Remembering
Biography
Onyx Wesley's Sanctuary
Onyx is a Pit Bull–German Shepherd mix with a heart far bigger than he realizes. His name comes from his dad's obsession with onyx — the deep black gemstone known for its smooth, glossy finish, a perfect match for his shiny black coat. These days, it also happens to fit another obsession: Pokémon.
If you asked anyone to describe Onyx, they'd probably say he's protective, goofy, and incredibly whiny. He's the kind of dog who believes it's his personal responsibility to make sure everyone is okay... even if that means stressing himself out in the process. His anxiety is legendary. A busy day? Diarrhea. A strange noise? Better investigate. Dad's heartbeat went up for half a second? Time to check on him immediately.
He watches everything. And if something feels wrong, he's already there.
For all his worrying, Onyx has a silly side. He doesn't run so much as gallop, moving more like a horse than a dog. He barks whenever his dad and stepmom play fight because, in his mind, roughhousing clearly requires security intervention. The moment his stepmom comes home, he lets out an unforgettable excited howl that sounds like he's announcing the return of royalty.
He isn't picky about toys, but given the choice between an expensive dog toy and a cardboard box, the box doesn't stand a chance. Paper bags are equally doomed. Human-owned stuffed animals, however, should never be left unattended.
Onyx loves treats, but more than anything, he loves his people. He can be independent throughout the night, but come morning, he's all cuddles. And while his dad likes to think he's still the favorite person, there may be some healthy competition from his stepmom.
His expressive whale eyes deserve their own chapter. Excited? Whale eyes. Nervous? Whale eyes. Happy? Whale eyes. Scared? Definitely whale eyes. If Onyx is feeling an emotion, his eyes are going to make sure you know it.
For all of his quirks, Onyx has an extraordinary gift: he knows when someone needs him. He can sense sadness, anxiety, or fear before a word is spoken. If you're crying, he'll quietly press his head against yours as if to remind you that you're not alone. It's a comfort that can't really be taught.
He's also a hero.
One of his dad's favorite memories is the day Onyx saved his sister, Bryar, from drowning. It wasn't something anyone asked him to do. He simply knew someone needed help and acted without hesitation.
If Onyx had a job, he'd probably be a psychiatrist — one who desperately needed a prescription for Lexapro himself. He'd spend his days helping everyone regulate their emotions while secretly worrying about absolutely everything. He'd also probably tell people to stop having fun if he decided they were having fun the wrong way.
His greatest strength is knowing when something is wrong.
His greatest weakness is cardboard boxes... and a female dog in heat.
Onyx has made life harder more than a few times. He's created messes, caused chaos, and tested everyone's patience. But he's also been there through the hardest days, offering comfort without needing to be asked. He's protected his family, made them laugh until they cried, and, in more ways than he'll ever understand, saved his dad just as much as his dad saved him.
At first glance, most people notice how big he is.
The people who really know him discover that his heart is even bigger.