Pets for Patriots is a small charity, but we were able to mobilize 42,393 people* to save Rocky, a three-tour Iraq war canine veteran (*as of 8:15pm ET 8/18/11).
Your donations are needed to save more pets like Rocky: dogs and cats who will never become an overnight internet sensation or have major news media vying to tell their tale. These “last chance” pets – adult and other at-risk shelter dogs and cats – face near-certain death if not adopted. We connect them to veterans and service members who need a new pet friend, arrange access to reduced cost veterinary care and provide direct financial support towards the purchase of pet food and other basics. Your tax-deductible gift is necessary to help us save the next Rocky and, in so doing, transform the life of the veteran who chose to Be A Pet’s HeroTM.
UPDATE 8/18/11 9:25 AM ET: ROCKY IS SAVED!! We have been informed that Rocky will be adopted. Please DO NOT CALL Camp Pendleton, Lackland AFB or Pets for Patriots regarding his case; we are all overloaded with a deluge of inquiries about his plight. THANK YOU to all who have answered Rocky’s call and helped to assure his final years will be spent with a loving family.
*****
Rocky is a retired military dog who will be put down on August 24 if he’s not adopted. He served three tours in Iraq and desperately needs a loving home to enjoy his final years. Pets for Patriots is responding to a request to help create awareness of this veteran’s plight. We have spoken to authorities at Camp Pendleton in San Diego and confirmed this story.
Rocky currently lives at Camp Pendleton, his home base since entering the Marine Corps in 2004. He served three tours in Iraq between 2004 and 2007 as a patrol and explosives dog, and returned to the states. We had previously noted that his last handler was killed in theater, but have since been advised that is not the case. However, since returning to the U.S., he has not had a steady handler, but has continued to serve on base until March of this year. By that time, a degenerative condition rendered him unable to work and he was retired. Typically an ex-military K9 will be adopted by his handler, but Rocky has no handler to call his own.
The base kennels are not suitable to provide the type of ongoing care and attention that Rocky needs and deserves. And without an individual or family to adopt him, he will be put down. He was recently featured in an article about military dogs enjoying a bright future after service, but that’s not the case for him.
Because Rocky is a retired patrol dog, military protocol does not permit him to be surrendered to a shelter.
Like most military working dogs, Rocky is independent, but he has a sweet temperament and enjoys relaxing in the sun. As a result of his disability, he uses a canine wheelchair and needs assistance to do “his business.” He would do best in a family that can devote a lot of time to him, and that has no small children or other animals. As with many military canines, Rocky shows slight dog aggression. More than anything, Rocky needs someone who honors his service, and who will love and accept him.
Rocky is nine years, nine months old with these known medical conditions:
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia/Enlarged prostate
Mild hip dysplasia L coxofemoral joint, grade I
Bilateral coxofemoral DJD (mild)
Bilateral neurologic defecits rear legs – degenerative myelopathy
Pressure/kennel sores
P.S.: Our thanks to Military.com for sharing Rocky’s story in a hot rush!
P.P.S.: We welcome your comments, but if you use profanity or threaten another user you will be removed and blocked.
what will it take to bring him to my home
I’ll take him! Someone get me the info or email me. I will do whatever is needed to save this hero!!!!
danabrandt78@yahoo.com
Dana,
The contact info is at the top of the page- at the end of the original article- along with a link where you can fill out an online application.
If you get him, let us know- I think a lot of people would be happy to contribute to help cover transportation and pet medical expenses!
I have a number of friends online with disabled pets. Anyone who is considering adopting Rocky should understand what the responsibility would entail, but also know that pets with paralysis and many other major challenges can be a part of a happy home.
http://www.handicappedpets.com
http://www.walkinwheels.com/
Our friend Indigo: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1835892908298&set=a.1013043737583.2001470.1569727947&type=1&ref=nf#!/profile.php?id=100001112134731
I would love to take him!! My husband is in Afghanistan right now and I am in the middle of moving back to Cali but if I could talk to my husband before they put him down I am sure he would be okay with it. I am always home anyways,
well, I have 4 dogs ( 2 are senior rescues ) 13 cats ( fosters ) and one cockatoo and I’m willing to take on another one in a heartbeat nothing here but love, would have to have a ramp made since I have stairs. Does anyone know if he got a home yet
If I had a place for him and the time to give him I would take him in a heartbeat. I love animals and wish our rescue group could take him and help him find a forever home. I will do my part by spreading the word and praying someone steps up and helps him out.
