Residents in Buellton held a celebration for a dog, abused by a previous owner, that's made a fantastic recovery. Rocky, a pit bull-boxer mix, was the victim of animal cruelty last year. His ears were cut off as a puppy, and he was found to be badly undernourished. His owner was arrested and convicted in a Santa Barbara County Superior Court. Rocky was rehabilitated by the Animal Rescue Team in Santa Ynez and adopted by a loving family. Wednesday afternoon, Rocky was the center of attention at the Ranch Club Mobile Home Estates where a party was thrown just for him. Residents there raised thousands of dollars last year for Rocky and the Animal Rescue Team efforts in the area.
Animal Rescue Team Executive Director Julila Di Sieno told us, “ the previous owner tied him up to a tree in his backyard with about a two foot lead. No food, no water, no medical care, and no shelter from the sun. The neighbor looked to see why this puppy was crying for 48 hours. He called authorities, and Animal Control came immediately and saved Rocky.
We took the puppy to the vet for an examination and then he was placed in protective custody with me, through the county. I called a friend of mine who I know was in search of a new dog and it was love at first sight. Rocky has adapted tremendously well. I socialized him when I cared for him. He got along very well with my dog and two cats."
As for his injured ears, that were allegedly cut off by the previous owner, “They healed very well. The vet, the new owner and I decided why subject him to further pain?. He doesn’t seem effected at all to the loss of his ears and is doing just fine in his new home on 100 acres.
The mobile home park really kicked in, raised thousand of dollars for us and celebrated Rocky’s victory in court.”