King Stewie is a gentle giant: Send us your pet stories

OLD BROOKLYN, Ohio — My story goes like this: Three years ago, I lost my husband to cancer, as well as my corgi/beagle mix dog of 15 years. I was suddenly alone and very sad.

I waited two years, then went to the Parma ASPCA to look for another dog. I found this 93-pound boy whom they had named Butterball. He is a mastiff/pit-bull/German shepherd mix. He had been there for quite some time.

His original adoption fee was $150, but had been reduced to $30 when I took an interest in him.

King Stewie, a mastiff/pit-bull/German shepherd mix, weighs 165 pounds. (Photo Courtesy of Dena-Salerno-Reinke)

They said he was 2 years old, but they made a mistake: He was only 4 months old. He was just so big that they miss calculated his age!

Out of the 42 dogs I met that day, he was the only dog that licked my hand. I believe he picked me!

I renamed him King Stewie after my other boy, Prince Stewie, who had passed away from tongue cancer.

Prince Stewie, a corgi/beagle mix, was Dena Salerno-Reinke’s much-loved pet for nearly 16 years. (Photo Courtesy of Dena Salerno-Reinke)

This new boy has brought me out of my shell. I am not young; I will be 68 in October. I have since retired this year, and now I am spending all of my time with King Stewie. He’s a godsend and he’s my best friend.

I have registered him as an emotional support animal, and he’s one of the best protectors I’ve ever had. He is now almost 3 years old weighs 165 pounds. But he is truly a gentle giant.

Dena Salerno-Reinke,

Old Brooklyn

Do you share your life with an animal that is near and dear to you? Tell us something about your pet – all species are welcome – and send along a photo of the two of you. Be sure to tell us which Greater Cleveland community you live in. Send everything to Ann Norman at anorman@cleveland.com.