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.
{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{ COME ON PEOPLE NOT ON ROCKYS PAGE AND LINK IMA MILITARY WIFE TOO BUT ITS NOT ABOUT WHO IS THE BEST OR WHO IS PISSED OFF..ITS NOT ABOUT YOU OR YOUR OPINIONS ON EITHER SIDE!!
THIS WHOLE SITUATION IS ABOUT FINDING ROCKY A HOME AND NOT HAVING TO TAKE AN HOUR TO READ EACH REPLY THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH FINDING THIS DOG A HOME. ITS DISHEARTENING WHEN PEOPLE WORK AGAINST EACH OTHER AND TAKE THINGS SO PERSONAL:(
BOTTOM LINE IS ROCKY IS STILL IN DANGER OF BEING KILLED AND I HAVENT HEARD ANYTHING ABOUT HIM BEING ADOPTED OR SAVED YET. PLEASE KEEP SHARING THIS DOG AND FOR ANYONE ABOVE WHO IS SERIOUSLY INTERESTED AND WOULD BE ABLE TO AFFORD EXPENSIVE MEDICAL BILLS OR TREATMENTS ROCKY MAY NEED AS WELL AS SPECIAL EQUIPMENT..THERE IS AN APPLICATION ON THE BOTTOM OF THE ARTICLE THERE ARE TWO EMAILS OF CONTACT WHO ARE TRYING TO HELP ROCKY (THANK YOU) AS WELL AS AN ONLINE APPLICATION!
POSTING ROCKY AND SENDING DIFFERENT RESCUES A LINK TO HIS STORY ESPECIALLY FOR DISABLED DOGS WILL INCREASE ROCKY CHANCE OF GOING TO AN APPROPRIATE HOME..THANKS AND PLEASE SHARE THIS SOLDIER <3<3<3<3
As a lover of dogs and all animals for that matter, I really hope this guy gets a good home. On another note, I don’t recall seeing this much attention given to our soldiers that have returned from the US occupations in other countries with disabilities and are homeless. The soldiers are the fastest growing section of the homeless in the US right now. I guess people think people can take care of themselves where dogs cannot. I just needed to say that, best of luck to him.
I have witnessed so much warmth and caring on this thread! This part makes me so proud, though I am only a witness of this and have NOTHING TO OFFER THIS HERO/DOG!
I have also witnessed much unnecessary hateful remarks that have made me ashamed. I wish that the hatred would STOP RIGHT NOW!
I have read that several people are willing and able to provide the environment that this dog needs and so well deserves! It is this that makes my heart SWELL WITH PRIDE FOR MY FELLOW AMERICANS! I am not the most patriotic person that can be found, but I DO HAVE SOME PRIDE IN BEING AN AMERICAN! I do have a special place in my heart for our veterans. I don’t like the way that our veterans are not cared for upon return. Seeing them homeless breaks my heart. This dog is no less of a soldier than the human soldiers. I am PROUD that many on this thread are willing to open their hearts and homes to this boy! Regarless of WHO ends up with Rocky, I WANT TO THANK ALL OF YOU FOR VOLUNTEERING TO TAKE THIS VETERAN INTO YOUR LIVES! YOU MAKE ME PROUD!
What a sad state of affairs. With what is going on with human veterans and the sad treatment they receive when coming home, after seperation from service, I guess this is to be expected..As a former U.S. Army Infantryman, it pains me to see ALL vets in the shape they are in. With all the money this country spends you would think after veterans, both two and four legged, would get and SHOULD get better treatment. I am sad to say and although it was before my time, it almost seems we have reverted back to the 60’s and 70’s, the way viet nam vets were treated, out of sight, out of mind. I have and WILL have a lifelong love and respect to all veterans who stepped up to serve this country of ours, but it seems unfortunate that the MAIN source of help FOR veterans, will be FROM veterans. I wish I could do more but I try and do all I can. Kind of ironic, if you kill a police dog, you get a murder charge, if you’re a 4 legged veteran of the U.S. Military, if you are of no use…you get the death penalty. Please someone give this veteran what HE has EARNED…a place to enjoy life, relax….and the love he has EARNED>
Oh, and I noticed some of the get paid by being put in a kennel after serving. Notice Rocky has kennel sores. They would love to put him in a shelter, but can’t due to the wheels. So I GUESS ALL OF THE DOGS THAT SERVE GO TO THE SHELTER. WHAT A GREAT SALARY FOR SERVING AGAINST THEIR WILL!!!!!!!
