It was love at first sight when Beth Clark laid eyes on a neglected dog named Rocky. She and her husband Michael were dropping donations off at the Anne Arundel County Animal Shelter located not far from their Maryland home when Beth felt an odd urge to check out the dogs available for adoption.
Rocky’s former owner left him outside regardless of the weather. At 17 years old, Rocky couldn’t physically handle it but he also sought love and attention that he wasn’t receiving. So he kept running away from home.
The last time Rocky landed in the shelter, his life would change forever.
Beth saw something in Rocky’s eyes that compelled her to tell Michael that he had to go home with them.
“He just looked so sad. I saw this gray-faced, skinny dog and I said to my husband, ‘We’re getting him. I was not about to leave that old man to die in a cage.”
At 17 years young, Rocky immediately adjusted to his doting family. He was beyond grateful to them for rescuing him and welcoming him into their home and family.
But as the days passed by, Rocky’s age began to show.
“Rocky made our life very complete. He loved dancing with us and being near us … as the year went on, it got harder for him to climb the stairs and go on walks, so my husband would carry him up the stairs every night just so he could sleep next to us, and instead of walks we just sat outside in the sun together.”
“My parents are getting me a human.”
“…he was so gentle with me and he adjusted really well with all the baby stuff coming in. When I wasn’t feeling good, he was always near.”
“They wanted to hospitalize him, but I was not willing to put him in a cage again to be poked and bothered.”
“He sniffed her and placed his head near her. It was beautiful and I cried.”
That same night, the family realized Rocky’s condition had significantly worsened and the end was upon them.
“We loved him more than words can describe and we still have a very hard time adjusting to him not being here. I’m just really glad he was there when we got home. I hope our story helps other people decide to adopt senior dogs.”
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