Rocky finds love and a new home after a life in chained hell

German-Shepherd, Rocky who was rescued by the SPCA earlier this month, has now found a new home, filled with love and affection.

Danielle Summerfield was one of many residents who saw the photographs of Rocky on the Newcastle Advertiser’s website earlier his month, and was not alone in feeling sympathy and disgust with the condition the abused animal had been found in.

Rocky was discovered wandering the streets of Aviary Hill in early March, with a chain around his neck that had cut into its flesh and skin.

Local veterinarian, Dr Barry Rafferty, had to perform an operation to remove the chain, as the links had become suffused with Rocky’s neck. People from all over the world saw the snapshots online, and an outcry against the cruelty against Rocky swept like wild fire through social media.

Ms Summerfield, however, had needed only to see the photos once, and she knew that she absolutely had to adopt this fighter.

“I immediately went to the SPCA, I needed to see him for myself,” she said. “He was still at the vet at that time, getting the chain removed.”

Ms Summerfield then went on to say that she had wanted a German-Shepherd for a long time.

A very emaciated Rocky was taken to his new home, where he and Ms Summerfield have already grown into fast friends.

“He has no manners,’ she laughed. “He isn’t house trained, and he does not understand the meaning of the word no,” she said affectionately. “But the journey has been a very happy one.”

Although wary of Rocky at first, Ms Summerfield said that she had been worried about his temperement, as animals that have been neglected are often grumpy and dangerous.

“He is so relaxed, and just so lovable. At night, I sit on my recliner with my feet up, and he comes and bites my feet,” she said.

“His stitches are coming out on Thursday, and then I am just going to concentrate on feeding him until he is a bit fatter. He is looking a lot better now, but he is still very thin,” she said. “And then after that, I am definitely going to send him to obedience school, the only time he will sit is when I bribe him with a treat,” she laughed.

Although the original owner of Rocky still has not been located, the investigation by the SPCA is still ongoing, and hopes to yield more information in the near future.