It’s often said that patience is rewarded with good things, but is this a universal truth?
An eight-year-old dog named Rocky waited for many years, yet happiness never seemed to come his way.
His life took a heartbreaking turn, putting him in a fight for survival. After suffering through a tough existence, Rocky found himself in a shelter, facing the grim prospect of euthanasia with no one to intervene.
Despite the bleak circumstances, he refused to give up.
Euthanasia Waitlist
In February 2024, a TikTok user named Shelter Dogs of AZ posted a poignant video featuring Rocky, a black-and-white dog who waited daily by the shelter door for a visitor to meet him.
Unfortunately, no one showed interest, shattering his heart further.
Rocky’s luck with owners had been dismal. His first owner attempted to sell him on Facebook Marketplace, while his second owner brought him to an animal shelter in Arizona.
This journey has inevitably affected the emotional well-being of this unfortunate dog.
After being taken to the Maricopa County Animal Care & Control shelter in Phoenix, Rocky began to harm himself while in confinement,
The stress of the shelter environment worsened his condition, making him increasingly difficult to manage. He became defensive around other dogs and showed signs of attempting to escape.
Katie Gerlach, who created the touching video of Rocky, shared with Newsweek: “According to shelter policies, Rocky was given a five-day timeline.”
He was placed on the pre-euthanasia list, and without intervention within those five days, he faced euthanasia. This prompted Gerlach to share Rocky’s story on social media in hopes of securing him a forever home and ultimately saving his life.
A Fight for Rocky’s Survival
“Rocky’s status has been changed by the shelter; he is no longer available for general public adoption. The only hope lies with a New Hope rescue. We require an adopter or foster who has experience with dogs and can also offer funds for a rescue to save him,” Gerlach expressed in one of her videos.
The New Hope rescue caters to dogs facing severe medical or behavioral challenges, making them unsuitable for adoption by the general public.
Rocky needed a dedicated individual who would advocate for him.
Days passed, yet no one showed up. Rocky’s anxiety grew as he desperately awaited a rescuer, while time was slipping away.
Just before his scheduled euthanasia, an unexpected miracle occurred – Rocky was rescued by a local organization called Rescue Street.
Ultimately, good things can happen to those who wait. Against all odds, Rocky’s life transformed yet again, but this time, for the better.
A compassionate person stepped forward to end his era of loneliness and sorrow. Rocky is currently in a safe environment, awaiting the loving home he truly deserves.
The crucial part is that he is safe and alive. Brighter days are now within his reach.