Sounds like Rocky is gettin put down. No one wants a dog with that many problems. It is a dog people. Not a human. He’d be better out of his misery than suffering through that long list of health issues.
Trust me….there are plenty of people who will take on an animal with multiple health issues. If he can have a good quality of life, then why should he be KILLED simply because YOU think he is in misery and suffering? If you’re not going to be supportive, then don’t post.
So did anyone finally adopt him? I read several posts about people interested in taking him… I prayed that his life is spared….
Not yet, but we understand that there are a lot of people submitting applications. Lackland AFB, which handles all military dog adoptions, has a process for qualifying adopters. While adoption applications are pending, we have learned that Rocky will not be put down.
I am sorry Rocky that I can’t adopt you ,I have multiple pets at home . I do hope you will find a great home with people who will love you and an awesome yard to rest and relax.Is it true that most military dogs are put down because they are to aggressive ? And that you have to have experience with German shepherds and dog training before you could adopt?
I hope I am wrong ….
My GSD wasn’t that friendly either but she loved our family unconditionally , and I never once thought about of putting her down because of her aggression.
These dogs are trained through positive reinforcment methods and this does not create aggression. In contrast, aggression can occur when a dog is trained using harsh methods. In general when you are dealing with the working breeds it is best that you do have an understanding of them and a commitment to providing the training and structure they require. They are highly intelligent animals and can wind up running the show if their human is unprepared to take the leadership role. This is not all that difficult when positive behaviors are rewarded and less desirable ones not acknowledged. The most important thing is consistency — A dog should not be allowed to disobey a command so that he learns that the only acceptable option is obedience. In Rocky’s case he has already acquired superb training. His new owner will only need to reinforce this while providing him the love that he needs and deserves.
How much time are people wasting bickering back and forth about what the government or what any one person or group of people should do? Let’s spend our time finding the one person (or family) that can do the right thing and give this guy a home.
Kudos to all the people willing to step up to the plate and adopt him, and for those who are willing to help him get to his new home.
He’s the epitome of a “GOOD DOG” — he deserves the comfort and love of old age, and the warmth of a family to love him each of his remaining days.
AGREED! Hooyah to you!
the first thing i want to say is, I salute ROCKY if only i am capable of adopting this K9 i love to have him and take care of him! i have 5 dogs here in the house! 1 australian collie, 2 labrador’s and 2 belgian malinois! if someone can send ROCKY to me here in the Philippines I will take care of him and gave him the honor of being a hero!
This is disgusting! This dog gave so much only to be treated so terribly. These dogs deserve to have a home to go to. If no home is found for Rocky, why not a military hospital or base as a mascot?
And to say dogs don’t know fear is crazy. Animals are aware and sense danger as much as you and I. Through training Rocky may have been able to surpress that fear like his human soldiers. But like human soldiers, I’m sure that fear doesn’t go away. And that means every time he went into combat and over came his fears to do his job makes him a HERO. And many dogs HAVE saved lives without ever being trained! Acknowledging these qualities isn’t anything any of us should be ashamed of!
We all would take Rocky if we could, but not just anyone can afford to care for a dog with such medical bills. Wish you all would shut up and stop attacking each other, it’s disgraceful and horrible.
We get this notice about Rocky today & get a very short notice for the 24th.. I think it’s not enough time to search for a home for Rocky.. Please work this out in respects for Rocky hero’s. Set up a fundraiser for him & a new owner will need help for his vets needs. Looked like Rocky has come along way & has been the best he can ! Please give him credits !
We have been informed overnight that Rocky will not be put down while adoption applications are pending.
I wish I could take him. My and my husbands jobs do not allow for us to spend the time at home needed to have a dog. But I will certainly help with funds for his transport as well. Facebook friend me…. Susan- John McDonough with info on how I can help ! God Bless You Rocky ! Thank you for your sacrifice. There are alot of people praying for you tonight !