most get adopted by their handlers but rockys handler is dead
Also MWD’s don’t make the best “family” pets due to some of their training. Bro said that oftentimes if handlers have small children they opt not to adopt the dog, is this true? Not demonizing, I agree with that decision 200% to not adopt a dog that could be “dangerous” if you have kiddos, I am just curious. Rocky, along with all his comrades (furry and human) are veterans and deserve to be honored. Thank you for trying to find this pup a home that is right for him so he can live out the rest of his days in peace.
-Chelsea
ROCKY did not get to choose to join the Military like humans get to. Rocky was put in the Military…. He has been forced to go to Iraq, not asked. Rocky had to see terrible things, like his handler die and hear horrible cries and loud explosions! No animal would want to do this…….Animals are like children not adults. These dogs are picked and trained by force of the Military. Rocky has a lot of physical and mental problems due to his life being chosen for him. I think it would be in his best interest to let him go to God…He is tired…He has been left behind in bad shape….There is no place for him in the Military anymore NOW that they have damaged him. Let this be a lesson to all. No one should make a dog do this! Look what happens. This is probably one of many that have been left in bad shape. But lets not talk about how many have been killed serving the military. Oh, and what is the DOGS SALARY for serving? Nothing but pain……..sadness…….stress……loosing loved ones………die a painful death in the field…….and left behind for his supposably wanting to serve. Everyone be quite and let the dog go in peace. The last thing he needs is to be moved and put on another home. Think of all the stress he will go through. He will be like, “What is going to happen to me now?” The whole time.
amen, he had no choice…ironic, he has no choice in death either.
I disagree 1000%. Two of my three dogs are rescues- one was beaten savagely before he escaped and ultimately we adopted him. Early on, every time I reach down to pet him he recoiled, like he was about to be hit. Ranger is now a happy, healthy, affectionate wonderful dog (you can see his photo on my Twitter account: @RightonMainSt). My other rescue is a Pit Bull- who nobody would adopt because of her breed. We rescued her the day before she would have been executed. She’s also a happy, healthy dog- the sweetest, most affectionate dog I’ve ever known. Yes, her breed has a bad rap, but if treat them with love an affection, that’s what you’ll get back.
Yes, Rocky had undoubtedly suffered greatly- including the loss of his “human” (handler). That doesn’t mean he should be killed, though. With a loving, affectionate home, Rocky can be happy and enjoy the rest of his life. It would be a huge mistake to assume that because he’s seen terrible things in the past, that he can’t live out his days in peace and happiness. He deserves it, and I think whoever adopts him will get a wonderful, loyal dedicated best friend in return.
GOOD LUCK TO ROCKY!!! HE IS TRULY A HERO! I SINCERELY HOPE THAT HE FINDS A LOVING AND KIND-HEARTED FAMILY TO ADOPT HIM…..GOD BLESS ROCKY! HE DESERVES TO SPEND THE REST OF HIS DAYS BEING LOVED BY SOME VERY SPECIAL PEOPLE.
LOVE YA ROCK,
CYNDIE-ANN
You must not take him put to sleep have no reason. He is Hero for our America. You know that I want this dog so bad. I cant afford. Damn you. You must keep dog own good home and wait for people. You better not let him go. Rocky is hard work become our hero. Now I dont understand why most people love killing the animals when they are no home.
If dog already dead. I think I should take military human put down and become not our hero.
Cassandra:
You are such an idiot! Don’t you have any respect for the men & women of the United States of America’s armed services? They are “ALL” heroes along with that military dog? You are one “heartless” bastard with a filthy mouth. Your grammar leaves much to be desired. However, I see that you don’t have any difficulty spelling those negative vulgar words though. Grow-up loser. If you can’t find it in your heart (you probably were born without one) to make positive statements, then don’t bother wasting decent readers time with your “trashy”….”ruthless”…. and imbecilic remarks! Find another web site to spawn your shit!
Has the dog found a home, yet?
Everyone stop fighting each other and lets try to find a place for this dog. OK that is the main objective, put your difference opinions aside and focus on the dog. Its about the dog not you, her , him or anyone else.
