On a cold December day, an animal-loving couple named Beth and Michael decided to start the season off right by donating to their local shelter. The couple went to Anne Arundel County Animal Control with their supplies. They planned to drop off the supplies and leave.
But then they saw Rocky. The couple learned that Rocky had been in and out of the shelter for years. Rocky was 17 and it looked like he was going to spend his last years in a cramped kennel. Beth and Michael immediately felt a connection to the sweet dog. Beth told Bored Panda:
“We were there to donate all kinds of stuff that I put together with my military community and I saw rocks coming in and I couldn’t stop thinking about that lovely old face. Next thing I know I’m dating Rocky!
Rocky arrived at Beth and Michael’s house just in time for Christmas. The couple made sure Rocky’s Christmas was full of joy!
After bringing Rocky home, Beth wrote a sweet letter to her new dog explaining how much she loved him and was determined to take good care of him until the end.
Anne Arundel County Animal Control shared the letter on Facebook:
“I took you in knowing that we were going to have to take better care of you. Knowing that one day you weren’t going to come out in time to go to the bathroom and that I would have to clean everything, I knew that one day I was going to have to carry you up the stairs when you no longer had the strength to do so.
I knew you were going to end up losing your hearing and your sight and that we were going to have to spend some extra money to make the house safer for you. I knew that one day I would have to say goodbye to you. But until then you’re the best gift I’ve ever received and I’m so sad that I couldn’t give you the best 17 years you deserve but I promise you’ll have a great life by the day where I have to say goodbye to you!”
Rocky settled into life with Beth and Michael, and the couple provided Rocky with everything he needed to be happy, including delicious cups of doggy ice cream! The puppy was very loyal to his parents and he liked to follow them around the house and dance and sing with them. He was also a big fan of napping with his new mom!
“Rocky may have had some bad years, but I made him a promise, as long as he’s here, he’ll be filled with joy and love and lots of goodies,” Beth told Bored Panda. “He definitely brought a missing puzzle piece into our lives and we are more than happy to be his parents. When the baby, Hazel, was born, Rocky was so happy to meet her!