Rocky is a veteran and should be treated as one. If I had the room for him, I would apply. It’s a shame to see this happen!!
Police dogs are treated like any policemen, why is it that when it comes to this dog, he isn’t treated like any other soldier???? That’s a shame! Lets all contact our lcoal humane society and see if they would take him. How many of these cases are going on? Shouldnt there be an organization that specifically takes care of cases like these??
I pray Rocky finds a home. It is a sin and a tragedy that Rocky cannot live out his years with someone to love him after he served our country. He deserves no less love, honor and respect than his human counterparts. If I could provide for him I would. Please someone help him.
I will take him, I just adopted out two foster shep/rotts, they are leaving monday and then I can leave from detroit to camp P, gets me there thursday or friday latest. sent email and will follow with repeat calls in the AM (got the recording) I am in Detroit though, so If someone is closer, by all means go get him, or lets get him transported here? I can take him, its a week round trip for me though… and I still have two other rescue dogs… I have room for Rocky in my pack though!
Sean, the original post said Rocky would need to be the only dog in the house. I would think they could bend that rule, though. I have three dogs- 2 rescues, including a pit bull- which is the sweetest dog I’ve ever met. Conventional wisdom isn’t always right- Rocky might thrive with other dogs- if they’re introduced cautiously.
If they do let you take him, I think a lot of people here would help cover transportation costs (including me). Let me know what they say (skyway@aol.com).
I spoke to Jade a little while ago. I have a great home for Rocky.—The Adoption Information form speaks about a process that could take months.—Euthanasia is scheduled for August 24 . My client is prepared to adopt tomorrow. —Please call me 24/7 at 610 581 4141 OR 610 526 2828.— Please look at: pactforanimals.org where we have homes for Rocky situations.—Buzz
Buzz….best of luck in arranging this adoption. If I can help in any way at all please don’t hesitate to call. 423-343-9206.
We’ve been informed overnight that Rocky will not be put down while adoption applications are pending.
In my opinion I think that putting the dog to sleep is sad and tragic but I think because of his condition it is the best thing for him I would NEVER allow one of my dogs to suffer like that I love my dogs dearly and putting them to sleep would be Devastating for me but it they were in pain and suffering all the time I would do the Humane thing. He cant walk and he cant even “do his buisness” with dignity how can allowing him to suffer in this way be the right choice.
Obviously you’ve never worked with special needs dogs. I have and believe me, their attitudes are nothing like human attitudes. These dogs have an unbelievable zeal for life and it would be heartbreaking to see it snuffed out before his time. The special dogs that I’ve had the pleasure of knowing have taught me more about life, happiness, and overcoming limitations that you can possibly imagine. Rocky needs this chance.
I have worked with one, and I agree. I am crying for him. Bless all who are working to find help for him! I would help some with a donation. I don’t have much left over after caring for my 3 rescues and my own medical, but he deserves it. If everyone who reads this could donate what they can afford, it all adds up. I also plan contacting my Congressman about this (although I don’t think it will help). Any other ideas??
It seems that several people here are interested in adopting Rocky. If there is anything that I can do to help facilitate his transport please let me know. My email is sheilla.dingus@gmail.com. I have written and offered to foster Rocky if this is permitted. My situation isn’t ideal in that I’m quite under employed right now but I have expressed interest in adopting him if another good home does not surface in time and fostering is not allowed. I am waiting to hear back. I do have experience with special needs working breeds including a Doberman who had to use a doggie wheelchair. If I can help anyone here to help Rocky, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Together we CAN save him!
If you want Rocky but need transportation, please contact Operation Roger. They are truckers who transport pets across this nation to their furever homes..No charge. Just google for them.
I want to adopt him but I live in Philippines.
I would adopt this dog in a heartbeat but there’s a few reasons why I can’t. I have another dog and he needs a home with no other animals. Also, I’m on the east coast and can’t afford the cost to bring him out to me. I hope someone can rescue this hero. He doesnt deserve death
I 100% agree with what Karren said,” the US govt. should pay all of the vet bills for this dog for the rest of his life. It is a crime the way our veterans of war are treated. No jobs, homeless, Yet they just bought new buses at a cost of over one million each for Obama and the presidential candidates to ride in. I believe I heard they bought three. We are so worried about sending money to Pakistan and other foreign countries but we don’t take care of our own. We have starving children in this country. It’s time we take care of our own first!