I’mnot in the Military. I’m a divorced single person, and I would take that dog in a heartbeat and have ramps made for it if I didn’t already have 3 small dogs (1 I just took in because it was dumped at my niece’s house and nobody around them would claim it and they have two big dogs and didn’t want another dog.), as well as my grandson, my daughter’s year old beagle I babysit a lot. If they’d let me, I’d take him but I don’t know that with this many dog’s if I could give him the proper care, esp when it comes to money.
I do want to say that I think it’s a disgrace at the bickering and cussing between all of you. You want to help this dog, post this everywhere. M personal opinion, everybody wants the unconditional love of a dog; however, I feel if you know you can’t take a dog with you when you move overseas and you don’t have a family member to help take care of it till you get back form Iraq, Afghan, or wherever, then you shouldn’t be getting a dog. I would never consider giving up my dogs when I moved. I see it all the time on Craigslist. It’s sad. Some friends begged me to take in this pup that was maybe 5 months old or less, and knowing I didn’t need another dog, I took it in anyway. An Army couple from Fort Wood drove to Springfield to get this baby the very next day I posted it. I asked her what they were going to do when they went overseas, and she already had plans to leave him with her Mom till they got back. That’s responsibility.
Now my last opinion, I think it’s a shame that some Military, active or non-active, person can’t take this dog on after using him for what he was trained to do and end up a crippled baby because of what he did. I’m not happy with our government right now at the way they are treating our Military families anyway and not bringing our troops home, as was promised. For the govt to just want to throw this baby away after what it’s been through for the United States of America is a pure shame. Our govt don’t help many of our vets like they ought to either, so I guess I should say it really doesn’t surprise me that they would throw a military dog aside like they do some of our vets.
It’s my prayer that this baby finds a good responsible family to take good care of it till it’s time for it to go to Puppy Dog Heaven. I don’t know about you all, but I feel dogs have a soul, or they wouldn’t have the unconditional love they have for us humans. I believe God made dogs to show us his unconditional love he has for us. So how can our govt just throw a beautiful soul like this away is beyond me!
I have shared this with my 451 Facebook peeps. Most of us are dog lovers, some are also former military, a good portion live in So Cal. I hope we find this hero a home!
Everyone should stop thinking about themselves the whole point of this post is to let people know that there is an innocent animal that needs to be saved. The only thing that u all seem to care about is arguing over who is justified to not take it. Hell I’m only 20 I have two dogs of my own that are both rescued and if I had the money I’d take him in a heart beat. Everyones lives are full of other obligations and responsibilities having a dog is like having a child u make that time and you give it that love. THE DOG think about the dog that’s why this information is here. If you can’t take him yourself who ever the you may be then just spread the word that he needs to be saved!
I would love to take him, even if I am half the country away. Save for one small problem. I already have the dog of service person. My son’s. I have two dogs and cat of my own. That’s four animals. And to compound matters I live in Joplin Mo, where have lost half our vets on top of the rest we lost. Trying to bring that dog here, with his health problems would be completely irresponsible and a disservice to him. While I agree a service person, rather retired or active should try to adopt him since they would be most familiar with his training, I hope someone… anyone… manages to adopt him. I would truly hate for someone to decide my son needed put down if he was handicapped in the service.
I will volunteer transport if he comes through North Carolina at all. I also have people in other states that would help. To everyone who is sending in applications for this brave boy, will you please keep us updated when it is finalized? I believe a lot of people would be willing to donate to a chip in for his transport, myself included.
My posts were directed at this Cassandra, by the way. Thought it would reply to hers.
Suezenne,
I cannot speak for all breeders of course (nor do I think all of them are saints, as I have a puppy mill rescue) but I hope it helps to know that my family raises drug/search&rescue dogs. Mostly Belgians and Aussies, but no matter the breed they are taken care of and loved to the fullest. It’s hard to “love” a working dog in the sense most pet owners think because they have to be hardened from affection but they are loved. And those “low” shepherds that often have to have surgery…well, shepherds are prone to that, it’s part of their genetics. It’s just worse when there are irresponsible breeders so I understand your view.
