On December 19, 2015, a young couple named Beth and Michael stopped by Anne Arundel County Animal Control with a carload of food and treats to brighten the holidays for the shelter pets.
They met a 17-year-old dog named Rocky who had been in and out of the shelter 6 times since 2012. The couple fell in love with him and pledged that Rocky would never spend another night alone in a kennel.
https://www.facebook.com/FAACAC/posts/931779883581231:0
Beth and Michael knew that Christmas 2015 would likely be the first and only holiday season they would have with Rocky, but they were determined to make each day he had remaining as joyful and full of love as they could. In a beautiful promise to Rocky, Beth wrote, in part:
“I took you on knowing we were going to have to take extra care of you. Knowing that one day you weren’t going to make it outside in time to use the restroom and I would have to clean it up, I knew one day I was going to have to carry you up the stairs when you no longer have the strength to do it … But until then you are the best gift I have ever gotten and I’m really sad I couldn’t give you the best 17 years you deserved but I promise you’ll have a great life from now to the day I have to say goodbye!”
https://www.facebook.com/FAACAC/posts/1114875251938359:0
The young couple provided the shelter staff and volunteers with frequent updates on the senior pooch they had all come to know and love. They purchased him an assortment of sweaters and coats to keep his old bones warm during the Maryland winter, and spoiled him with a Frosty Paws ice cream snack from time to time.
In June, Beth and Michael shared an adorable doggy selfie. Apparently it was quite difficult to capture a photo of energetic Rocky, but look at that smile!
This fall the couple had some fabulous news to share with AACAC, and of course, they included Rocky in their announcement!
https://www.facebook.com/FAACAC/posts/1123312994427918:0
Rocky’s new human sibling won’t be ready to make his or her appearance by Christmas, but that just means he gets one more holiday season with Beth and Michael all to himself.
On December 19, 2016 – exactly one year after Rocky came into their lives, Beth wrote on her Facebook page:
Time with him has been absolutely the greatest, he is old but has a youthful heart. I hope we get to keep him around for another year! I’m so thankful for all the people who had a part in the adoption of Rocky and also sending us things for him. I wish he knew how loved he is!”
I think Rocky knows exactly how much he’s loved – more than he ever dreamed of or even dared to hope for!
