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.
God Bless the person/family that opened their hearts and home to save Rocky.
I would take him as I’m child free, but I have two pit mixes and fostering a dog aggressive rescued pit. 🙁
I really wish people would read the entire article. He cannot be surrendered to an organization, he can only be picked up by his adopters. I agree it is a terrible and sad situation. The problem is that the people who have the room to take such a dog and help, aren’t necessarily “plugged in to” the circles stories like this are on. the people that tend to pay attention to these things tend to already be at either city, county, or jurisdictional limits. I’m in one of three metro cities that doesn’t restrict pit bulls, but my city limit is 3 (any combination of pet over 7 lbs.)
Has anyone been able to adopt him yet?
Your all a bunch of blow hards, who have an excuse for everything. Your all so busy trying to justify your position, if you don’t like the military than get out problem solved. If your not willing to put your money where your mouth is in regards to adopting this dog. then stop sucking up all the good oxygen.
Maybe the dog would be better off, put down it sure sounds like it’s in a lot of pain
We understand from his caretakers that Rocky is not in pain.
I am so tired of people who basically have no medical/veterinary training stating Rocky should be put down because he is “obviously in a lot of pain” How is it obvious? Do you not understand if he was in pain there are very good medications out there that will stop the pain? How about if you hit your late 60s/early 70s & need a hip replacement we suggest putting you down because you are in a lot of pain! Comments like this disgust me & yes I do have a lot of experience with animals with hip displaysia etc & do have medical training
You know….I got about 1/3 the way down these posts before I realized it is all a bunch of self important dribble.
ALERT – RANT IN PROGRESS
This rant is brought to you by someone who has experienced military life and is now experiencing her civilian life. Complete with husband, children, job, and rescued and non rescued animals.
This article has nothing to do with military service personal, reserves, civilians, or who should or shouldn’t rescue this dog. It’s about the DOG! Let me repeat, it’s not about YOU, it’s about the DOG. If everyone on here put as much effort into helping this poor being, as defending their point of view, then animal cruelty would be a thing of the past.
What is the point of insulting and condemning those who do not want to adopt this dog? Does it get him adopted? No, it just makes you feel like a bigger better person (which is sad by the way). Does it spread the word about animal cruelty? Nope, just spreads the word that all you people care about is what others think of you. Besides this point, would anyone here want this lovely animal to go to a home that didn’t want him, just because you think it is the one he should be in? He should go to the right home, military or otherwise! And the right home is one who cares for him for who he is, not because they feel they have to because a bunch of puffed up people said they should based on their employment, but because they have a true love for this beast. Put your energy to finding the right home for him, NOT TELLING PEOPLE THEY ARE HORRID BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT THE RIGHT HOME FOR HIM.
Sites like this are meant to do good, to help our animals and give us a way to facilitate our need to help as well. Instead your arguing has turned it into a bitter, twisted reality.
The most important part of this entire webpage? Rocky has been adopted!! That is all we should worry ourselves with. Now you can all move on and poison someone else’s website with your hate, aggression, belligerence, and over all, your inability to open your eyes and mind to someone else’s life, even if it is different than yours.
Do not bother replying to this post, as I will not indulge petty arguments aimed solely at soothing your own existence.
Pets for Patriots – Right on you, you rock this world, and I am very very pleased to see you doing your thing. Next time we are looking to donate and add to our furry family, you will be our first stop. Thank you.
Thank you very much for your insightful post and kind words about our organization! Please spread the word. 🙂
So, reading all the posts here I think that everyone has kind of forgotten what the idea of the story is – to find Rocky a new home. The idea of the story is NOT to bash the military, or the people that serve(d), or to bash the people that have posted on this site. It was not meant to say who should step up to take the dog or should not step up. It was meant to say “Hey! Someone, ANYone please take this poor dog!” We as humans need to pull our heads out and just take the story for what it is and be glad that Rocky has found a home and get on with our lives, be it a good life, a struggling life, or whatever it may be. My goodness people, just get a life.
