced pursuit of financial success. “Life doesn’t come with any guarantees,” she realized.
This realization led her on a path of self-discovery, which was deeply influenced by the companionship of rescue dogs, starting with Cash and eventually two remarkable dogs named Notorious and Shady.
Notorious, the first to join Cheyeanne, caught her attention through a video showing this small, disabled dog exuberantly playing in the snow. Despite being unable to use her back legs, Notorious was full of life, and Cheyeanne was moved to adopt her, naming her after the rapper Notorious B.I.G.
Now estimated to be around nine or ten years old, Notorious remains as energetic as ever. With her wheelchair, she takes on activities like running 5Ks and exploring trails with boundless enthusiasm. Cheyeanne humorously shares, “Notorious doesn’t know she’s disabled, and I’m not going to tell her.”
Next came Shady, a senior blind dog who lost both eyes after an accident. While one eye was reattached, Shady has very limited vision. Nonetheless, she quickly adapted to her surroundings and endearingly interacts with kids, adults, cats, and other dogs alike.
Initially, Cheyeanne hadn’t intended to adopt Shady, assuming she would easily find a home. However, she soon discovered that many people overlook disabled and senior dogs.
Today, both Notorious and Shady are constant fixtures in Cheyeanne’s life, accompanying her on paddleboard outings, hikes, and races, with Shady snug in a backpack. These dogs provide Cheyeanne with a sense of peace and purpose she hadn’t anticipated.
Cheyeanne names her dogs after music icons—Cash for Johnny Cash, Notorious for The Notorious B.I.G., and Shady for Slim Shady—as a nod to how music helps her navigate challenging times. She reflects, “Where you end up is what truly matters, regardless of your starting point.”
Of course, caring for dogs with special needs comes with its hurdles, such as dealing with incontinence and ensuring Shady’s safety around water. Yet, despite these challenges, Cheyeanne insists the rewards are immense. “They greet each day with happiness,” she says. “They could resent the world, but they don’t, and that inspires me greatly.”
Cheyeanne hopes that sharing her story will encourage others to consider adopting dogs like Notorious and Shady, animals often labeled as “unadoptable.” “They may need a bit more effort,” she acknowledges, “but every effort is worthwhile. Give them a chance—it will enrich your life beyond measure.”
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