Please meet the adorable and fun loving Birthday boy Rocco. Rocco is a one year old, 25lb French Bulldog. Rocco was purchased from his original owners at a pet store. At 6 months of age, he began to lose control of his back legs. Owners relinquished him to a shelter at 10 months of age due to his difficulty walking. A good Samaritan saw him and said that she could not allow him to be euthanized. So she pulled him from the shelter and brought him to SNORT. Rocco has Kyphosis of the spine and IVDD.
Do not let any of that fool you. Rocco is a total clown. He smiles and just wants to get everything there is out of life. Rocco loves people. Rocco also LOVES other dogs. He is very much a puppy and loves to play chase and bitey face with his furry foster sister, so we would love for him to go to a home with a younger dog who likes to play.
He is such a puppy. Very playful despite his disabilities. He always wants to play with the other dogs, whether or not they want to play with him. Rocco  is also in that annoying teenager phase with his people. He loves to tug sleeves and pants to get you to play. Toys, bring them on. Benebones are a favorite!
Rocco suffers from IVDD secondary to Kyphosis of his spine. He can currently walk but it is wonky and clumsy. Rocco currently goes to physical therapy (he is a good student) and he currently takes Gabapentin and Rimadyl plus a number of supplements. Physical therapy/acupuncture will need to be ongoing as it gives him the best chance of delaying any deterioration in his ability to walk and control going to the bathroom. This is a forever issue for him and it is degenerative. He is not a surgical candidate. Currently Rocco is continent but that can change in the future.
Rocco has such an amazing spirit and a strong will to live life to the fullest. He does not allow his disabilities to slow him down at all and is the goofiest, most fun loving boy around. He needs his forever home to be attentive and keep him occupied as he is a smart buy and is a very busy playful boy. At the same time, he wants nothing more than to snuggle with his person. He loves to snuggle close at night in bed.
Because his ability to walk is limited, he cannot have stairs. One level home is best. A fenced in yard is preferred as this is what he currently has and loves to be outside but this is not a requirement. Rocco interacted fine with children outside the home but because of his disabilities and attention needed, a home without small children would be best. Rocco would love to be with his person all the time. He wouldn’t mind going to work with you as well if it is possible. He could even help you with your typing although all bets are off on his spelling.
Rocco is an inspiration. He is a perfect example of never letting your disabilities define you. He needs his forever home to be of the same mind set. He promises to make it all worth it for you. Did he mention, he loves to cuddle?
If you have experience with special needs dogs and know you can give Rocco the loving home he deserves, please apply today!