So glad this dog has been adopted. But what disturbs me is the infighting between the two wives about who is more important or who has it harder, active duty or reserve. I read an article in the Denver Post today about bringing the body home of the reserve CWO helicopter pilot, one of the pilots of the Chinook that was shot down with the active duty Navy Seals. You see we lost both reserve and active duty military that day and the spouses and families of those brave men are crying the same tears for their sacrifice. The grief and the loss for these families is the same and the men deserve to be honored the same for their ultimate sacrifice. Yes, it’s hard to be on active duty and to have your spouse deploy (I, too, am a veteran who was active duty AF) but it’s equally hard for the reserve wife when her husband deploys. Just because she may have a home and live in a community for a long time and not having to move every couple years doesn’t mean the deployment is any easier. In fact, in some ways it’s harder. At least on a military base, the other families understand what you’re going through. And if you’re in base housing, you have a home. That’s not always the case in suburbia where no one is military and sometimes the loss of pay when the spouse deploys causes a financial hardship on the family who may be trying to make house payments. However, the separation, the worry, the issues with kids and money, the missing your partner, is equally hard on both of you and your families. So, please don’t tear each other apart for the way your husbands choose to serve (and most reservists served on active duty at one time or another), but support each other. You are all part of the same family. I support the reservist in the same way I support our active duty and give them all my admiration and thanks (and adopt through Soldiers’ Angels while they are deployed). That extends to their families. Each of you has said yes to the call and a grateful nation is thankful.
I have been reading this & see that alot boils down to civilians who don’t understand what alot of military life involves & means giving up. My father served in the Korean War. I tried, but do to a shoulder reconstruction that meant metal implanted in me, I was unable to. All returning military, human & canine, deserves our praises, our fighting for better treatment of them, better retirements, better plans to help all soldiers,canine & human, to go back into civilian life with the assistance, for life if needed, to be successful. There are many former canines who need adoption. Not always can former handlers take them when you see former vets living in cardboard boxes on the street. We have a great shame as a nation for how we have neglected our vets, human & animal. I am disabled & understand the frustration so many vets go through. We civilians need to do more for our vetrans. Our country isn’t. We can donate to recognized charities(ones that are legit) we can donate to funds to aid vetran animals & to provide more for our human vetrans. Owners of apts., consider renting some units at below normal cost to a returning vet. Look at ways you yourself can give to raise awareness & to aid all of our military personal. Rocky needs someone who can handle his needs, physically & financially. But we need to do more for our vets. Run a restuarant? Have you seen a returning vet having a hard time? Have you given him free meals,so he knows at least 1 person cares he served & fought for all of us? Take stock of yourself, look inwards. What have you done for a vet? What can you do for a vet? Human & canine vets need us all to stand up,thank them & thank them with more than just words. Look to help all vets.
I can’t agree with you more. I am a veteran, my brother still serves, my dad is retired after 30+ years of service and two wars. Obviously the government cannot do everything. As communities we need to do more. Every little bit helps. Thank you Carolyn Higgs for reminding us all of this.
It would be nice if you could post where people could donate to his care since he has been saved. He is a very special dog and I would like to help out in some way.
Brenda, there is not a means to donate to his care. He’s being adopted by a private family. However, please consider channeling your donation to our not-for-profit: we connect last-chance shelter pets with service and veteran members of the U.S. military and could use your help!
His home is heaven. If this were my beloved dog I would have no issues making the call to put him down. I love my dog, but clearly this warrior is living with a myriad of pain and other issues. The fact he needs assistance to ‘do his business’ is quite telling. Rest In Peace Rocky. We love you and appreciate all your efforts in the Middle East.
How sick are you? People in wheelchairs often need help with going to the toilet. However this does not mean that they need to be put out of their misery. Hip displaysia is not fun. However there are anti inflammatory meds & pain medications that will help with any pain he suffers. He can quite happily live another 3-4 years totally pain free. IF he is suffering & there is nothing to stop the pain then yes they should be put out of their suffering as you do not keep a pet alive for your sake. However this boy is obviously enjoying his life & for you someone who is not a vet obviously to make such a call with no medical knowledge of what is wrong with him is absolutely disgraceful. Maybe if you suffer & need a hip replacement when you hit your 70s someone should put your out of your misery!
