Pet's Age
14 years old

Pet's city
Salinas

Pet's Story or Bio
SPCA found Rocky abandoned as a puppy on the streets of Monterey. In March 2007, his forever Mom had a dream of a brown/black terrier mix, that went by the name of Rocky. She did not have immediate plans to adopt a dog, but was curious to know if the dog in her dream existed.

Unable to to go to SPCA, she asked her best friend to see if the dog described existed. According to her friend, there was a dog named "Rocky" at SPCA that seemed very quiet and didn’t display the same excitement or energy level as the other dogs. The friend remarked that SPCA staff allowed the dog to use a little bed, on a temporary basis, because the dog was so lonely and sad.

The following day, his forever Mom went to SPCA to meet Rocky; and they clicked! She adopted him on March 18, 2007. They have been best friends for eleven (11) years. This year Rocky celebrated his 14th birthday, and he and his forever Mom are happily getting old together.

In August 2017 his Mom was diagnosed with cancer. Rocky took on the role of "super comfort dog." His Mom underwent months of chemotherapy and radiation. Rocky was at her side every day, and provided peace, calmness, and support during a time of immense chaos and fear. When his Mom was too sick to walk Rocky, he sat at her side with his head on her lap, and watched over her, ever so lovingly.

Today both Rocky and his Mom are doing well. Both are up and about. His Mom's energy level is returning, and life is getting back to normal. Together they walk about 1/2-1 mile a day! Rocky is very happy and his infectious smile is a constant reminder that everyday is a gift and life is good!

Oh by the way, one day while walking at Cannery Row, a young man stopped Rocky’s Mom and said “I know that dog, he's from SPCA and his name is Colby." He proudly had Rocky demonstrate a shoe lace trick he had taught him. Rocky's Mom replied, "But his name is Rocky." The young man explained that while he was working at SPCA, Rocky was returned a second time and SPCA staff changed his name from Colby to Rocky to give him a "fresh new start in life.” So like the movie “Rocky” he is definitely a hero, a true survivor with strength and grit, and no doubt a winner in every way possible!