People often say that good things come to those who wait, but for one dog, this seemed like a distant dream. An eight-year-old pup named Rocky had waited for years, yet his happiness always seemed out of reach. His journey took a harrowing turn, leaving him struggling to survive and facing a bleak future.
From Heartbreak to Hope
Source: TikTok
In February 2024, a TikTok user, ‘Shelter Dogs of AZ’, shared a heartbreaking video of Rocky, a black-and-white dog who waited every day by the shelter door, hoping someone would come to meet him. Sadly, no one seemed interested, and his heartache was evident.
Rocky’s life had been filled with misfortune. His first owner tried to sell him on Facebook Marketplace, and his second owner surrendered him to an Arizona-based animal shelter. These experiences left Rocky emotionally scarred.
Source: TikTok
When Rocky was surrendered to the Maricopa County Animal Care & Control shelter in Phoenix, Arizona, his distress grew. The shelter environment caused him severe stress, leading him to harm himself in his kennel. He became reactive to other dogs and developed escape tendencies.
Shortlisted for Euthanasia
Katie Gerlach, who shared Rocky’s story on TikTok, revealed that Rocky was given a five-day deadline. He was placed on the pre-euthanasia list, and if no one saved him in those five days, he would be euthanized. Gerlach’s video aimed to find Rocky a home and save his life.
Fighting for Rocky’s Life
Source: TikTok
“The shelter has changed Rocky’s status and he is no longer adoptable to the general public. He can ONLY be saved by a New Hope rescue,” Gerlach wrote in one of her videos. New Hope rescues are for dogs with severe medical or behavioral issues, requiring experienced adopters willing to fight for them.
Days passed without anyone coming for Rocky. His desperation grew as time ran out.
Source: shelterdogsofaz
A Miracle Rescue
One day, just before his euthanasia, a miracle happened. Rocky was saved by a local rescue called Rescue Street. Despite the odds, Rocky’s life took an unexpected turn for the better.
A kind-hearted individual stepped up, ending Rocky’s days of loneliness and despair. Rocky is now boarding and will hopefully find a loving home soon. The important thing is that he’s alive and safe, with brighter days ahead.
In the end, good things do come to those who wait. Despite his hardships, Rocky’s story is a testament to resilience and hope.
