I met my best friend at a local pet shelter here in Myrtle Beach. I went there with no intention of actually taking home a dog... i know, thats what everyone says right?! As I was walking through the rows of kennels looking at all of the adorable, perky, puppy's i came across one unlike all of the rest. Here was this little guy sitting in the back of his cage with his head down and big ears flopped over his face. I knew at once this was going to be my dog. I cant tell you how I knew, it was just so definite. Anyway, i took him out to the little play pen and he was the sketchiest character i had ever seen earning him the name Sketch. He ran around me in circles while assaulting my shoe laces and "sneaking up on me" only to pounce into my lap. 5 minutes later i was filling out the paperwork and planning a trip to the local pet shop.

It is hard to believe that was almost 6 years ago. Sketch went from an adorable 15 pound puppy who would trip over his own gigantic paws to the most handsome 110 pound furry dude ever! It was hard for him to grasp the fact that at his grown up size he could no longer sleep in my lap while i drove, in fact i had to trade in my Wrangler for an SUV so he could fit in the passenger seat with out having to take the roof off!

Over the years we have had many adventures, some good and some bad. I was in my first (and only) car accident with Sketch. I was knocked unconscious and it was almost 30 minutes before police arrived. Sketch guarded the car and wouldn't let anyone in, even though they were just trying to help, he protected me. While waiting for the tow truck to come, Sketch laid his big head in my lap and kept a watchful eye on everything while i was getting it together. Sketch wasn't seriously hurt thank god! I was so scared and he was there for me making me feel safe 300 miles from home.

We lived in Virginia for a short time and being from the south, my hilarious dog had no idea what to do with snow. His eyes lit up like a little kids on christmas morning and he just went nuts! He and my husband ran around like fools and actually fell down a hill together. It was probably the funniest thing i have ever seen. Back in the south, Sketch makes a scene at the beach whenever we go. People always stop me and ask "What is he?". Children love him and he loves them right back. He is my gentle giant. When i tell people he is great dane, pit bull i get mixed responses. Sometimes it makes me sad, or angry when they pass judgement but in the end they are the ones that are missing out on meeting the most amazing dog ever.

Sketch would make a great therapy dog however he would fail miserably at meeting new people calmly. Outside of the home its no big deal but when friends come over be ready for the sweetest greeting you have ever received. Now he knows not to jump on people so he just hop's around you in circles beating you with his tail and flapping is foot long tongue around in the air. It only lasts a few minutes but it makes quite an impression. I will always remember when my friend Melissa came to my house while she was pregnant. Sketch went running up to her, in his usual fashion, but came to a sliding stop inches from her. He very slowly sniffed her huge belly and then sat down at her feet for the rest of the evening.

I know i have gone on forever, but i want the world to know that i have a wonderful dog named Sketch who has been there for me through thick and thin and i will love him forever.