Rocky

My story

ABOUT ROCKY Grab the tissues...this boy is sure to melt your heart! Meet Rocky, a resilient soul who came to HAP from a high-intake shelter partner in Alabama after being rescued from a heartbreaking neglect case. When he arrived, he was suffering from severe mange, malnutrition, and flea dermatitis, his body covered in scabs, with barely any fur left. He was so dangerously underweight that his loose skin folds blended with his ribs. Understandably, this trauma has deeply affected Rocky’s ability to trust and interact with humans, which is why he has been with us this long. As Rocky recovered, his true personality began to shine! With time and patience, Rocky forms deep bonds with his friends. He is incredibly affectionate, often tossing his body into your legs for scratches and pets. The fastest way to his heart is with delicious snacks or an extra large stuffie. Despite his big boy size, Rocky is very gentle and loving with his toys, often piling them together in his kennel and curling up with them. He walks beautifully on a leash and redirects easily with a treat. Rocky also appears house-trained and knows basic commands! While Rocky’s fur may never fully grow back, he’s just as joyful and confident as any other dog. Despite his past, Rocky is still able to trust, he just needs a little time to get there. We would recommend a calm home environment, with people who can understand and respect his space as he gets comfortable with you. Trust us, it is worth the wait with this lover boy! Overall, he truly is a laid-back, lazy pup that really just wants a few close pals and a comfy couch to live out his golden years! Would you give him a chance? Rocky has participated in our Doggy Day Out program too! Here's what some volunteers had to say about him: "First doggy day out today! I took out rocky. He is an old man but is young at heart. He loved meeting everyone he came across on our long walk through campus, and put his head on peoples laps during class. The professor even let us out 10 minutes early so everyone could meet him! He was a bundle of joy. He was a little skittish around cars and loud noises but overall a very good boy :) made sure to keep him hydrated with lots of water today throughout the heat." "Rocky is the best. He is such a love :heart: just wants to give and receive love. He's my best buddy. He's a ladies man! I just love him so much. He's gets excited when he first gets attention and will show you his stuffed animals. They are his best friends and he carries them around and protects them. If he likes you he will push them into you to share with you. At least he always did with me. Then calms down and is medium energy. Walk well on a leash and keeps his kennel very clean!" If you are interested in Rocky, you are welcome to submit an adoption questionnaire! Our adoption process is first-come, best-match basis. We are not able to hold animals. If you are interested in a specific dog but it ends up not being the best fit upon meeting, our adoption counselors will work with you to help find a match! All household members, including children and other dogs, must come for the meeting to ensure it is a good fit. If a match is made, we encourage same-day adoptions! Our adoption fees include the animal's spay/neuter, microchip, age-appropriate vaccinations and preventatives, fecal testing, heartworm testing, and a small bag of food to get you started.

If you have any questions or would like to adopt Rocky, please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.