This was a disgrace: He couldn’t be surrendered to a (potentially no-kill) shelter? The military establishment would kill him before giving him a chance to live because it didn’t fit their “policy?” I only had time to scan this, so I hope I have some of this summation wrong, but I don’t believe I do. . .
So, Rocky has been adopted? Is it approved and confirmed?
I think it would be great if people donated to PetsForPatriots and a portion of the donation goes to the ‘new’ parent or parents of Rocky. He’s going to need medical care and medications, which can be expensive!
I’m donating NOW to PetsForPatriots.org. Who’s on board? 🙂
Thank you, Kathleen! We love your spirit. And thank you for your kind donation!
I am glad that this canine was able to find a home. I was a K-9 handler in the AF. Loved all my k-9 partners. But my girl Vandy and I had a very special close unbreakable bound. I am still to this day very sad, BC when I was in the AF they would not let you or anybody else adopt a MWD. When the AF decided that the canine was used up or no longer useful the k-9 would be put down. I was ordered to bring my canine to the vet clinic. I held my best friend in my arms while an Army vet placed that needle into her leg. She just laid there as I asked her to. She looked at me with those trusting soft loving eyes; she faded away in my arms. I wept in silence. That was 30 yrs ago. I hate myself for letting that happen. PTS was not spoken of back then I did not know what it was, without a doubt I have it. It affects me every day. Writing this I feel today as I did 30 yrs ago. Pray for me.
I know that had to be very difficult for you Glenn to lose your best friend in Vandy and you are in my prayers. The loss never goes away; you just learn to go forth. I am thankful that this is no longer the case and that the handlers can keep their dogs when they retire.
Glenn just remember that you gave her your love and was there with her till the end. Thank God there is greater awareness of animal care and rights than years ago and hopefully it will keep improving. Vandy is with you spiritually and knows it is not your fault since you were following orders. In her honor just support laws that will further improve animal care and rights.
I am Australian so I am going to give the “dumb Australian” point of view. First of all please learn to read articles before posting. It very clearly stated & I quote ‘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”
Now quite a few people pointed this fact out, just to be shouted down by the masses that the handler had died, as they obviously did not want to have to go to the trouble of reading the updated report on Rocky.
It was also stated very clearly in the description that Rocky had to go to a home without children or other pets as he suffers from aggressive tendencies. So what happens? People say they will take him & he can play with their other dogs. What part of being the only pet did you not get?
Then we had people swearing at others because they were being reasoned with. There were well meaning people from over seas who were insulted because of their views. I do not think that a young German is responsible for what Hitler did, so why on earth is it OK to throw it into their face what happened in WW2? It was not their fault WW2 happened & all it actually did was made the posters doing this seem racist, intolerant & unintelligent.
What many actually missed was this point. There is a dog called Rocky who has served the USA in 3 tours of duty. Now whilst some say that dogs do not fear death that they are just trained to do their job, well guess what. Soldiers are trained to do their jobs too. Thus Rocky was a soldier & he deserves a good retirement home.
Instead of all the arguing which was going on, the constant necessity by some to be the loudest to be heard etc, imagine what could have been achieved if the insults had not happened. Then a chip in fund could have been set up to help the eventual adopter of Rocky with any vets fees they will incur. Of which I would imagine there will be quite a few to during the duration of his remaining years.
I sincerely hope that those that offered financial help find out who the adopter of Rocky is & carry through with that offer. Taking on a disabled pet is a huge responsibility. Both financially, emotionally & also time wise.
Maybe in future if you remember your egos do not matter, what does matter is the animal in crisis you will be able to stop the mud slinging & actually get things into motion much quicker smoother than this time so that help is in place (like the help suggested in the previous paragraph) at the very beginning, instead of having to wade through such drivel & chest beating just to find reasonable, intelligent replies & genuine offers of adoption from people who had taken time to read all the requirements this poor boy has before jumping in with their heart leading their head, when their home is clearly unsuitable.
Sorry if this has upset anyone but it had to be said
I am actively looking for a home for Rocky and may have found one so I need to know that he has POSITIVELY found a forever home (posted above today). Anyone with knowledge that this is true, please let me know so I can tell the person I am working with.
