Dwayne Johnson (aka The Rock) makes plenty of heroic moves on the big screen, but none of them compare to what he recently did for one abandoned and miserable dog. In fact, had Dwayne Johnson not stepped in when he did, the tiny pup might not be alive today. Fetch! Pet Care is proud to report that this pooch not only has a new lease on life, but he has also been named after one very famous action star…and life is looking pretty good for them both!
The abandoned 4-month-old cockapoo was left at the City of Los Angeles’ North Central Shelter where he was found to have a metal wire wrapped around his mouth. During his rescue, bolt cutters were used to remove the wiring, but the poor baby’s wounded mouth was in need of 17 stitches! As if that weren’t bad enough, it was during this time that a more severe problem was detected. This sad and weary survivor’s life was in peril due to a grade 5 heart murmur which would require surgery as soon as possible. That delicate procedure is expensive though. Orphaned and without someone to foot the $5,000 bill, things were looking pretty bleak for this little guy.
Fortunately, this was not the end of his story. In fact, some would say it was just the beginning! See, this guy’s bad luck turned to good when he was rescued by Saving Spot! and a GoFundMe page was established to plead for the money needed for his surgery and care. It was on that page that it was announced that the adorable little furball’s name had also been changed to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. He was named after the former wrestler turned film action star due to the fighting spirit he’d need to survive the rugged and uncertain road ahead of him. Touched by his story, actress Michelle Trachtenberg (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) brought the dog’s plight to the public and to the human Johnson’s attention via a tweet on November 23rd:
This puppy named after @TheRock was tortured, abandoned! He needs our help for life saving surgery https://t.co/dluEbN2smL @SpotRescueDogs 💔
— MichelleTrachtenberg (@RealMichelleT) November 24, 2015
We are beyond relieved to report that (the original) Dwayne Johnson sprang into action and immediately donated $1,500 toward the remaining balance needed to ensure that his namesake will receive the surgery he so desperately needs.
This is rough to read about. Poor lil' pup abandoned w/ a wire wrapped around his mouth. I'll help. Stay strong pup. https://t.co/amEAOSn2yO
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) November 24, 2015
Dwayne Johnson Wasn’t the Only Hero
An honorable mention also goes out to Jamie Chung of Hangover 2 fame who donated $600 toward the expensive surgery. Between Chung, Michelle Trachtenberg and Dwayne Johnson, Hollywood really showed up for the young pooch’s care! His surgery is now scheduled for December 18th and our fingers are crossed that he will not only come through it like a champ, but that he will also be adopted into a good home where he can enjoy life to its fullest.
Brutus Would Be Proud
You may recall that Dwayne Johnson recently lost one of his own French Bulldog puppies, Brutus, after the poor guy had to be put to sleep due to liver damage developed from eating poisonous mushrooms. Just a few weeks prior, Brutus and his sibling, Hobbs, were rescued from Johnson’s pool on the very same day that they were adopted. Clearly happy about their new digs, the pair decided to take a dive…forgetting that they’d never had swimming lessons! Luckily, their new owner dashed into action and rescued the pair, but we were all saddened to hear of this lil guy’s demise due to poisoning shortly thereafter. We are sure that Brutus is looking down on Dwayne Johnson now and is very proud that his hero and master is still about the business of rescuing dogs in need!