In June 2021, Michael and Jennifer Wittrock said goodbye to their beloved 13-year-old yellow lab, Gracie. Not yet ready for another dog, everything changed that November when they met Gunny at a family Thanksgiving gathering. Found roadside with his sister at just 5 weeks old, Gunny—then named “Flounder” by the Rescue—was 10 months old and being fostered by Michael’s sister. One look into his eyes, and the Wittrocks were smitten. They renamed him Gunny in honor of Michael’s service as a US Marine gunnery sergeant.

 

Gunny, a Great Pyrenees/Yellow Lab mix, is now 4 years old, 96-pounds, has a beautiful light coat and radiant brown eyes. Sweet, loyal, gentle, and protective, he embodies the best traits of both breeds. He’s especially attached to Michael, following him everywhere and missing him when he’s away. Though hesitant about collars at first—likely due to a rough start in his early life—he now enjoys twice-daily walks. Gunny loves chasing rabbits and squirrels and once had a surprise run-in with an armadillo. He will often patrol the backyard perimeter, a classic Pyrenees behavior showing his protective nature. He enjoys watching passing golfers and prefers lying on warm concrete over cool grass.

 

Gunny gets along with all the dogs on the Bridle Path cul-de-sac, but his best friend is Waylon, a Golden Retriever. They bonded instantly, and just hearing Waylon’s name gets Gunny excited and his ears up. Their playdates often include time by the pool—though Gunny avoids the water, only stepping onto the tanning ledge to cool off. He’ll chase a ball but won’t bring it back. While he enjoys being outside, he feels most secure and content inside his home, where his favorite spots are his doggie bed in Michael’s office or laying on his blanket on the couch with family.

 

Was it luck, coincidence, or serendipity that Michael’s sister was fostering Gunny that Thanksgiving four years ago, leading to his meeting Michael and Jennifer? Maybe a bit of all three. Today, Gunny is happy, healthy, and thriving in his forever home with the Wittrocks, who have been residents of Buffalo Creek since 2017. He adores their four grandkids who love to play with him and shower him with love when visiting. It is said that rescues often show a deep bond and affection to their adopters. This is very true of Gunny, a loyal, loving companion who brings endless joy to Michael and Jennifer.

To learn more about how you can become a partner with Stroll Buffalo Creek please reach out to Teri Preas
teri.preas@n2co.com
https://linktr.ee/marketingsolutionsbyteri