Aside from all that, I read the first few posts and got sick of them. I love how a post to save a defenseless dog IMMEDIATELY led into an argument on what kind of person should save him, military lifestyle debates…all that is useless in this case. The point is, this dog, like so many others, needs a loving home and some people have chosen to broadcast it to help him. The type of person to save him shouldn’t be based on their occupation, or age, etc, but who is willing to let him into their family and give him a good life. That’s all. We need to stop turning everything into an opportunity to argue and point fingers and focus on the task at hand. In this case, it’s to save a poor pooch who deserves a longer, happy life!
Why are you posting things like this? Did you fail to read that his handler was Killed in Action? His team may still be deployed, and/or may have kids or pets, thus disqualifying them. This sort of thing is not helpful to him or to the guys who are mourning their fallen comrade or this pups condition. I am sure they are heartbroken, and if you understood the military community you would not say things like this. Please save these harassing posts for a blog that is not trying to accomplish good! All you are doing is distracting from the people who are trying to help. The poor language only ads to the ineptitude of your post.
Krista,
eeeeeeeeeeewwwwwwwww raaaaaaah. You are to kind. It’s obvious cassandra doesn’t have a brain. We thank you and your husband.
Can you all please stop arguing and focus on what is important! How dare you waste space on here fighting over who should take him! Everyone should share the sense of pride and responsibility that would come with giving this hero a loving home. Network these stories, and get the word out! We live on Camp Pendleton and would happily take him in a heartbeat, but we have two dogs (who have moved all over the country with us,) and three boys five and under, thus disqualifying us, but we would chip in for transport or help in any way possible. My entire family has German Shepherds, including us, and I cannot tell you how amazing they are…if you are even considering giving this handsome boy a home, you won’t regret it! Please let us know if anyone adopts him and we can help in some way!
Has anyone checked with the german shephard rescue group nearby. http://www.coastalgsr.org Sometimes these groups will pull a dog and keep it from further harm especially if there is a adopter who want it. There is also the possibility that this dog transport would be interested in helping.. http://pilotsnpaws.org/ It appears that there are some interested adopters from reading this so they may check these resources out for assistance in getting this dog into a safe home.
Please folks, adopt this wonderful dog and save his life. He did the same for you.
He deserves a good retirement. Unfortunally, I am not be able to take him, living
in a small apartment and have a dog by myself.
God will love you for doing something good to some of his creatures.
Can this baby be shipped? Would he make the ride?? Im in alabama!
Clerissa, can you call them tomorrow and ask? I have rescue people in a lot of states that would help with transport and like someone else mentioned, we could set up a chip in to donate for transport fees.
Alabama isn’t a problem- I know a lot of people who would help with the transportation (including me).
It is not a matter of “You take him!” “NO YOU!” It is more a matter of what can we all do as dog lovers and honorers of veterans to help this particular furry veteran get a new lease on life. I’ve linked this on my Facebook and advise you do the same. Network, network and network some more until this guy finds the home that can best serve his unique needs.
I don’t know much about military families or about the military, but to me it seems like they are doing the right thing in trying to find a place for Rocky that can give him all the love and devotion his special needs require. Not an optimal situation to have to find a new home for this dude, but to me it seems like they are doing their best to take care of one of their own=)
Ladies. This is about a Dog. And a hero. Not you find him a home
I have 15 dogs on 15 acres all rescues.
I could sit here all day a talk to you. While his chances. Die
The Immorality of breeders who breed Police dogs that are VERY low, through the hind quarters should be drawn and quartered!!! At about 3 yrs, they start to “break down” through the hips and hind quarters! DO not buy such a puppy, and this story tears all our hearts out! If you are buying such a dog demand that you see BOTH parents, and aGUARANTEE that the breeders will PAY for any surgery[currently at about $4,000!!! Most of the Military are importing Belgiann Shepherds at about $29,000 each, delivered here! DEMAND those breeders get very tough penalties! It’s Sick!!!All the suffering the dog goes through for the vanity of the buyer… They think they look “cool” leading a slinky Shepderd!!! For SHAME!!!
and i have no other pets, currently with me, i live in a separate house, no children, i would love the companionship, and the ability to give a k9 war vet the life someone like him deserves, he is a gorgeous dog, we had a litter of puppies one born without the use of her rear legs, we held onto her as long as we could (lived 6 months) before she was paralyzed to her neck, it was not my decision to do so, but knw ultimately it was best ot put her down, and since then i have sworn to take on a dog with a disability to give them a life that precious(the puppy we had) deserved. Please contact me via email ststrife@gmail.com if anyone can help me get the credentials to get this dog into a safe and happy home here.
if you go to the very bottom of the page, there is an application that you can fill out. I hope you qualify to help this poor dog. I cannot adopt this doggie because i got two small ones already. I hope and pray you are able to get him and able to provide all the things that he needs. Please if you are able to, add me in facebook or email me to LETHELSL@AOL.COM and send me pictures of him and see how he is doing. Thank you so much and best of wishes…
Have you heard anything? Is there anything any of us can do? Help with transport? Set up a chip in? Anything? Please let us know what they say about you saving Rocky!
