We’ve heard heartbreaking stories from our friends.

However, we now mostly see them through the virtual space we live in — online.

One sad short story shared by Stephen Crane, “A dark brown dog” goes like this:

“A child is standing on a street corner when a little brown dog approaches. They have a friendly exchange, but it quickly turns rough with the child hitting the dog. The boy loses interest in the dog and heads for home. He notices the dog following. The boy beats the dog with a stick. Despite the mistreatment, it’s eager to stay with the boy.”

If you like dogs, you’ve probably heard of the German Shepherd breed.

Because of their size, these large dogs have a reputation for being dangerous and hostile, but many people misunderstand the breed.

Although they are used as police K9 officers, they also make excellent pets for the average family.

German Shepherds can also be loving, loyal, and wonderful companions.

Obviously, as with many other animals, you get what you give, as they grow from a puppy to a mature dog.

If this breed of dog is well-cared for and feels your love, it will return your affection and gentle nature. However, as with any other breed, if these dogs are subjected to cruelty and neglect, they may develop hostility.

One shepherd named Rocco understands how damaging negative stereotypes can be to a dog’s life.

Rocco was a member of a family who decided to take on the responsibility of caring for a German Shepherd. He was devoted to the family who took him in, and he loved and cared for them.

Due to his breed, he grew to be very large and powerful, with strong teeth and legs.

According to “The Dodo,” when his owners discovered they were pregnant, they became concerned about having him around their unborn child. Especially when the fur mother gave birth to her child.

The family is aware that certain breeds, such as pit bulls, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds are associated with negative stereotypes and bad reputations.

Then the family became paranoid and made an emotional and heartbreaking decision.

Rocco was eventually taken by the family to a Dallas, Texas animal shelter.

After being abandoned, Rocco became introverted and apathetic towards life.

He was withdrawn and showed no interest in humans or other dogs because he was unable to adjust to shelter life.

However, one day the shelter received a visitor who would change the course of Rocco’s story.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnFXEooHoWy/

She decided to foster him with her dog at her home. The foster knew she needed to re-acclimate Rocco to trusting humans.

So she worked hard to increase his weight and turn him back into a playful and loving animal. She started an Instagram account for Rocco and began posting adorable videos and photos of the dog looking for a good home.

Fortunately, he was adopted and will never be abandoned again.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnpSOz5hxq8/

Animals can develop trust issues as a result of abandonment.

It is critical to recognize that animals are a lifelong commitment that all deserve loving forever homes.

His new family has taken over his Instagram page, which now has over 9,000 followers.

Watch the heartbreaking video below.

Please SHARE this with your friends and family!

Sources: Apost, YouTube – Zoo Land, Instagram – roccostar_gsd, Owlcation