Seems this situation has been resolved, but I Have to point out something to a lot of previous posters. Yes, military dogs serve and help the military in their mission — but what is that mission? Their mission is protect us and our families and the freedom we cherish, among other things. SO — Military Dogs work for All of Us and it’s silly to say that one group or another should be adopting them after service — what matters is who is in a position to properly and lovingly care for the retired military dog, disabled or not!
Someone please help this puppy! I signal boosted like crazy on my Facebook and DW.
Why are they going to euthanize him so quickly? Please give him a little more time and let people get the word around! Can you guys at least extend his ‘sentencing’ a little?
I would take him myself but I have another large dog (greyhound) who’s also special needs, and I live in an apartment. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be an issue. I hope someone steps up!
Taking care of Rocky will be a big responsibility. We’ve had a GSD with the same condition for over five years. It is hard work. His new owner will need to manually express his bladder at least once a day. Also, Rocky will not know when it is time to poop, so it will be a mess to clean up each time. Our Jericho is wonderful, but it is taking a toll on me (61 years old) physically and emotionally. We can’t take vacation because it wouldn’t be fair to ask someone else to take on his care. It’s tough to watch him be unable to enjoy the activities he used to do and he doesn’t know why. Otherwise, he is healthy and happy and I wouldn’t trade him for anything. The person who adopts Rocky will be an angel for the care given to him. Wish I could take him. He sounds wonderful.
I am so glad that Rocky has found a home! I hope he and his new family are happy together.
I think mark zuckerberg needs to hear this story, and the outcome, which is that a retired disabled military dog would have died if it were not for crossposting. He has suspended crossposting and other animal advocacy tools for saving lives of animals. It seems antipatriotic to me.
I am so happy to hear that Rockys life will be spared and that he will have a good home to live out the rest of his life. He is truly a hero and deserves to live out the rest of his life in a wonderful and loving home. I did not appreciate reading all the responses where people were bashing each other. Everyone has a right to their opinion but this article is not about your opinion it is about trying to save Rockys life.
God bless the person(s) who stepped up at the eleventh hour and adopted Rocky. You truly have a heart of gold.
GOD BLESS YOU HERO ROCKY !!!!! PHEW… You deserved more than anything in this crap of the military after all the hard working & putting your life in the line of duty to protects the America ! I wish you many good luck your new family. HUGS All THE WAY FROM MASSACHUSETT !
Ye ha! Hip hip horay, hip hip horay. God bless the person who took Rocky into their care and many blessing upon you. May you have a forever loving and permenent home Rocky. You deserve it and I salute you …..my canine hero!
Rocky has found a home!! So grateful to the person who will love him and take care of him as he has taken care of others all his life!!
yay !!!
Great to hear he has a family. Alot of heart effort went into forwarding this story around the world. I hope the intention is to keep everyone updated on how he is doing. I think a number of people have an interest in seeing that his home is good and loving and not media seekers. Please keep us up to date on his progress.
just in case people didn’t get that far down on the story i copied this.. “UPDATE 8/18/11 7amET: Due to the high number of inquiries about Rocky, we have been informed by Camp Pendleton that he will not be put down while adoption applications are pending. We are told that there are several families already in the adoption application process for Rocky.” i belive all the nasty comments can stop and people can start a chip-in to help the new home of this vet dog.. but he will have a home soon . oh and btw for those of you who enjoy being nasty please contact jerry springer.. he is running out of trashy people for his show..
There will not be a chip-in for the home of the new dog, but if you are inspired by our cause – connecting last-chance shelter dogs and cats with service and veteran members of the U.S. military – please consider a donation to our cause.
