Dogs. Our cherished and faithful friends. They’re consistently present for us, providing affection and encouragement whenever we require it. They never abandon us regardless of the circumstances.
They are entitled to receive the same affection and steadfast support in return. Unfortunately, numerous owners neglect their pups and behave as if they never held a place in their lives.
Rocco, a kind-hearted German Shepherd, endured that dreadful situation that left him heartbroken.
This is his tale.
Trembling In The Kennel
Rocco was 3 years old when he was abandoned at the Dallas Animal Services in Texas due to his family’s expectation of a baby.
Upon finding himself in a kennel, he began quaking with dread. He was crouching with a forlorn look on his face. The abrupt shift in surroundings made him anxious.
A visitor filmed a clip of anxious Rocco within his kennel and uploaded it online. She hoped it would aid in locating his everlasting family.
Prithi Pillaipakkam, who fostered German Shepherds through DFW German Shepherd Rescue, came across it and she understood she had to take action.
Prithi was profoundly disheartened when she discovered the reason for Rocco’s abandonment.
“However, once I noticed how undernourished he was, it didn’t shock me. It likely was a mix of family situation changes, plus not [having] the most suitable owners initially,” she remarked.
He weighed only 60 pounds, while his ideal weight should have ranged between 85 and 90 pounds.
Knowing that the shelter was not an appropriate environment for a dog like Rocco, Prithi chose to foster him and aid in his recovery from the trauma.
She recognized that he needed time to adjust. He was so anxious and shy that he even concealed himself under the car seat on their journey home.
New Home
On his first day in his new residence, Rocco struggled to overcome his fear and anxiety. Prithi observed how bewildered he appeared as he wandered around the house.
Prithi, her family, and the family dog, Katja, made every effort to ensure Rocco felt at ease. Eventually, they managed to win him over. Rocco developed an interest in his new surroundings and began to explore.
“He was a bit distant initially, but now he trails me like a shadow.”
He began to blossom and reveal his true nature to his family. He adored squeaky toys, tennis balls, and cozy dog beds.
Prithi stressed that larger breeds like the German Shepherd are often surrendered to shelters, and she hoped Rocco’s journey would inspire more individuals to adopt larger dogs.
Although Prithi’s original intention was to foster Rocco temporarily, she opted to adopt him permanently in September 2018. They cherish him immensely and would never forsake him.
Happy Rocco
Rocco is enjoying the best days of his life. Katja is his adventure companion, and they frequently share their escapades with over 9K followers on Rocco’s Instagram profile.
They harmonize fantastically and share profound affection. Together with their caring family, Rocco and Katja often travel to various U.S. states to appreciate diverse landscapes.
It brings us joy to witness both Rocco and Katja genuinely overjoyed with their beautiful family, and we eagerly anticipate where their next journey will lead them.