Ghost Lyon

In the fall of 2016, a man walked out the back door of the Franklin Co. dog shelter to the outside dog run. He and his family badly needed a dog, and none inside had caught his eye. There was a single dog in the run outside, a tattered, skinny, calloused, nearly hairless American Bulldog/Pit mix that visually wore the signs of neglect. Clearly he had come in very recently. What the man didn't know at the time, was that God had assigned an Angel to inhabit the body of that poor abused dog as the man walked out that door.

The dog/angel, (Ghost- as he would later be named by the mans daughter), walked as close to the man as he could get, separated by chain link, wagged his hairless tail, sat down and stared at the man. The man's wife agreed to meet and greet the dog/angel. In a few minutes, Ghost and the 6 year old boy stood at the small meet and greet room's half door, peering out, ready to go home. After some paperwork, more shots, the bagging of multiple medications, and a meager 18.00 ( for a license, medication, vet treatment, a collar and leash) the dog/angel and his family went home.

Ghost's body grew strong, putting on 15lbs of ripped muscle, his hair grew back, the callouses disappeared. He had an instant bond of love with all the children in the house. They couldn't walk to another room without him as their shadow. Outside he would scan for threats and stick to their heels.

Ghost never needed any training, he always knew what to do, certainly better than the man. Ghost was a fearless guardian of the family, gentle with all, undistractable, steadfast, athletic, a teacher, and a patient mentor for 6 other dogs that would come into his life. A perpetual cuddle source for the children and grandchildren.

Ghost's body finally wore out in the fall of 2026, he was estimated to be five at the time of adoption.

He was foundational to his family, he was the Patriarch.

He was, and is, an Angel, whose watch here, is successfully complete.

If you or your family needs a dog, please visit a county shelter first. Put aside breed misinformation and bias, and take home the dog that chooses you. You will pay little for all that you get, and you very possibly may take home more than just a "dog".