We will as soon as we have an update. We’re East coast and Camp Pendleton is West… so while we’re typing right now they’re sleeping!
Actions speak louder than words my friends. Grew up a Military Brat. Lived all the world. My fathers gave this country 25 of his best years. Taking this majestic four legged companion and giving him the love and appreciation is the least I can do for my country! God bless!
Wow… How strange humans are. How quickly so many people started blaming each other, or saying who SHOULD and SHOULDN’T take on this vet. How many assumptions (like “this dog has saved countless lives” and “obviously the military has no regard for…”) have been used here to AVOID their discomfort with the real subject. ROCKY. Who is alone because his HANDLER gave HIS life. Taking on this animal will not be a small task at all, but would be a huge act of honor toward the animal himself, as a veteran, AND an honor to the HUMAN soldier who was his partner, and the sacrifice that he made for us. I just want to hear whats being done to fix the situation, or fix it myself. Who “SHOULD” step up to the plate?… Whoever CAN. Whoever will respect and care for this honorable life. Me? You? Vet? Active Duty? Civilian? WHO CARES, as long as he is well cared for… Lets just all put in an application, who are able, and if you are not? Don’t. No blame needed. Lets not be like the politicians, letting the blame game and the word “should” cover for our not achieving results. These soldiers, and our whole country, deserve better than that.
I don’t think it matters what kind soul adopts this Hero.Please.
I live in Fl so I can’t.
Someone should give this great Hero a good and loving home.That is all that matters!!!!
Please!!!!
I’m in FL, too- I can’t adopt him because I have 3 dogs already (2 rescues), but I’d be happy to help with transportation. 🙂
Cassandra, just zip it you moran. If you work in rescue than i am the queen of sheeba.
poor thing
I am a military man myself, and if i had the finances i would love to adopt him and give him a great home where he would be nurtured and loved for all his day, in my family we have a rule, and that is take on any dog that needs rescuing, and if anyone could help me to adopt him i would promise you that he will know no better owner than me. I am currently in the reserves after being active duty AF and honestly would enjoy the company of a dog to call my own, problem is times are tight, its not that i can’t afford vet bills, because i would happily sacrifice anything to give this dog a home and treat him as one of the family, its the adoption costs. but here he would know no better of a home. I don’t wanna see him put down, he is to much of an warrior to be put down so easily, if not one can take him than he will have a home here with me if i could get him in any way possible
Tim, I’m former military with 3 dogs (2 rescues) and I’m already getting threatening letters from my homeowners association because I’m only allowed 2. That said, I’d be happy to make a contribution to whoever adopts Rocky- and I’m sure a lot of other people here would, too. The problem is that there’s no way to know what that means. I’ll call tomorrow and ask if we can contribute to a Rocky Retirement fund to help whoever adopts him. Not much time to put it together, but it’s worth a try. I’m also happy to help with transportation if that’s an issue.
I’d LOVE to adoopt a retired military K9. I have 3 teenage sons whom would be estatic to love a K9 Hero.
I tried to find the application on line but seem to keep being sent to different pages. Where do I get the application from?
Christa, If the link doesn’t work, try calling or Email directly:
Spc. Joseph Ramsey: (760) 725-5527; email: joseph.t.ramsey@us.army.mil
Spc. Jade Clarke: (760) 725-5527; email: jade.clarke@us.army.mil
If you get him, let us know how we can help. 🙂
Did you get anywhere with this?
