Help our rescue dog Rocky Heal

**Hi lovely people,

We just wanted to say a heartfelt thank you for your incredible generosity and support for our beautiful dog, Rocky. Thanks to your donations, we were able to book a consultation with Linda from Sydney Dog Trainer in Belrose, as well as cover the cost of his next vet visit and anti-anxiety medication at Allambie Vet.

Linda has given us some really practical strategies to help support Rocky when he shows signs of anxiety. We’ll be checking in with her again in six weeks to see how he’s going and whether the combination of techniques and ongoing medication is helping him settle.

We honestly can’t thank you enough. Your kindness means the world to us and to Rocky. If you ever want to check in or hear how he’s doing, please feel free to reach out.***

Meet Rocky, our new sweet rescue 4-year-old French Bulldog with a heart full of love and a past filled with hardship. During the COVID lockdowns, his previous owner purchased him as a companion. However, as life returned to normal, Rocky was left alone, confined to a unit balcony day and night whilst muzzled. This isolation led to severe anxiety and behavioural issues.

When we learned about Rocky's situation, we couldn't turn away. His owner admitted that if we didn't take him, she would surrender him. He was underweight and unfamiliar with indoor living. We believed he simply needed an urgent loving home and would be a great companion for our pug, Jack, who adores other dogs.

However, after bringing Rocky home, we quickly realised the extent of his challenges:

Separation Anxiety: He becomes distressed when left alone or cant find us in the house, leading to toilet accidents —even when we're home.

Obsessive Behaviours: He exhibits repetitive scratching, turning, and shaking, causing himself to bleed. These episodes can last up to 15 minutes if not interrupted, some days better than others but bad days can mean us having to sit with him and settle him to make it stop.

Sleep Disturbances: He struggles to sleep, waking immediately if someone moves, fearing abandonment, and needing to follow them.

We spent $400 on his first vet visit (Day 2 of having him) treating a bacterial infection from his scratching and starting him on two anxiety medications. Our vet (Allambie Vet Hospital) has said due to his past and and current behaviours we will need to workil with a dog behaviourist to address his deep-seated issues, but the costs are beyond our current means.

Despite these challenges, Rocky has formed beautiful relationships within our family. He shares a special bond with our pug, Jack, and adores our teenage daughters, always seeking cuddles and companionship. Surrendering him now would be devastating for Rocky, given his abandonment issues, and for our family, who have grown to love him dearly.

We're reaching out to compassionate individuals who can help us provide Rocky with the urgent care he desperately needs. Your support will go directly towards in-home dog behavioural therapy from an accredited dog trainer and behaviour consultant (Someone that holds an International board certification with the Certification Council of Pet Dog Trainers).

Every donation, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to helping Rocky live the happy, healthy life he deserves.

Thank you for taking the time to read Rocky's story and for any support you can provide. xx

*Happy to provide videos