SAN ANTONIO — UPDATE 3/11
We brought you Rocky's story on Thursday and by the weekend, a KENS 5 viewer had gone to the shelter and brought him home, saying that no dog should spend two and half years just waiting for someone to notice him.
We wish you the best of luck on your new life!
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Our "Forgotten Friends" series showcases a dog or cat each week that has spent a lengthy time at an area shelter, just waiting for someone to notice them and bring them home to love.
This week, we went to the Animal Defense League on Nacogdoches and met an almost three-year-old Rottweiler mix named Rocky that was saved from City of San Antonio Animal Care Services in August of 2021.
Rocky gets along well with everyone... kids, other dogs and even horses! "He’s never met a stranger and loves people and seems to really like kids," said Jamie Gibson at ADL. "He’s a little bit of a bulldozer when he sees his good friends because attention and some good pets and scratches are what he loves best."
He has the puppy dog eyes and hound dog pout down to perfection. His ideal family would be one that just loves him, it doesn't matter to him if there are kids or other pets. Did we mention yet that he loves kittens?
He loves to go for rides in the car, getting pets, treats and just cuddling up with someone. Rocky knows how to walk on a leash, but he just gets a little enthusiastic when he sees someone he wants to say hi to. But give him some treats and he remembers that he’s not supposed to pull people around.
He does have a little bit of hip dysplasia but is otherwise healthy, current on all vaccinations, neutered and has been microchipped.
"He doesn’t let bad hips get him down, he just wants a family of his own who is good with short bursts of activity and casual walks but mostly just good with just lots of belly rubs and cuddles," said Jamie.
Rocky keeps his room nice and neat and loves a big fluffy bed to relax in surrounded by all his toys.
"He doesn’t show the best in his kennel because he just doesn’t understand why every person who walks by isn’t stopping to give him some love," said Jamie. "But outside of the kennel you’ll see his real personality."
Rocky is what the ADL calls a Diamond in the Ruff. Any pet that has been available for adoption at the Animal Defense League for four months or longer qualifies. That means ZERO adoption fees so you can spend more on toys, beds, and treats to spoil them in their new home!
If you want to help ADL rescue and treat more pets in need, they will ask for a monetary donation in lieu of the adoption fee for these pets. Every bit you donate contributes to saving the next life of the abandoned, abused, or neglected pets in our community that we see daily.
You can fill out your adoption application by CLICKING HERE.
For whoever adopts Rocky, Lucy's Doggy Daycare & Spa will be lending a paw by offering them a free "Glow Up" Day at the Spa, which includes a massage therapy bath and Pawdicure. One of Lucy's most cherished core values is to continue Lucy’s legacy of giving back to pups in need, as Lucy herself was a rescue!
Rocky the Rottweiler mix has no sense of personal space, loves kisses | Forgotten Friends
The ADL says this year alone they will save the lives of over 6,500 dogs and cats, many of which will require multiple specialized surgeries costing thousands of dollars. You can help by donating to their PAWS for a Cause Emergency Medical Fund, which plays a crucial role in this mission.
Maybe you're not quite ready to adopt a dog, but still want to help out. Why not try fostering a dog. ADL will provide all of the food and supplies that you will need, and even take care of all of the medical. It's a win-win situation for both you and the dog or cat. They get a loving home, and it doesn't cost you a dime. CLICK HERE to become a pet foster parent.
Do you love animals and want to make a difference by volunteering? The Animal Defense League is always in need of volunteers in various areas. There is sure to be something for everyone! CLICK HERE
Want to help but don't have the time to volunteer or foster? Consider sponsoring a pet. This program allows you to assist ADL with their expenses in getting the pet adoption ready as each pet on average costs about $272. CLICK HERE to sponsor an animal.
The ADL also hosts bi-weekly free pet vaccination and microchip events for pet owners. Find out more about them by CLICKING HERE.
Here are some other ways you can help out the pets at ADL:
ADL tells us that what they need most, besides fosters and adpters, is soft dog treats, XL Kongs and pate wet dog food.
Hours of Operation:
- Nacogdoches Campus
11300 Nacogdoches Rd.,
San Antonio, TX 78217
Open Daily from 11am to 7pm - PAUL JOLLY CAMPUS
210 Tuleta Dr,
San Antonio, TX 78212
Open Daily from 11am to 7pm
Normal adoption fees are as follows:
- Dogs: $75.00
- Puppies under 6-months: $150.00
- Cats: $40.00
- Kittens under 6-months: $125.00
You can contact ADL at https://adltexas.org/contact-us/.
Remember when you adopt a shelter pet, you save two lives... the one you bring home with you and the one that now will be saved because the shelter has more room.
If you know of a Forgotten Friend that has been overlooked and is still looking for a "furr-ever" home, contact Andrea at acarden@kens5.com.