Rocky

Meet Rocky

This 6-year-old friendly, little chonk came into rescue when his owner was no longer able to care for his needs due to his own health issues. Rocky is serially friendly and has yet to meet a stranger. He will exhibit his happiness with the cutes howl! He gets along well with the young energetic pug in his foster home who is keeping him active and helping him to shed some of his excess weight. He is super friendly with children, loves to play with toys and enjoys short walks. If you are engaging with Rocky or even nearby, count on his tail to be wagging. This guy is a love sponge!

Rocky has a long history of skin allergies as well as some chronic ear infections. They were managed with Apoquel and ketoconazole treatment for ear infections as needed for flare ups. He is currently taking a different medication Zenrelia for his skin allergies as Apoquel became less effective. The effectiveness is being monitored, and Rocky may be able to reduce frequency of the med to every other day pending his response. His new owner may want to explore alternatives to medicating Rocky's symptoms and try to determine what is causing his allergies, but currently, without medication, his itchiness returns. Daily fold care is also part of Rocky's routine.

Rocky also has eye issues with some vision loss. He has been seen by a veterinary ophthalmologist while in our care and they are taking a strong initial approach to treatment with 3 separate eye medications given two to three times daily. He will need follow up in January and his adopters will need to commit to lifelong care of his eye issues, Pigmentary Keratiitis and Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca in both eyes. The good news is that he is a very good boy for medication. Hopefully there will be some vision improvement with treatment.

Rocky's adopter should be prepared to continue to care for his medical needs which may mean more frequent vet visits. Current medication costs will range between $150- $250 per month depending on where they are purchased.

With his weight still not optimal, Rocky does not do well on stairs. We will seek placement in a home with minimal stairs as there is not telling if his mobility will improve with continued weight loss. If stairs are present in the home, the ability to safely gate them should be a consideration related to Rocky's low vision.



From Rocky's foster mom:

"Rocky's ideal life would be center around his human. Going for walks, taking car rides, snuggling whenever the opportunity arises. As long as his human is there, he's happy and will constantly wag his tail. He wants it to be filled with toys and if treats or food are involved (in limited quantities), even better. He would do very well with a well mannered four legged friend because he does enjoy a some play time, but being the only dog wouldn't be a problem either because he thrives on getting attention and love."



Are you ready to have a happy little clown sidekick in your life? Please complete an adoption application. If you have filled out the long form in the past 6 months, you can send in the Approved/In Process form.



ADOPTION FEE: $500.00 based on age



REQUIREMENTS FOR ADOPTING ROCKY:

Can be an only dog or a friendly companion would be fine

Not cat tested, but if they like pugs, he would likely like them

Fenced yard preferred (Rocky loves to explore and roll around in the yard) but not required

Daily walks and limited snacks to help Rocky continue his weight loss journey and maintain a healthy weight

Dog savvy children age 6 and older

Single floor or ability to gate stairs and carry a 30 lb dog to other floors if needed

Commitment to ongoing management of eye disease with specialist and skin allergies as well as routine visits. Must provide heartworm preventative