I do agree with you Mickey. The government has no concern for anyone but themselves lately. They care about putting money in obama’s pockets, and making sure everyone in the white house is taken care of. But how are they doing that? By taking out of our soldiers pockets. It’s a shame they couldn’t do anything for this poor dog. Unfortunately for america, as much ‘pride’ as we take in our soldiers, we have fresh veterans returning every day to absolutely nothing but a park bench, and a piece of news paper to call their blanket. I hate how the disabled veterans, and homeless veterans of this country get treated, and those dying currently from being sent to do a job by our government. They could use the money they have in the ‘agent orange’ fund that if it goes unclaimed automatically goes into the politicians hands instead of finding a cure to take care of them. We as americans talk alot of shit but do absolutely nothing to back up these words. If I could I’d take Rocky in a heart beat. But I am a single female working an odd ends job, and suffering from the decline of an economy. Reading this made me sit here and cry. I’m sometimes ashamed to call myself american, if america can’t even take care of the people living here.
Poor Rocky desrves a veterans honor, a purple heart, and all the awards, and promises the government promises you upon signing your life away. As a child of a reservest and many a veteran in my family. I hope and pray this poor veterans reaps what he deserves. If it wasn’t for him ‘saving lives’. Just think he could have saved your son or daughters life out there in Afghan/Iraq. Both my aunt and my uncle are retired soliders from your barricks.
Good luck to you dear Rocky. No SOLDIERS LEFT BEHIND. GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER CAMP PENDLETON!
It just shows how the military treats the disabled war dogs kill them if it was a human there would be an outcry of MURDER.
Anonymous: PLEASE TELL US WHAT THE REAL DEAL IS WITH THIS DOG! I can not believe that he would be put to death! If what has been written is not the truth, (and I hope it is not the truth), PLEASE TELL ALL OF US WHATEVER YOU KNOW ABOUT THIS. Our country is being shown in a putrid, putrid way through all of this! People are bringing Hitler, Native Americans, African Americans into all of this and it has gotten REALLY OUT OF HAND! People are hating from Portugal, to Germany and plenty are hating from right here in the US! One telling the other to “mind their own business”, another, “don’t throw stones if you live in a glass house” “Sweep the dirt from your door step” and on and on! PLEASE SHED SOME LIGHT ON THE TRUTH HERE! WE NEED TO KNOW THE TRUTH! I AM BEGGING!
As of 1am ET this morning we received a message from Camp Pendleton that Rocky will not be put down as long as there are pending adoption applications. Please continue to refer to our post for updates that we confirm; we are in direct contact with Camp Pendleton.
Im praying someone will adopt Rocky. I know my family would in a heartbeat if we were stationed in the US. <3
It doesn’t really matter who adopts as long as it’s someone who cares and will give this hero a loving forever home. After all he served his country and deserves to live out his life in comfort and not be put to death. 3 tours is a long and faithful time to his country.
Shame on you for downing the people who are trying to save a disabled animal/vet. Do not be so ignorant, dogs know death. Walk in a high kill shelter and look into the eyes of the dogs and tell me they do not know death. Just because he was TRAINED to save, does not make him any less of a hero. The men and women who serve our country are TRAINED and put their lives at risk 24/7, does that make them less of a hero because they were trained? You assume your the biggest animal lover? You have no idea what it is to be an animal lover. You might care for animals and even own a couple, but when you are a 22 year old broke full time college student who in the last 6 months single handedly saved over 22 dogs from being killed just to make space in a shelter, then you can talk to me about being an animal lover.
*God Bless Our Troops!*
^^That was to Nuno^^ Scroll up to see his stupid comments he made!
Wow… yours is bigger than mine! Really? Are you serious? Go back to school and learn a little bit more, I don’t have the time to educate “teenagers”…
AND then they say that I’m the hatter… yeah, right! 😀
Someone please give this guy a bone, he deserves it for his own brave heroic act of saving 22 dogs… single handed! May you be applauded… or not…
E vê lá se estás mas é caladinho que a tua conversa já cheira mal…
Alguém que mude aí as fraldas ao menino, tá todo borradinho! lol 😀
Bottom line, this wonderful dog served in the military, the military would honor and take care of a human, would they put a human down? I think not. This is what this country has become. This is BS. If we can not count on our own government to save this poor guy than someone needs to save this poor boy.
