While the staff at the Villalobos Rescue Center (VRC) in New Orleans came to work one morning, the scene they were met with shocked them.
Tied to a fence on VRC property was a very nervous Pit Bull. As the rescuers approached the fearful dog, they noticed that his leash was wrapped around one of his legs, cutting off the circulation to the limb.
Unfortunately, freeing the pup became a difficult task.
Abandoned Pup
Since the dog was so scared, the rescuers knew they had to come up with a clever plan in order to keep both the dog and themselves safe.
The rescuers decided that the best way to gain the dog’s trust was to offer him some treats, showing him that they were there to help.
While one rescuer went inside to get the treats, the other one stayed behind to look into a plastic bag which was left alongside the pup.
Within it, among some bowls and dog food, the rescuers found a heartbreaking note explaining the dog’s story:
“Meet Rock, I can’t keep him no more due to personal problems with my family. He has been isolated in my room his whole life as my parents didn’t want him out of the room and on top of that, the landlord didn’t want dogs here. He’s 1 year and 4 months and never had human interaction besides my family so please build his human interaction. Once you get to know him, he’s the sweetest dog you’ll know. He is pet-friendly but can be nervous around people. Please take your time with [him] and give him a better home. I will always donate as much as I can for the wishlist … he is up-to-date with his shots.”
Since the rescue was already overloaded with unwanted dogs, they had no idea how they would make room for one more, especially knowing that Rocky had crippling fear and anxiety.
The VRC staff decided to post Rocky’s story on their Facebook, hoping that a kind soul would offer to take him in.
“Honestly, we didn’t hold out too much hope for this dog, especially now being in a shelter environment. We did not have the means to put this dog anywhere else so that he could decompress and acclimate to the outside world around him. He would not let any of us near him,” wrote VRC on their Facebook.
A True Miracle
Luckily, the New Orleans shelter received a message regarding Rocky. However, they were left shocked when they found out who it was.
Namely, the person who was interested in Rocky was actually the previous owner’s brother and, seeing the post, he rushed over to the center, offering to take Rocky in.
He was overwhelmed with grief. He had known this ‘Rocky’ since [he was] a puppy and since he no longer lived with his family, he had assumed all was well with the dog.
Forever Home
Even though the shelter staff was a bit hesitant to give away the troubled pup, their worries melted away when they saw Rocky’s reaction to his new dad.
It only took seconds for the fearful pup to show his true personality and shower the familiar face with kisses and cuddles.
Luckily, for us, the shelter staff recorded this sweet reunion:
Hearing his new dad telling him, “You are home”, Rocky felt the love that a sweet doggo like him truly deserves.
Being a part of a warm home full of familiar faces who love and adore him, Rocky is finally able to feel and understand what being a real pet is all about.
Goon boy, Rocky!
