When Rocky first arrived at Anne Arundel County Animal Shelter, he was already very old. And while it took more than three years, Rocky was finally able to find a forever home. However, most senior dogs that go into a shelter are not as fortunate as Rocky. Folks usually look to adopt younger dogs, believing that they will live longer, not have as many health issues, and be easier to train. Rocky, like so many dogs, went into the shelter near the twilight of his life. When he arrived at the shelter, he was 14-years-old, and his owner had recently passed away. Rocky missed him very much.
The kind volunteers at the shelter did everything they could to cheer Rocky up, but the poor pup was severely depressed. Every day, people would come into the shelter searching for a new family member. And again and again, Rocky would find himself ignored in favor of the younger dogs. But, one day, as Christmas approached, something incredible happened. An animal-loving couple named Beth and Michael paid a visit to the shelter. But, at that time, they did not believe they could take on the responsibility of owning a dog. So, to help, they decided to donate some dog food to the shelter.
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On the day they showed up, the couple noticed Rocky looks incredibly lonely in his shelter.
Source: Friends of Anne Arundel County Animal Care & Control, Inc/Facebook
At first sight, Beth was simply unable to break eye contact with Rocky. She could just see the longing in the poor pup’s eyes.
It was as though he had just a tiny glimmer of hope upon seeing Beth and her husband.
Source: Friends of Anne Arundel County Animal Care & Control, Inc/Facebook
So, Beth and Michael decided to take Rocky for a quick walk around the block. Within a few minutes, they could tell that the dog had a charming and affectionate temperament and was perfect for them.
Source: Friends of Anne Arundel County Animal Care & Control, Inc/Facebook
When the couple got back to the shelter, they announced that they were taking Rocky home. The volunteers at the shelter could not believe their ears. Rocky, who had been there longer than any other dog, was finally being adopted.
That Christmas, Rocky enjoyed the holidays with a family for the first time in many years.
Source: Janice Millard Toles/Facebook
Some folks were puzzled why Beth and Michael picked a 17-year-old dog as their new pet. But Beth explained their choice best in a letter written to Rocky, one that the shelter later posted on their Facebook page:
Source: Friends of Anne Arundel County Animal Care & Control, Inc/Facebook
The letter basically says that the couple knew right away when they adopted Rocky, that he would need special care. But that did not matter to them, as they considered the pup the best gift they’ve ever received.
However, the couple would soon receive another gift, as their small family would soon become just a bit bigger. Six months after the couple adopted Rocky, they found out that they were having a baby!
Source: Janice Millard Toles/Facebook
And nine months later, Beth gave birth to their daughter Hazel. And Rocky, being the loving pup that he was, was absolutely in love with little Hazel. He just wanted to spend every moment he could around his little sister.
Unfortunately, Rocky did not get to spend as much time as he would have liked with baby Hazel and the rest of his family.
Source: Janice Millard Toles/Facebook
Soon after Hazel’s birth, Rocky fell ill. His family rushed him to the vet, but there was nothing more they could do for the pup.
Rocky passed away, at age 19.
While Beth and Michael were absolutely devastated to lose a member of their family, they knew that they had done everything they could to give Rocky the best life possible. Thanks to their kind-hearted efforts, Rocky spent his final two years feeling loved in his forever home. We only wished all senior dogs in shelters could have the same outcomes.
Please be sure to share Rocky’s touching story with your friends and family.
Source: Ron Project