As animal heroes, Beth and Michael Clark donate blankets to shelters in the winter in order to help provide some comfort and warmth for dogs without families. In December 2015, the family visited Anne Arundel County Animal Control to donate blankets and supplies.
The couple made eye contact with a sad-looking 17-year-old dog called Rocky and couldn’t leave him. “I couldn’t imagine leaving that old man in a cage to die,” Beth told Today. “We’re getting him,” she told Today.
“We couldn’t live without Rocky,” Beth told TODAY. “He loved dancing with us and being near us … as the year went on, it got harder for him to climb the stairs and go on walks, so my husband would carry him up the stairs every night just so he could sleep next to us, and instead of walks we just sat outside in the sun together.”
Increasing numbers of families are considering adopting senior dogs, said Robin Catlett, an administrator with Anne Arundel County Animal Control. It takes a special family to open its heart and home to an animal that may only be with them for a short time, said Robin. Our goal is to make the animals as comfortable as possible while they are in our care, but we know that this cannot replace the comfort of a forever home.
The Maryland mom-to-be told Today she was overjoyed when she found out she was pregnant and that Rocky was her biggest support system as she grew. Rocky’s health started to fail, in addition to the Rocky picture, the couple also announced their pregnancy with the message, “Mom and Dad are getting me a human!”
Rocky’s health began to fail when Beth was 7 months pregnant, and it was suspected he had a tumor. It was only a matter of time before Beth and Michael had to put their precious hound to sleep. Rocky sniffed their new baby girl and put his head near hers, but his health was failing, and the couple knew it was time to let him go.
We loved him more than words can express, and we still struggle to adjust to his absence,” Beth told Today. “I called a vet that night and he passed away peacefully with his family by his side.” In order to meet his new human sister, Rocky held on to the Clarks.
I would like to thank Beth and Michael for adopting Rocky and making his last years a happy and loved one. You are truly amazing animal heroes.