I am not military nor have I ever been. I Have 5 dogs`, 2 parrots. I work only 3 days a week and one of my dogs is handicapped. The vet told me to put him down and that if I didnt , he stood a 5% chance of ever walking again. He would have to have his left leg amputated at best and I was wasting my time and my energy. I have to help him (do his business) every day and all though he needs extra help, it doesnt feel like that to me. I would die with out the Love of this dog (and the others) in my life. He walks on all 4s….even though he uses his back legs more like oars rather than legs but he is walking regardless and does have use of BOTH of his back legs. (just not a large %. But he uses them enough that he doesnt need a wheelchair. Every time I see the happy, excited little guy jumping (as best he can) in the sun light I know that Im witnessing an amazing gift that has defied odds most of us would not have had the heart to fight against. If this dog doesnt find a petless home, I will take him if they will allow me to. I have the knowledge to care for him and the ability to help him become a family member with other (siblings) may even be better for him in the long run if any one has seen they way dogs can bond. I would not give up on him and He would know he is Loved and respected. Please. someone keep us all posted on whats going on with him so we can make sure he is adopted and well cared for as he should be.
Thank you Gina..one of the few that seem to realize that this dog needs an experience dog owner that give him the quality of life he deserves after a life time of service!
My goodness! This is about a sweet dog that deserves a good home. People on here are arguing over personal issues and trying to defend themselves against one another. I’m sure we all wish we could help, but there is no need to fight in trying to justify why you can’t. I have three dogs, reside in NY and have a 22 month old (who is heading straight for the terrible 2’s 🙂 I do not have a lot of time & often feel just awful when I feel like my doggies do not get as much attention as they used to prior to my little one being born. I know that I could not provide the time needed for sweet Rocky. But do I wish I could…YES. I will do everything I can to assist in getting this story out. I will pray that Rocky’s life will not be taken! It’s wrong!!!! But please people…stop fighting!
Totally agree Layna…I just got on this site late tonight..and Im amazed at he good hearts..but dismayed at the amount of egotistic comments Ive seen as well. Sad..This dog deserves a loving home and care..just like any other military hero..and I say..Just get over your damn politics and save this dogs life!
Lisa, tried calling. Nobody answered. Will try again in the morning!
good luck to you charlie. It’s a very honorable thing, and I commend you for your efforts 🙂
Denise: Why so rough on an interesting suggestion re: stopping aggressive behavior by shaking a loud noisemaker? There are many things we don’t fully understand and that noise could stimulate her dog’s intimidation and stop the aggressive behavior. That is how dogs work. We do understand that. Rebekah: Don’t let them get you down. I thought it was a clever use of something deep and instinctual without cruelty and lots of tension on your part. Kudos. Rocky will get an wonderful owner soon, especially with the clever use of this media.
Piggybacking for Denise to HOPEFULLY see:
Actually, you doubting ninnies, the pebbles in the jar makes perfect sense. It’s the same sort of training that the clicker does for dogs (only the clicker is for good behavior).
When you growl and shake the pebbles, it does 2 things. 1 – it shows you are the Alpha (duh) 2 – the dog associates one with the other (i.e., the growling & the shaking of the pebbles – therefore if you shake the pebbles, what’s next? oh! the Alpha will growl and put you in your place).
The clicker, just FYI, you give them treats and lovey them up to the point happiness is associated with a click. When they hear the click they are ecstatic.
How rude to speak before you are knowledgable in the matter 🙁
A wonderful young military wife that works for our rescue just put in an application to take care of him for the rest of his life. I think it would fantastic that all of us that wish we could take him but can’t, donate to this young couple to help with his medical care. Let me know if anyone is interested, I’ll set something up for them if she’s approved.
Rob- let us know- I’ll be happy to contribute, and I’m sure a lot of other people would, too. Please Email me (skyway@aol.com) and let me know if she’s approved and what I can do to help (including transportation). Thanks! Mike
I read on Facebook that Justin said he would adopt this dog. He knows in his heart and soul that we would all be behind him every bit of the way, We may be separated by miles but we can all help him. I know Justin will be the best thing that ever came along for this sad dog – esp right now. Justin has a wealth of knowledge, he will use it to do the best he will be buoyed by our strength and donations, Please keep in touch Justin..I know you are the one to do this. You rock. Let me know what I can do to help OK???
I saw someone post about this and I have shared it on Twitter. My tweet about it was used in a “daily” from a company with lots of followers so hopefully it will help. As the daughter of a retired Marine and relative of several others in the service, I am grateful to all our service personnel and to Rocky and the other dogs who have served our country. This breaks my heart and I wish I could give him the home he needs. We have other small animals and that would not be in his best interest. I pray he finds a loving home soon with someone who will be able to give him all he needs.
