This dog.
This dog who was the first one to teach me how to properly care for a feral dog.
This boy who was the “poster dog” of a horrific hoarding case in Shelbyville, Tennessee, in January 2015. His picture was on the front page of the newspaper the following week and was featured in this magazine in April of that year—11 years ago.
107 dogs, all on chains. Fed twice a week like chickens, by a human who would scatter kibble across the ground from a bucket.
Only problem was, chickens aren’t kept on chains. These dogs were. And the chains only reached so far. For the three or four days between feedings, the dogs had to lie down and watch the kibble just out of reach being carried away by bugs.
The flies and other parasites were so bad that many of the dogs, including this dog—my dog—lost parts of their ears simply because they became too exhausted to shoo the flies away.
Of those 107 dogs, the CHHS Animal Rescue Team brought back 15 brave canine survivors to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.
This dog was one of those 15. We estimated he was about two years old. It didn’t happen overnight, but after he patiently waited for me to learn what he needed, this dog finally adopted me.
This dog taught me that he could love me without playing fetch. Without jumping into my arms at the end of a hard day. Without sleeping at my side of the bed. He taught me that he loves me because I removed the fear from his life. He taught me the joy of a nightly routine of a hot dog and stuffed animal, and a nutritious meal he never had to worry about again. Or how much the bugs would take away.
This dog now receives monthly preventatives to protect him from fleas and heartworms so that he finally wins the battle against parasites.
And for the past decade, he’s had a big fenced-in yard to romp and run—and plenty of canine friends he adores. Never will a single link of a chain be in his life again.
This dog taught me that affection can appear in many forms. But nothing is more important than trust.
Back in 2015, upon his rescue, I named this survivor after a true underdog who overcame insurmountable odds. Someone who, from the first day we met, I believed had the heart of a champion.
Like his dad, this dog now has grey around his muzzle. I cherish his companionship daily—on his terms, not mine.
Happy 13th Birthday, Rocky.
Founded in 1987, Cashiers‑Highlands Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) no‑kill shelter located at 200 Gable Drive in Sapphire. We’re open Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00 A.M.–4:00 P.M. Visit chhumanesociety.org or call (828) 743‑5752 for details. Tax‑deductible gifts can be mailed to CHHS, P.O. Box 638, Cashiers, NC 28717.
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