Almost four years ago now, a compassionate young pair of dog lovers walked into an animal shelter. It was December, and the adorable couple, Beth and Michael, decided to kick off the holiday season with the spirit of giving. They were going to donate supplies to their local animal shelter.

The couple had no intention of adopting a pet when they visited Anne Arundale County Animal Control. But that was before they met Rocky.

Beth and Michael were told that poor Rocky was a revolving resident at the shelter for 3 years, since 2012. The sweet senior dog was already 17-years-old when they met him. Sadly, from the looks of it, the unlucky pooch would be spending his last days confined to a crowded kennel.

Thankfully, Rocky’s luck was about to turn around. The couple couldn’t resist his sweet face. Both Beth and Michael felt an immediate bond to the lonely old dog.

“We were there to donate all kinds of stuff that I rounded up with my military community and I saw rocky walk in and I couldn’t stop thinking about that adorable old face. Next thing I know I’m walking out with Rocky!” Beth excitedly exclaimed in an interview with Bored Panda.

The adoring couple brought their new furbaby home just before Christmas, which gave them plenty of time to make sure that Rocky’s first Christmas with his forever family was the best one ever!

After she adopted Rocky, Beth’s heart was so full of love for him that she decided to express her feelings to him in a beautiful letter. She wrote to Rocky about what a blessing he is in her life and promised she would be there for him through it all, until his very last breath.

Beth shared her letter with the Anne Arundel County Animal Shelter and in turn, they posted the tear-jerking letter to their Facebook page:

“I took you on knowing we were going to have to take extra care of you. Knowing that one day you weren’t going to make it outside in time to use the restroom and I would have to clean it up, I knew one day I was going to have to carry you up the stairs when you no longer have the strength to do it. I knew you were going to eventually lose your hearing and eyesight and we were going to have to spend extra money to make the house safer for you. I knew one day I am going to have to say goodbye to you. But until then you are the best gift I have ever gotten and I’m really sad I couldn’t give you the best 17 years you deserved but I promise you’ll have a great life from now to the day I have to say goodbye!”

It took almost no time at all for Rocky to get used to living the good life with his loving humans. The caring couple made sure that Rocky never went without.

All of his needs were met with love and kindness. They made sure to provide Rocky with a few key experiences every dog should have in life. Including and especially the joy of gobbling up bowls of doggie ice cream!

Rocky became absolutely devoted to his wonderful humans.

He loved to dance and sing with them as he followed them through the house. One of his all-time favorite pastime activities was to cozy up with mom for nice, warm naps.

“Rocky may have had some bad years but I made a promise to him however long he may be here will be filled with joy and love and lots of treats. He definitely brought a missing puzzle piece into our life and we are more than happy to be his parents,” Beth says.

One year later, in Autumn of 2016, the couple announced they had the gift of a lifetime in store for their sweet Rocky.

When the couple’s baby, Hazel, finally arrived, Rocky was absolutely thrilled about it. Even though he was 18-years-old, having a tiny human to care for kept him healthy and happy for even longer!

Rocky absolutely adored being around his new baby sister whenever he could.

This amazing senior dog may have had a rough go at his first 17 years of life, but now he lives in the perfect forever home with his loving forever family. We are so glad that the sweet couple have taken it upon themselves to give Rocky the best life that he’s always deserved.

If you’re looking for a way to give this holiday season, consider taking a trip down to your local animal shelter and giving the greatest gift of all; your love.

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H/T: Animal Channel