The Humane Society will take him in and find him a home!
UHH THE HUMAN SOCIETY IS A KILL SHELTER AND ROCKY NEED MORE CARE THAN A SHELTER LIKE THAT CAN PROVIDE HIM!
Military protocol does not allow these dogs to be surrendered to shelters, rescues, etc.
Has anyone seriously stepped up for this dog? Please let me know. Thank you!
It would be best if Rocky could go to a service member who is not deployable. The stress on such an animal who is disabled maybe agonizing for both the owner and the dog. And it must be someone who can afford the vet bills. I’m personally going to have to pay out $7200 per month next month for 20 months for my Mom in long term care until she qualifies for Medicaid. Otherwise I’d be tempted to adopt Rocky. But I am also wanting a service dog for myself and Rocky needs someone who does not need a service dog. But what a great dog though. It should become possible for the dog to be given lifetime care grant by the military payable to the vet the owner so chooses and perhaps a food stipend. That would make the dog adoptable to more people.
To SSG Lyons, If you need a companion dog, check with P2V (Pets To Vets). They are a great organization and match veterans with rescue dogs. Mostly, these dogs are for comfort and to help the veteran assimilate back from the war zones. They are not specially trained like guide dogs, but the vet bills are taken care of and the food provided also. Check out their website and see if this is the type of dog that may help you. Thank you so very much for your service.
Pets for Patriots connects at-risk shelter pets – companion animals – with service and veteran members of the U.S. military. Learn more at http://www.petsforpatriots.org.
I am a former Marine, I would take him in a heart beat,but I am a animal lover and have 4 cats now and a big dog. I hope someone steps up to the plate and adopts him. He is a hero and hero sould not be treated like this. This just makes me sick what they want to do to him.
There are several people on here that want him…Best Friends in Utah will take him, accommodate him and let him live out the rest of his life – but not with a family that could give him the life he so deserves.
I would take him in a heart beat, but I live in a town that has too much snow (we had 55 feet of accumulated snowfall last year!)
To let this aniaml die this way is an undignified death – he deserves do much more – he is a military veteran.
Please, contact Best Friends in Utah – I will!
OMG If My Mom Would Let Me Take Him I Definitely Take Him =(
But, but, but, but…….instead, I think what people here are trying to say is, that (because of the restrictions put on placing this dog – no kids, no other animals), he wouldn’t have a good quality life in their home because they have kids or other animals. I have 8 dogs. I’d take him, BUT my first thought was……what if he didn’t get along with mine? He’d have to be segregated and then human time would be minimized. He deserves better. He deserves to be the center of attention, the only animal the owners can and want to dote on, the…..ONE. Despite his “slight” aggressive tendencies, he deserves to be anxiety free. Why make his last years full of anxiety, fear, sadness, or any other negative emotion because he is in a home where there are other animals or children? SURELY SOMEONE suitable would love to have him and give him what he deserves, maybe even moreso than any other animal – love. Perhaps if the perfect forever home can’t be found be his D-Day, we (the public) can raise enough awareness and cause a big enough stink that the military will HAVE to do something better for him……….
I’m a Marine, I’ll take him.
Good for you, Charlie! Contact them and save this boy!!
This is a sad story, indeed! I’d be VERY happy to foster this guy! I’ve had plenty of dog aggressive, chicken murdering crazy dogs come through my doors, and they all get homes eventually! I just hope they’ll at least let him go to a foster! Seems they only ADOPT them out, but we’ll see what they say! As far as adoption goes, I’ll take him if they say I can’t foster! I’m a sucker for Marines! At least they brought Rocky HOME and are giving him a CHANCE! Have you heard the story of the dogs from the “conflict” in Viet Nam? The military has gotten a lot better about caring for the K9s, and treat them more like any other member of the service (like crap! Sort of joking…maybe…). Anyway, let’s all hope that he gets a home and gets love like he deserves!
Hi Navy Marine,
I hope you can adopt him if you are not allowed to foster for him. I feel so helpless seeing him and not able to do anything. I have two small ones already and i am not able to adopt him. If you are able to adopt him, please add me in facebook or email me to LETHELSL@AOL. COM…BEST WISHES AND TAKE CARE