20-03-2025
Overlooked dog kept being rejected at shelter. Then the right family came along
An overlooked dog kept being rejected at a Florida shelter — then the right family came along.
'Despite being a great dog, he was turned down by many visitors due to his size, energy, and breed,' the Humane Society of Tampa Bay wrote March 17 in a Facebook post. 'Until this weekend!'
That's when Rocko the dog finally got a new home after two months of waiting.
'Everyone at HSTB was so excited to see Rocko get adopted,' Regan Blessinger, marketing and content manager for the humane society, told McClatchy News in an email. 'He was such a happy and fun dog, and we are not only happy he got adopted but got adopted to the right family who understands his activity level.'
The shelter shared the heartwarming news after Rocko was surrendered for being 'too active.' As he waited for a new owner, he became known as a playful, 77-pound bull terrier mix.
Then, after several visitors passed him over, he caught the eye of a family who had recently lost their beloved dog. They thought Rocko looked similar to their late pup, and his one brown ear captured their hearts.
'He's super goofy, we can't wait to bring him home to our place,' the family told the shelter. 'We have 3.5 acres, so he will have all the space to run around and explore.'
Facebook users couldn't get enough of Rocko's story, which garnered more than 1,800 reactions within four days of being posted online. Several people shared comments congratulating the dog on starting his next chapter.