will do !! i saved the page and whenever i can i will send the cost of a big bag of food ! i have 2 rescue dogs and one cat ! i understand how often programs like this get overlooked. it isnt fair.. but as long as backyard breeders and puppy mills are running we as a whole need to help and find these furbabys homes. i cant take in anymore but i will donate when i have the extra ! people who cant donate money who are interested in helping can also go donate time at a local shelter ! or take in food ,treats,toys.. anything helps !! 🙂
Brilliant news!! Saw this story from the UK and was hoping that he would be safe! I see the comments turned into something that didnt necessarily help rehome this dog but im glad his new owners saw past them and contacted the base to rehome him. Fantastic news and lets all hope Rocky enjoys his forever home! 🙂
I would love to take this handsome hero who so willingly risked his life to save and serve others. I am disabled and live in a Facility that only allows one pet and I already have a an 11yr.old dog that is now recently in a doggy handicap cart provided to me from Eddies Wheels after a Patella Surgery went haywire and ended up in amputation. I think it is a shame that it is even being considered to put Rocky down. I feel that they should hold onto Rocky until such a home can be found. It is not fair to him to be treated this way . He shouldn’t have to die. Our men , women and animals in the Military are there willingly because of their Loyality, Courage and desire to Honor this Country by laying their lives on the line to defend this Country. They are all Hero’s in my book regardless of what branch they serve in and they should never be abandoned by their Government nor by us. I will always stand in Defence of our Service people as well as the canine Soldiers. YOU ARE ALL HERO’S IN MY BOOK.
i would love to adopt Rocky. we have one dog and he’s been with us for 13years. why die if he can still live?
Im hoping someone somewhere will adopt this wonderful dog who is a hero in my eye helping human in a war which as nothing to do with his dog life-Its all well and good to use dogs for military,police etc…but how selfish and immoral to discard them when they are not needeed anymore surely they’ve earn the right to a safe and confortable retired life…Human should always provide for those working animal who are helping human beings selflessly those wonderful dogs should always be protected and provide for it is immoral to let them down like this its so shoscking to know after all he ‘s been trhough he was in risk of been put down how great for rewarding a hero…..thank you for Pets for patriots Blog to inform us of the situation and keep us posted on his futur which im hoping will be happy in a loving forever family….
I HAVE 4 DOGD AND 4 CATS. ALL RESCUES. I WILL AND WOULD TAKE ROCKY IN A HEART BEAT. I HAVE A BEAGLE IN KIND OF THE SAME CONDITION AS ROCKY. I HAVE SET MY HOME MY BABIES HOME WITH RAMPS, DOGGIES DOORS WITH RAMPS, AND HOPEFULLY I BY DOING ALL OF THIS HAVE MADE MY LITTLE BEAGLE LIFE EASIER. I WOULD BE GLAD TO TAKE MY HERO ROCKY. I DO NOT HAVE ANY CHILDREN, I DO TRAVEL A LOT HOWEVER MY BABIES HAVE A LIVE IN NANNY THAT SEES TO THEIR EVERY NEED TILL I RETURN HOME. I AM A FLIGHT ATTENDANT.
First of all HOW THE HELL DO YOU KNOW WHAT DOGS FEAR? YES THEY DO FEAR DEATH AND I FOR ONE DO PUT MY ANIMALS (DOGS) ABOVE PEOPLE. MY ANIMALS TO ME ARE BETTER THAN PEOPLE. AND I WOULD SAVE MY ANIMALS LIFE BEFORE I WOULD LIFT A FINGER TO SAVE YOU. GO TO A SHELTER YOU STUPID DUMB ASS MEXICAN AND LOOK AT THE FEAR THOSE ANIMALS ARE GOING THROUGH KNOWING THAT THEIR BUDDIES ARE B BEING PUT DOWN AROUND THEM. AND AS THE PRECIOUS BABIES SET THERE IN HELL THEY WONDER WHAT THEY HAVE DONE WRONG TO DESERVE TO DIE!!!!! AND YOU UNEDUCATED IDIOT TELL US THEY DO NOT FEAR DEATH!!!!! I WOULD RATHER TAKE THE $50,000.00 DOLLARS OR MORE A YEAR PER PRISIONER AND SPEND ON PROVIDING NO KILL SHELTERS FOR THESE POOR DEFENSELESS ANIMALS. BUT TO PUT A MILITARY DOG IN A POSITION THAT HE MIGHT BE PUT DOWN!!!!!! WHAT THE HELL …..WELCOME TO AMERICA…..FIGHT FOR OUR COUNTRY, FIGHT FOR EVERYBODIES ELSES COUNTRY,BUT DO NOT COME HOME HANDICAPED OR WE PUT YOU TO SLEEP. DON’T YOU JUST LOVE OUR COUNTRY???? BUT DO NOT EVER SAY AN ANIMAL DOES NOT FEAR DEATH…. THEIR ABILITY TO PREVENT THEIR DEATH IS DIFFERENT THAN OURS. WHAT CAN THEY DO? NOTHING!!!! IF AN ANIMAL SHOWS ANY KIND OF AGRESSION TOWARDS THEIR HORRIBLE LIFE WHAT DO WE DO AND IT IS MAINLY ……WHITE MAN…… WE KILL THEM!!!!!