HES A US VETERAN!!! THIS IS AN OUTRAGE!!!! HE SHOULD BE COLLECTING 100% DSB…..PLEASE ILL PERSONALLY PAY FOR FOOD N VETTING!!!! SOMEONE HELP THIS GUY OUT!!!!!!!!! SHAME ON OUR GOVT!!!!
Please immediately contact Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah. Or Angel’s Gate Hospice in New York. Both of these organizations have a reputation for stepping up and helping dogs animals like Rocky. He deserves better than this. Please, please, please exhaust your possibilities before ending another life. Rocky is a veteran too. What is the rush to end his life? He, like all of us, only get one.
Awww 🙁 I would love to have him, but we already have 2 dogs! Hope this guy finds a home!
I too am a disabled (army) vet and if I didn’t have my own SDiT, I would take him in a heartbeat! It’s too bad that he needs to go to a home with no children or dogs! 🙁 I have both… I pray that someone with a large heart can take in and care for this wounded vet.
Wow, we’re being attacked by Portugal first and now Germany? Really? Sabine, the dog has Degenerative Myopathy, which is a nerve disease which controls the dogs back legs. It immobilizes the dogs ability to control his hind legs. Shepherds are very sucseptible to this. And, condeming how the US Military treats it’s dogs? Really? After the Berlin wall fell, I could swear that I read that all the dogs that were between the walls were all slaughtered. Hmmm….
Lets stay on track and focused on the whole purpose of this blog, shall we?
Thank u. …u spared them my brutal retort! And yes, let’s stay focused on finding this guy a comfy living home to retire to….( ill end here…my brain is about to spew some brutal replies to our concerned foreigners…funny…they’d b nothin without us!
To you the same: you have absolutely no idea what you´re talking about. Lueddeke… hmmmmm seems to be a german name. LOL
You really are dumb… if it wasn’t a Portuguese brave hero called Christopher Columbus, you guys would not even exist… as Americans.
Go back to school please… it is good for you!
What does your Country an history have to do with this beautiful dog? Go someplace else an spew that crap. Better yet, get over yourself!
Frankly, i’m Sick of reading your spew!
Sorry, that was to nuno
I hate stupidity that’s all!!!
And you win them all!!! Congratz… 😛
By the way, this is a free world DOooG
//_^
Kathleen… I think you are an animal lover… aren´t you!?
I will tell you my opinion…
I know about paralyzed dogs and yes I´m commending how the US Military is treating it´s dogs!!!
No matter where he got his disease from or why…!
They took him when he was a healthy dog and used him for work! And now???
It´s their duty to make sure he can have a good life after all he did for the US Army!!!
And to be honest… I never heard or read something you said about the dogs between the walls! You can be sure… if that really would had happened… EVERY TV channel and EVERY newspaper had been talking about that!!!
By the way… between the walls… NO ONE… not even a duck could survive there!!! Or did you never heard about all the bombs between the walls???
And…please… before judging us for something what should happened there… “touch your own nose” and “first wipe away the dirt in front of your own door”… like we german say!
We have an animal law… since 1933… and we do not “slaughter” dogs.
USA is up to date with all modern stuff, sending rockets to the moon etc. pp… but not able to create a really good animal law!?!?!?!
That´s a shame and not just me is thinking like that… no… the most americans agree with me!
But what happens in this modern USA??? Nothing!!! Look just on the Rodeos… wonderful “sport”!
For sure we have rotten apples here in germany like every country has… but… we have no killing shelters… or death rows like in USA!
NO animal in our shelters is allowed to put to death by a “date” because of full shelters!
And when you are honest… you also do not like the “rules” in the USA for animals…
I believe our dogs have the the better choice.
Just hope Lucky will get that lovely home he deserves!!!
And now we can go back on track…
P.S.: Don´t take it personal!
