Rocky Labrador Retriever & Shepherd Mix Wilmington, DE

ABOUT ROCKY
Grab the tissues...this boy is sure to melt your heart! Rocky came to HAP from a high-intake shelter partner in Alabama as a neglect case. When Rocky arrived, he was covered in mange and flea dermatitis, so bad that he was full of scabs and had hardly any fur left. He was also so emaciated, to the point his excess skin rolls blended with his ribs. Despite being in such poor condition, he was determined to live life to the fullest! In Alabama, he was placed in a loving foster home to help him heal. He learned what it felt like to be truly loved for the first time. As he began to put on weight, he began to feel energized and his personality blossomed! He is affectionate and playful with his human pals. Rocky loves playing with other dogs and has been a rockstar in doggy playgroups. He gets along well with everyone, though he has a hard time keeping up with hyper puppies after a while. Although Rocky's hair may never fully grow back, he doesn't notice he's any different from any of the other dogs! He is so goofy and loves his stuffed animals! You can usually find him holding his favorite extra large yellow duck stuffed toy, which he sleeps with and carries everywhere. He never tears his toys, rather he treats them like his prized possessions! Rocky is a special boy who loves love. Understandably, he has his reservations with new people but warms up quickly when he realizes he is safe! He has such a kind heart for what the world has thrown him. Would you give him a chance?

Rocky has participated in our Doggy Day Out program too! Here's what some volunteers had to say about him:

"First doggy day out today! I took out rocky. He is an old man but is young at heart. He loved meeting everyone he came across on our long walk through campus, and put his head on peoples laps during class. The professor even let us out 10 minutes early so everyone could meet him! He was a bundle of joy. He was a little skittish around cars and loud noises but overall a very good boy :) made sure to keep him hydrated with lots of water today throughout the heat."

"Rocky is the best. He is such a love :heart: just wants to give and receive love. He's my best buddy. He's a ladies man! I just love him so much. He's gets excited when he first gets attention and will show you his stuffed animals. They are his best friends and he carries them around and protects them. If he likes you he will push them into you to share with you. At least he always did with me. Then calms down and is medium energy. Walk well on a leash and keeps his kennel very clean!"

If you are interested in Rocky, you are welcome to submit an adoption questionnaire! Our adoption process is first-come, best-match basis. We are not able to hold animals. If you are interested in a specific dog but it ends up not being the best fit upon meeting, our adoption counselors will work with you to help find a match! All household members, including children and other dogs, must come for the meeting to ensure it is a good fit. If a match is made, we encourage same-day adoptions! Our adoption fees include the animal's spay/neuter, microchip, age-appropriate vaccinations and preventatives, fecal testing, heartworm testing, and a small bag of food to get you started.