California

Puppy Gets New Chance At Life After Amputation

Veterinarians say Rocky the German Shepherd chewed off much of his foot, likely trying to escape a tether or chain.

An 11-month-old German Shepherd puppy named Rocky is on the road to recovery after being neglected to the point of chewing off most of his own foot to escape what veterinarians say was likely a chain or rope used to tie him to a pole.

Rocky is now resting from surgery, and seems to have kept a good attitude through the unimaginable pain he must have gone through.

"He's a very active dog," said Dr. Maria Bromme, of Alicia Pet Care Center in Mission Viejo.

Bromme said they were forced to amputate Rocky’s leg.

"We removed the bandage and it was definitely a hard thing to see -- he had essentially just chewed off most of his foot," she said.

Rocky's previous owners brought him to an animal shelter, gave up their ownership rights and claimed they really didn't know how his foot ended up like it did.

"It's really hard to know, whether or not this is a family that didn't know any better," said Tiffany Norton of the group Coastal German Shepherd Rescue. "It's just hard to say."

Local

Get Los Angeles's latest local news on crime, entertainment, weather, schools, COVID, cost of living and more. Here's your go-to source for today's LA news.

Everything you need to know about the Dodgers Opening Week at Chavez Ravine

California's commercial Dungeness crab season will end April 8 to protect whales

Chaining or tethering a dog is illegal in California, which was the first to pass such a law in 2007. Now, Orange County Animal Control is investigating Rocky’s case.

Dr. Bromme said he’s adjusting well, and once he’s recovered, Rocky will get a chance at a new life with a new family when he goes up for adoption. 

Contact Us