Ok lady, you need to stop now. You obviously do NOT know what you are talking about. Do you have any idea what the Germans did to any animals they came into contact with when the Nazi’s were in charge. Slaughtered Lady all Slaughtered. The US does have some good laws and some bad. You can’t sit over there in Germany and make a blanket comment like that. And if you can sit there and say all rodeo is bad then you are obviously stupid. Have you ever even seen one. Mind your own business and stop minding ours. No country has a perfect record of taking care of it’s people or it’s animals. And Germany’s record of taking care of either seriously sucks. Without us stepping in a saving your butts you would not have the ability to sit there and make such stupid comments. So once again mind your own business. Someone in this country will take care of this dog I am sure of it.
lol
u r telling the same bulls**t like that gretchen did. u have been there with the nazis? u r talkin bout any butts? u should google to see the german history. what do u think how old the us is & where r the most from? u r the one who has no idea. shut up & go home.
@ Faran Issoba:
You absolutely have NO IDEA WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT! “Mind your own business”? What do you think who brought the most technology to the US for business? Germany! WOW they created the fist “unidentified flying object”. You know the round thing! Why do the rich people here like to have german cars? You´re just talking about old things and ask if the lady has been to a rodeo. Have you been to a rodeo or in germany by war time? Faran Issoba you´re not really a clever person!!!
I´m here to help Rocky and I´ll not reading stupid coments like yours!
Btw where does your name come from?
I have read the comments and it seems that there are some people who are thankfully serious about adopting Rocky. I agree with many of you that this is nothing short of inhumane. The fact that the military would not at the very least find a rescue group that uses foster homes as opposed to shelters to temporarily house this dog is beyond me. I just lost my 13 yo GSD last October that I adopted from German Shepherd Rescue of New England when he was 10. I know for a fact that they take in handicapped and senior GSDs. I also know they network with similar organizations in other areas. I will pass this info along to them and also email the Spc. Our dog used a special harness and a wheelchair the last year of his life and was still able to run and play. It was not easy, but unbelievably rewarding to have given him that chance. I truly hope someone will give Rocky the same chance. No doubt he’s earned it.
I so agree with what you said. Unless you’ve worked with and loved special needs dogs, you can’t understand how rewarding it is. Dogs are such amazing creatures…they don’t wallow in self pity the way many of their human counterparts do….they just put their ailments aside and go on with life. I took in a 12 year old deaf and blind Doberman who was one of the most delightful dogs that I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing. Another foster was a former agility Dobe that due to an injury was confined to a doggie wheelchair like Rocky. He loved life and never missed a beat. One of his favorite things was chasing squirrels in the back yard. I really hope that Rocky will be given the chance he deserves. It seems a number of people here are interested in adoption and I’m more than willing to foster him, so let’s hope the military will be cooperative and this boy finds the home he deserves!
Bless you! Dobies are great. I lost one to cancer and still grieve. I pray that Rocky gets a loving home!
Read what Carrie said:
Carrie777 says:
August 17, 2011 at 8:18 pm
I will take him. I have 4 dogs already and one is a retired police dog. I will be calling tomorrow to see about getting him here!
We’re told that Rocky needs to be the only animal in the home.
What the hell shall that???
Everybody should be happy he gets a new home with a good life and not telling the people that he has to be the ONLY dog there!!! I think it´s always better to have company than to be alone… also a handicapped dog.
They can play like the others… not 100 % … but they can and will love it!
I´m shocked and sad!!!
It states clearly that military working dogs tend to be more aggressive, making them better off as only dogs. It’s a safe guard to protect the dog and the new owner. This dog can play but I would SLOWLY work it into playing with other dogs. I would NEVER dream of subjecting my handicapped doxie to a possible threat. Some dogs with aggression issues will see a disabled dog as something to kill. It is GENETIC and called pack mentality.
I am however APPALLED at the USMC for not trying harder to give this dog a home!! There are many veterans who could provide a home. Retired or a veteran of some kind who is TRAINED to handle this dog could be a good idea. Active duty service members would not be a good idea due to moves and some places we move to charge a fortune for people with pets while we wait for housing. As a reservists wife you have no idea about active duty life and should not be insulting those of us who live it DAILY or have lived it daily as our real life not something we do occasionally. I’m sorry but as a disabled FEMALE vet~it gets my back up! And if I had no dogs at all I’d be in my car on my way to get him!
