Rocko’s story is a sad one. He was surrendered to the Maricopa County Animal Care & Control (MCACC) shelter in 2015 when his owner moved away. He has since been adopted – and returned – twice.
The sweet pup was recently diagnosed with cancer so his friends at the MCACC Mesa campus decided to make his final weeks as special as possible by creating a bucket list.
Rocko’s first wish? To take a ride on a real fire truck!
Rocko’s cancer was discovered when his most recent adopters returned him to the shelter because they suspected he was ill. He was being treated for skin problems in his new foster home when veterinarians uncovered the reason for his chronic dry, flaky coat and lesions – lymphosarcoma.
After months of treatment, Rocko is no longer responding as well to his medications and it seems the disease is catching up with him. His pals at MCAC created a bucket list of activities they think he will enjoy based on his fun-loving, outgoing attitude.
A visit with the Mesa Fire Department seemed like the perfect way to kick start Rocko’s adventures. Less than 24 hours after volunteers reached out to them, the MFD came through with a special truck ride for the ailing pooch.
https://www.facebook.com/MaricopaCountyAnimalCareandControl/videos/10154163613762374/
As you can see, Rocko couldn’t wait to climb aboard and get acquainted with his role models at the Mesa Fire Department! The entire community rallied around Rocko, and he got to fill his last days with fun experiences!
He was student of the day at a local elementary school:
He got to report the weather with the Fox 10 Phoenix news team:
https://www.facebook.com/MaricopaCountyAnimalCareandControl/videos/10154296500932374/
He got an invitation from the Chicago Cubs to play at Sloan Park in Mesa, AZ:
https://www.facebook.com/MaricopaCountyAnimalCareandControl/videos/10154211613987374/
Aside from these amazing days, Rocko there were several others, and he got to soak up the love from his supporters in the community. On December 5th 2017, Rocko passed away. An organization that helped contribute to his medical care made a touching announcement to those who loved him on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/CreativeContributions/posts/1997642197126509
Thank you to the Maricopa County Animal Care & Control and all their supporters for making Rocko’s last days so amazing!
Featured Image via Facebook/Maricopa County Animal Care & Control