This is not the site for arguing back and forth. This veteran dog needs a home. Can everyone focus on this request rather than bickering.? I’m a Vietnam vet and the K9 dogs were put down rather than return them to the US even though they were the best battle buddies A nation that treats its animals that way (especially military dogs) s not a nation to be proud of. The K9s did their bit for their country and the least that can be done is to ensure they are not discarded because their use is done . This is such a case !
I would like to say that every dog is equal as a human being we should treat these animals as they have a great purpose in life. Hope they find a good home for Rocky as he has served his country as much as our soldiers.
My husband is K9 and we have adopted retired MWDs, and currently have one now that gets along great with our 3 small kids and other dog. You have to look into each individual dog for a reason. These dogs are trained to be aggressive and need to have their special circumstances and needs met when talking of adoption. It is aweful how many dogs go unadopted and get put down when they are retired. There are many many more dogs other than Rocky that need a home! You can go to the website and see what Lackland has on file for adoption. Military can get threw the process of adoption faster than civilians, but by no means should adopting a former MWD be only the responsibility of the Military! Civilians need to show the Military more support, and this should include the dogs. I get soo sick of reading excuses and hearing people rant and rave about the military and their responsibility, if everyone would just take responsibility for themselves and show some support and pride for our country none of this bs would even be debated! I hope that Rocky finds himself a great home to spend the rest of his days, and that this article brings to the light the need for people to step up and adopt more MWDs!
I Hope The K-9 Finds A Home, I’m A Disabled Marine, Still Working To Get What’s Rightfully Mine, It Doesn’t Surprise Me That He’s Up For Adoption. It’s Not All It’s Cracked Up To Be, I’ve Been Fighting 5 Yrs For Medical Conditions That Are Clearly Diagnosed N In My Records, But Truth Is Ur Only Good For Your Country When Ur Serving And In Good Health, After That They Just Treat You Like Another Number. Would Love To Have Rocky On My Farm, But With Him Needing So Much Attention It Wouldn’t Be Fair For Him. GOD Bless America, & Thank All You That Have Serve Faithfully With Ur Blank Check… USMC Cpl Milton/4066 1993-2001 Semper Fi
So glad to see the update that there are several adoption applications pending for Rocky! I only wish I could be one of them but I have 2 male schnauzers (one of whom is 15 years old) and a 2 year old human baby. I’d have been honored to care for Rocky in his “golden” years after all he has done for me and my family; it’s the very least we could do for him.
God bless those of you who have submitted adoption inquiries; you will be rewarded tenfold by the love & joy I am sure Rocky will bring to your life.
I am A disabled Iraq veteran I’ve done two tours there (infantry). This whole thread here shows what the majority of our country even military families think of us as soldiers (human or dog) most of you would rather argue with each other than really care about any of us. This is why the suicide rate is so high for soldiers that have been deployed. Those of you engaging in arguments on here no matter what the reason should be ashamed of yourselves. Thanks for being so selfish that your arguing is more important than this soldier needing a home. And before anyone says it read I’m disabled that’s why I can’t take care of another disabled soldier……..
Obviously this touched a nerve….but we need to ask ourselves one question…..How is ALL this bickering helping Rocky. If we all invested this much energy, emotion and passion into finding a forever home for this dog…..we wouldn’t need these post. The important goal here is to find this dog home that is able to care for dog with disabilities.