Comment includes my remark also to the wife of reservist who verbally went after someone.
If Lucky has this aggressive potential … it´s really not easy to take him with other dogs I believe!
And also other dogs might be checked before meeting each other!
So…. the rest of the comment was not for me!? ;o)
As a disabled vet this is very upsetting to me….here we have a war hero who gave his life for OUR freedom…it is only my opinion but I feel that the goverment should,as with all disabled vets,take care of this heros’ medical bills for the remander of his life.Why would we give the politicians free medical care for the rest of their lives and they can’t can’t even get the job done?! Here you have a warrior be it 2 legs or 4 legs that has done a job well and has proven his worth. Shame on all you goverment official. Unfortunatly I am not in a position to take this dog(I have 10 GS and run a horse rescue) but if I could I feel it would be a priviledge and an honor to take this dog. I must throw caution to the wind….There is a possibility that this dog can suffer from PTSD( Post Traumatic Stress the person who adopts him must have a very willing and loving heart. That is why I think the goverment should take care of his medical treatment….Honor this hero Please!!!!
I totally agree with you!!! Do doubt about it!!!
I´m german… but for me… I can´t believe a MEMBER of the BIG US ARMY should be killed!
How many millions does USA give for Military “stuff”??? And is NOT ABLE to feed a HERO til the end of his live???
A life he REALLY deserves???
Why is he handicapped now??? From all the lazy days laying on a sofa???
Hey… USA… come on !!! Is this your true face to your Army members???
You have “UNITED” in “USA”… so what is it meaning by doing this to Rocky???
Think about it and do not make your “name” a shame!!!
Everyone is trying read the posts people want to adopt we unfortunately can not control our government. This hero won’t die he will find his home.
Bonni…
You are right… the gov. is “a mess” for things like that!
And yes… I believe he will find his new home!!!
Fingers crossed!!!
And Germany has such a “loving history” of slaughtering millions of innocents…. hmmm…. If I recall, wasn’t it the United States that rallied to the cause and saved millions who would have been enslaved by your “wonderful Hitler!” We are not perfect, but lots of people try to come to our country – wonder why? Let’s spew love – not hate!
Ah… and “GRETE”… before I forget:
Read ALL the comments here… (also the first under that here!) and you will see and maybe understand!? what the others wrote about the US Army and the gov.!!!
Go… go with your wonderful knowledge and judge them too! Ha??? You don´t dare??? Why not??? Ahhhhh…. they are not germans!!!
I understand… so…. do not tell me anything about Hitler and racism!!!
Sabine: I feel the need to apologize for Gretchen! I am so sorry…. I think it is a bit late, because reading what is going on with this dog, certainly makes the US look like we are a bunch of ungrateful and uncaring bunch when it comes to this dog. I URGE YOU TO CONTINUE READING….. You will find that THIS DOG IS GOING TO GET HIMSELF A WONDERFUL HOME WITH ONE OF US AMERICANS! We are NOT ALL UNCARING! We are NOT ALL UNKIND! We have ALL KINDS IN THIS COUNTRY! We have to take the bitter with the sweet! You will find that THERE IS NO SHORTAGE OF SWEET HERE! The Americans have an Animal Rescue Community that is filled with the most kind, loving, caring and GENEROUS PEOPLE that anyone could EVER come across! I think that YOU will be IMPRESSED as this story comes to an end and THIS HERO HAS FOUND A HOME AND A FAMILY THAT WILL BE PERFECT FOR HIM! I know this is going to happen for him, as sure as I know my name! YOU WILL BE SURPRISED AND I WILL BE PROUD! Watch and learn…. IT IS GOING TO MAKE YOU SMILE ALONG WITH ME!
Shame on you, Gretchen! WHY ON EARTH WOULD YOU BRING UP HITLER? Believe this…. HITLER IS NOT PART OF THE SOLUTION HERE! WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?
Brenda… I appreciate your apology… but really… no worries about that!!! I also have wonderful american friends!!! :o)
And also I have my own opinions about the USA! This is just a case that makes me angry and sad because of what Lucky did for the US Army and now they are not taking care of him any longer or giving him enough time to find his home!
