Man Comes To Adopt Pit Bull At Shelter, But She Refused Until He Realized Why

Dogs are known to be man’s best friend. The loyal, furry and lovable companions at the Rocket Dog Rescue Foundation are well taken care of. The organization aims to find loving homes for unwanted canines, but one situation would unlike any other they had encountered before

Unlikely Companions

The Rocket Dog Rescue foundation is “dedicated to saving homeless and abandoned dogs from overcrowded animal shelters.” The people behind the charitable organization hope to save countless animals from being mercilessly put down.

Scarred And Abused

The Shelter takes in dogs of all breeds and ages to be housed until they are adopted. Merrill, a three-year-old pit bull, and Taco, an eight-year-old Chihuahua, became fast friends when they met at the organization. Both dogs had come from abusive backgrounds and had the emotional scars to show for it.

Poor Taco

Taco was found after being abandoned in a trash can. He was still a young pup but he was emaciated, uncared for and terrified of other dogs and humans. He required immediate surgery to fix a leg injury. Despite his horrific condition, the volunteers at the shelter hoped for the best.

Merrill Was Messed Up

Merill also had a tragic history. She had been abused by her previous owners and was deeply traumatized by the experience. She shook in the presence of people, she was nervous and agitated, she struggled to eat and drink. She had deep cuts and bruises that needed attention. Her luck was soon about to change.

Hoping For A New Home

Days passed and the two dogs remained without any prospective new owners. To the disappointment of those who had come into contact with the lovable dogs, it seemed as though they would remain in the shelter for months to come. The dogs still struggled to be around people, they howled at night and flinched in the presence of other animals. The situation seemed to be worsening.

No Other Option

One night, amidst the desperate howls of the two dogs, a volunteer decided to place the dogs in the same container, hoping that would comfort each other throughout the night. The effect the experience had on the hounds would leave the volunteers in awe.

From That Moment On…

The two lonely dogs were snuggled together in a show of tender companionship. They seemed to be reenergized and greatly assured by the other’s presence. It was a beautiful sight to see such a bond form between the two animals. Sadly, the newfound friendship would soon meet a tragic obstacle.

An Unlikely Bond

The pair became absolutely inseparable. They slept together, would enjoy their heart meals together, would walk side-by-side and cry when the other was not in sight. The dogs had found salvation in one another, but their ordeal was not over yet.

Sudden Emergency

In the early hours of the following morning, desperate howls were heard from the dogs’ cage. A volunteer rushed to Merill’s side. The dog was clearly in agony, whimpering, shaking and moaning in pain. Little Taco, sensing his companion was in grave danger, looked on in anguish.

Life Or Death

Merrill would require life-saving surgery. To the volunteers’ heartfelt awe, Taco stayed at the fellow dog’s side for the entirety of the surgery. Taco refused to be led away from Merill’s side. He would not abandon his friend in a time of need.

Post Surgery Make Or Break

Despite the surgery taking longer than expected, it went well. The following days would be a critical period for the dog. Merill needed time and adequate rest to see whether she would make a full recovery. Taco guarded her through the night, licking her paws and crying quietly when Merill would moan in pain. The volunteers desperately hoped for the best.

Overcoming The Hurdle

During Merill’s extensive time on the surgery bed, veterinarians had determined that the dog was about 3 years old and had been bred at least once. She was most likely abandoned due to her increasing health problems; she had a life-threatening uterine infection and could no longer be used for breeding.

Mystery

Little Taco’s backstory was an even greater mystery. The dog was thought to be about 8 years old at the time of his surrender to the shelter, it was soon discovered that he suffered from dental disease and asthma.

What Next?

After a tumultuous couple of weeks, Merill made a full recovery. It was once again time to resume the search for a home for both of the dogs. The volunteers were concerned about the two dogs. It seemed they would not survive without the other.

The Time Had Come To Split Them Apart

Their enduring friendship was put in jeopardy when one potential owner came to the shelter in search of a new pet. The prospective new pet owner fell in love with Merill. When the two animals were separated, they both cried out in heart-wrenching refusal. They could not be separated.

Would Not Be Separated

It seems the dog had formed an instinctual and deep-seated psychological, emotional and physical bond. The vet at the shelter even went as far as to suggest that Merill’s health would be compromised if she was separated from her furry companion.

Nothing Like They Had Seen Before

Despite their size difference and the fact that Taco is an older male while Merrill is a young female, these two seemed to connect in a way that the volunteers had never quite seen before. It seems that animals possess the same capacity for love, loyalty, compassion and friendship. The pair had to remain together.

What Was On The Horizon For The Besties?

The volunteers grew worried. Pairs of animals were more difficult to find homes for. Owners are most likely prepared to commit to one animal, would the shelter find a loving home for the lovable pair?

Acting Impulsively

The dogs’ fate would be decided by one family. The animals would eventually be adopted together, going on to remain the best of friends. Living out their days at each other’s side.

Hope Prevailed

The heart-warming duo was fostered by a local volunteer named Jodi, and subsequently adopted by a loving family in San Jose.

Loving Home

These days, Merrill and Taco live happily together in their new owner’s home, receiving all the love and care that any dog truly deserves.

Loyalty

This wonderful story is a true reflection of the purity and wholesomeness of the animal spirit. These dogs can teach us all a lesson about resilience, forgiveness and belief in second chances. Sadly, little Taco’s journey was not over yet.

Not Out Of The Doghouse Yet

After about a month with his new family, Taco’s health seemed to nosedive. Taco’s vet suspected that he was in heart failure. His heart was enlarged to twice its normal size and there was fluid surrounding his lungs. The family feared the worst.

A Miracle

Miraculously, with Merill close by his side, Taco’s condition improved immensely with extensive treatment. He still has some respiratory issues, but his heart is no longer a dire problem. Taco takes steroid medication to help with the condition in his lungs and requires anti-seizure pills, but the tiny hound doesn’t let his medical problems keep him from living life to the fullest.

Life After Surgery

Taco loves to be around children while Merill enjoys nothing more than a romp in the family’s garden. After a day of play, the two love to curl up before the family fireplace snuggled together.

Bond Forever

Finally finding a loving home, the two dogs no longer show any fear of other dogs and humans. Their friendship has paved the way to opening their little hearts to more love. The psychological scars of the past have been healed.

Christmas Miracle

Throughout their trials and health scares, the dogs have shown one another unwavering support and love. The pair has taught all who know them a valuable lesson; one of life’s most immeasurable treasures is friendship.

Transforming Lives

This story has a happy ending but so many animals out there do not meet the same fate. If you’re ever looking to open your home to a new pet – adopt don’t shop! Who knows, you might find a wonderful pair just like little Taco and Merill.