Interesting… I write non-profane statement to defend the ugly things being said about our military (I am a dependent BTW), and also post that I am going to alert friends of the need to adopt Rocky. So WHY was my comment removed when you people (the Moderators of this page) allow those postings that are profane, abusive, and insulting to remain???? What the heck is your deal??? I’ve STILL shared this info with folks I know who are looking to adopt, regardless of those in charge of this page. You people really need to rethink about whose comments you remove!
Oops. I meant that I was defending our military and armed forces NOT the ugly things being said 🙂
We apologize if a previous comment of yours was removed in error. We are doing everything we can to remove profane posts as soon as we see them, but we are a very small organization with very limited resources (financial and human), and are doing the best we can.
Will be calling Cassandras place of business to see if she is speaking on their behalf
This is SO unfair! This poor animal has served our country, has become disabled because of this and now may be put down because there is no where to put him. I would take him in a heartbeat but have 3 cats, and am currently disabled. Please save this poor animal-we wouldn’t but a veteran (soldier) down if he/she had the same ailments!
This is how we treat our members of our military?! Dog or not this animal served our country and I dont believe its right to just put him to sleep. I would take him in a heart beat just to keep him alive and give him a good home but I honetly cant. I hope someone feels the same as I do and has the room and means to take him in. God bless Rocky!!!
What an amazing dog at hero a buddy just one of the boys and to see everyone’s comments and love that they have for animals brings tears to my eyes. I pray that they find him a family that will love him and care for him. If I didn’t live so far away I would have been first in line to adopt him.
Well done everyone for leaving your thoughts and comments about this and giving Rocky a little more time to find his forever home.
I would adopt Rocky in a heartbeat but I do have small children (whom I know would love and care for him so very much). I sure hope someone steps up to the plate and provide this animal with a loving, suitable home:)
I would adopt Rocky in a heartbeat but I do have small children . . . I sure hope someone steps up to the plate and provides this incredible animal with a loving, appropriate home:)
I think that a lot of the idiots on this post have lost sight of the fact that the dog NEEDS a home. Some of you were even stupid enough to point out spelling errors in one comment. Ever heard of a smart phone w/autocorrect that you might not catch a mistake? I’m not pointing fingers at everyone on here. A lot seem to be concerned about the dog. But cussing, name calling and in general being stupid isn’t helping. And yes some of you dumb asses need to learn to read. It says his handler was at first presumed dead but they have since found that is NOT the case. Go back to first grade ppl and learn to read. The real issue is the dog and finding him a good home. Military or not does NOT matter. I would love to take him but have 2 dogs already. For the ppl that had positive posts that’s great. Think it all started with armyreservewife or whatever the hell her name is. Grow up ppl and realize that this post was meant to help the dog not act like total morons. Shame on the ones that are arguing on here. Now I understand why a lot of ppl like dogs better than ppl. Oh and for you idiots that talk about spelling…ppl stands for people.
Thank God he gets a home…..
And thank God that I don’t know a single one of you personally. You’re all , with exception to a very few, a disgrace and should be ashamed of yourselves. I’d say you conduct yourselves like children, but that would be an insult to children everywhere. Where in the hell do people like you even come from ? I can’t believe what I’ve read here. Grow up and get over yourselves. A terrible story has a wonderful ending, a f’n rarity at best, and it gets lost on all of you and your self-righteous, indignant, idiotic BS. Shame on you !!!
And what sucks about this the most is what was originally sheer joy ( and surprise ) at the overwhelming response then got sucked dry by the stinging slap of humans doing what they apparently do best
THANK YOU!!!!!!!
I was reading through these unbelievable posts and thought to myself, “How is Rocky being helped by all this nonsense???” Everyone was so busy bashing one another that Rocky pretty much got lost in the stream of everyone’s self righteous vomit!
You use a web-page that was trying to help a canine hero find a HOME for god’s sake!!! What is wrong with you people????
The saddest past of all is that all of you were so busy “one-upping” the other, that the whole point of this website was lost….on YOU!
Shame on all of you…seriously!!
I what to say it does not matter to me where and when the poor dogs need our help lets respect the fact he served our country and lost some of his friends and family this is always hard for dog think how he feels if every one pitched in 50 dollars that replays to this add or even 10 dollars this would help save him for a little while,until they find a good home.
Agreed! My thoughts exactly. I couldnt have said it better!