But if all the other good people in here will help and share… I´m sure that Lucky ( I call him Lucky because he needs luck ;o) ) will find that wonderful “fur” ever home he deserves!!!
I know what the americans are able to do for animals… and I appreciate that! It´s not the fault of the american citizens… it´s a fault by the law I think!
In which part of the US do you live?
Tensions are obviously high, but let’s not use this forum to attack each other- let’s focus on finding Rocky a “forever home.” Let’s be part of the solution…
Agreed; we are removing and blocking people who use profanity to express themselves.
hey gretchen what kind of person r u? u r talking here bout hitler & jump on germans who want help? u better listen to news on tv to know reality & ur recall u can keep by urself. it´s a shame to read ur post. im a former marine too. we´re here for rocky. sabines right before open ur barefaced mouth – first google.
Good god do you have to bring hitler into this because a German posted? This has absolutely nothing to do with helping a poor animal in need. You should be ashamed of yourself totally!
You have got to be kidding….has ANYONE CONTACTED BEST FRIENDS ANIMAL SANCTUARY???? I will if I knew the contact info for this wonderful living dog….please let me know I will try and get him in there….if no one can adopt him…I hate that I cannot but have two intact males(show dogs) and it would not work they would drive him crazy…and he could not relax and enjoy his life…whatever that may be he does not need to be killed…e gads
Military protocol does not allow these dogs to be surrendered to shelters, rescues or any other organizations, only directly to adopters’ homes.
Is there a phone number? I live in Florida, an would love to take him. I have no dogs here, just 2 cats. It is very easy access for going in an out. If there is a number, please send to ladyrebel1862@yahoo.com. Thank you an God Bless.
I hope that someone will welcome this retired service dog into their home & their heart! He deserves to spend his remaining years in comfort with someone who cares about him.It is sad that his handler died or I am sure he’d be taken care of! If no one takes him, can he not be sent to an animal sanctuary to live out his life with other animals like himself?He might be property of the Service but he is still a living, breathing warrior!!!!!!Best of Luck to you !
I wish I didnt already have multiple dogs! I want more than ANYTHING to take this pup-pup into my home & love on him! If not for the threat of being called a hoarder, I’d do it. I have 6 pom-poms/rat-terriers-all related by mom,dad 2-girls&2-boy babies….Dang IT!
I would love him. My husband is a former Marine. But we have a 2 year old. I pray he finds a good home. He deserves that. He’s a veteran, just like a human he deserves respect and live for his service.
I will take him. I have 4 dogs already and one is a retired police dog. I will be calling tomorrow to see about getting him here!
BLESS YOU!
Carrie777: REALLY????
I have tears in my eyes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
<3 <3 <3 <3 <3
Would you be so kind and update me on Facebook about him???
You will find me there by the same name like here!!!
Thank you and all the best for you, your pack and Lucky!!!
Now, that is what I was talking about… congratulations and claps on to you for such attitude…
My respect to you from Portugal!
Have a great life and God bless you!!! 🙂
Yes this is wonderful!!! I would like to adopt him too… but I still have 3 dogs… 2 rescued and adopted from Romania and 2 horses. Also I´m not sure about the long flight for him to Germany.
But I´m sure he will have a wonderful live at Carries home!!!
God bless you all!!!
the article said he should go to a home with no other dogs because he was dog-aggressive. Or I’d have gone out and gotten him myself. I already have 2 rescues…so far, one of which I went from Wisconsin to eastern Ohio to get.
God bless you Carrie. Please keep us posted … this brought tears to my eyes.
Come on folks. Just use him up and put him to sleep. I’m surprised the government doesn’t do this to soldiers too. This dog did what was expected of him and now its time for the USA to stand up for this hero.
Dont think it hasn’t crossed THIS administrations MIND!
Or the one BEFORE, if you catch my drift. Bush, that is, since we’re needlessly bringing politics into this.
ok I finally got through all of the article and I would love to adopt him and keep him from being put down. I have two small boys and a rat terrior and I don’t think with his conditions that would be best for him. I really wish it would have worked out for me to adopt him. I really do hope he finds a home and I will post this on my facebook for my friends to see! I pray that he may continue his life until he dies of natural causes..