Rocky, a 17-year-old mixed breed, was destined to live out his last days in the shelter. He was old, sick, and depressed. Nobody wanted this OAP pooch.
But then Beth and Michael Clark came along. They met Rocky while dropping off donations at the shelter and took him home the same day.
Rocky's wishes come true
Shelter staff told Beth and Michael that Rocky only had a few months left and would require around-the-clock care. But this amazing couple didn't care.
"I just didn't want this 17-year-old dog to die in a cage," said Beth. "He was really frail and skinny. He just looked incredibly sad. I looked at my husband and was like, 'We're getting him now.'"
Rocky started to show signs of improvement at his new home and lived for another two years. Love really is the best medicine.
Although he struggled during his last few months, Rocky had one more thing to do before passing over the Rainbow Ridge. Rocky's dog parents were expecting their first human baby, and this sick, old dog wasn't going anywhere until he met her.
When Beth and Michael brought baby Hazel home, Rocky greeted her with curiosity, excitement, sniffs, and lots of tail wags. Later that same night, Rocky went to sleep for the last time, as if he'd been clinging on to welcome Hazel and his humans home.
Old dogs need love, too
The couple were 'broken' by their loss. However, they took some comfort from knowing that Rocky's final years were his best years. In fact, no dog could have dreamed of a better retirement home.
Beth hopes Rocky's story will inspire others to take a chance on an older dog.
"Rocky had a wonderful last part of his life and gave us so much in return," says Beth. "We really want people to realise that you don't have to get a puppy for a dog to be your soulmate or a family member. A dog will love you no matter what -- no matter what the age."
