When a man walked into the Rocket Dog Rescue in San Francisco, he was on a mission to find a canine companion to bring home. Little did he know that he would find a deep connection with a 3-year-old Pitbull named Merrill. However, when the time came for the man to adopt her, they faced an unexpected hurdle – Merrill refused to leave behind her best friend at the shelter! The dedicated volunteers at Rocket Dog Rescue work tirelessly every day to save abandoned and mistreated dogs from overcrowded shelters.
The mission of Rocket Dog Rescue is to rescue dogs from the tragic fate of being euthanized. They specialize in helping dogs that struggle to find forever homes. Back in 2014, the rescue organization took in an ailing Pitbull and an adorable Chihuahua named Taco. Despite their mysterious past and unknown former owner, it quickly became evident that these two had formed an unbreakable bond – they would whimper and feel lost whenever they were separated! Merrill the Chihuahua provided unwavering comfort to her larger companion, showcasing the incredible power of friendship.
As time went on, the shelter staff began to witness firsthand just how strong the bond between Taco and Merrill truly was. Tacohad developed a severe urinary tract infection and needed surgery to survive. Throughout Merrill’s surgery, Taco couldn’t stop pacing anxiously. Even after Merrill emerged from the operating room, attempts to separate them for her speedy recovery were in vain. Both dogs were inconsolable without each other’s presence! Eventually, the compassionate staff gave up their efforts and allowed the two inseparable friends to stay together until their final days at the shelter.
Taco and Merrill’s devotion to each other continued to astound the volunteers, especially during their time in the recovery room. Witnessing their unwavering loyalty left a profound impact on those who cared for them. However, there was also concern that finding a home for them would be challenging. Experience had shown that bonded dogs like Taco and Merrill often face more difficulties in finding adopters because most people can only take in one dog at a time.
Hoping to secure the perfect home for Taco and Merrill, the shelter decided to list them separately on its website. Unfortunately, due to the challenges associated with adopting older dogs, there was limited interest in poor Taco. However, Merrill’s story had a different outcome. One day, a kind-hearted man visited the shelter in search of a furry companion!
From the moment the man laid eyes on Merrill, he knew she was the one. He quickly completed all the necessary paperwork, and it was decided that Merrill would become a part of his family. However, when they took Merrill out of the cage while Taco remained inside, a heart-wrenching howl filled the air, leaving the new pet parent puzzled. It was then that the volunteers revealed the undeniable truth – Taco and Merrill were inseparable friends who couldn’t bear to be apart!
The man understood their profound connection and was determined to find a way for them to stay together. Although he could only adopt one dog, he knew a solution had to be found. In a stroke of ingenuity, the shelter modified its strategy and decided that keeping these two pals together was in their best interest. With this new development, the shelter updated their listing on their website, catching the attention of an incredible volunteer named Jody, who offered to foster Taco and Merrill until they found their forever home!
Miraculously, a loving family from San Jose stumbled upon the shelter’s website and instantly fell in love with Taco and Merrill. They wasted no time and made the journey to meet them in person at Jody’s place. From that moment, they knew that Taco and Merrill belonged in their home. Despite the challenges that lay ahead, such as Taco’s age-related health issues like asthma and dental disease that had left him with only four teeth, they were overjoyed to start this new chapter together.
In the beginning, the family believed they could manage Taco’s symptoms at home, considering them to be minor. Unfortunately, a month later, a visit to the vet revealed a much graver situation. Taco was diagnosed with an enlarged heart and fluid in his lungs, putting him at risk of cardiac arrest if left untreated. Immediate medical intervention was necessary, and Taco was put on medication while awaiting a specialist appointment.
Despite the challenges he faced, Taco had a determined support system in the form of his new family. The family went above and beyond to provide him with the care and affection he needed, refusing to give up on him – just as he had never given up on his best friend. Over time, Taco’s condition began to stabilize, and hope started to blossom once again!
Although Taco’s heart condition was under control, he still struggled with respiratory issues. To ensure a good quality of life for him, he needed regular doses of anti-seizure medication and steroids. However, these challenges didn’t dampen his spirits or hinder his ability to play and be happy alongside Merrill, who was full of energy and enthusiasm as she entered adulthood!
With endless joy, Merrill reveled in rolling around on the grass and running freely, always eager to share her excitement with Taco. Despite his physical limitations, she would often carry him around so that he could join in the fun – a true testament to their unwavering bond and gratitude for each other’s companionship.
