Each month, we feature rescue dogs with remarkable stories. If you or someone you know has a rescue story to share, let us know! You just might inspire another tail-wagging ending. Chosen features will get professional photos taken and a handmade tag from my shop, Metalheads Boutique.
Alyson and her husband rescued Rooney after he had moved around from shelter to shelter in Texas before landing at the Great Pyrenees Rescue Society.
Rooney was originally found in a dog-hoarding situation (think close to 30 Great Pyrenees) by a non-profit organization called Saving Pyrenees in Need (aka SPIN in Texas).
“We only know a few tidbits about his past,” Alyson tells me.
The Great Pyrenees were bred to guard livestock on farms to help keep them safe from harmful predators.
In Rooney’s case, it was believed he broke his leg. Because it was neglected, it healed/fused in a way that rendered him a tripod. Since he couldn’t work, he was discarded, and like many others there, he became a stray.
Once at the shelter, it was discovered that he was also heart-worm positive, which made him even less likely to be adopted.
But that’s when Rooney’s success story began.
When the Great Pyrenees Rescue Society shared Rooney’s photo on social media, Alyson saw him and was sure: “Hi, yep, that’s my dog!” and the adoption process began. Rooney was about two years old.
The Great Pyrenees Rescue Society has a monthly shuttle from Texas to the Pacific Northwest. Once Alyson’s adoption application was approved, Rooney started his long journey across the country with eleven other dogs.
“He is a superstar; everyone loves him!” Alyson says, “and he loves them in return. He is literally the best creature I know.”
Rooney’s mom calls him sweet, sassy, hysterical, and dramatic.
She explains how he hates sitting in the sun, but loves: car rides, camping, ALL the food, and getting his paws on some bubble wrap. Rooney also initiates what Alyson refers to as a ‘trust fall’ if you are lucky enough. Rooney runs like a four-legged dog.
Rooney’s fans on social media helped vote him Mr. April in Central Oregon’s Cutest Pets 2022 Calendar! A portion of the proceeds from calendar sales benefits the Humane Society of Central Oregon.
When I met Alyson and Rooney at the Park for pictures, I felt lucky to experience one of Rooney’s “trust falls.” They are one hundred percent what you picture. He kind of leans into you…if you move, he will fall.
Author: Megan Baker
Megan is a local dog lover, photographer, and entrepreneur here in Bend, Oregon. When Covid hit, her photography business of 18 years was severely affected by the pandemic. This was when she started Metalheads Boutique. Megan still shoots photography, but now she also designs and make pet tags. Since starting her biz, she’s had the pleasure of meeting so many phenomenal dog people with dog-related businesses! Megan’s main focus will be to choose a unique story every month to inspire others and share it here on The Dog Guide Bend. It takes a village…and in Dogtowne USA, aka Bend, Oregon, there’s no shortage of dogs, which means lots of good stories! Have you ever rescued a dog? Do you know someone who has? If so, she’d love to hear how it worked out for you. If you have a story to share, let us know! You just might inspire another tail-wagger of an ending.
Megan. This is so beautiful, thank you so much for choosing us. You are truly such a delight and we are honored to be part of this wonderful series!
I LOVE his smile. My Pyr, Gus had that same smile when I fell in love with his picture on a rescue site. He’s shared that smile with special needs classrooms, libraries (Paws for Reading), several nursing homes and hospice house. He s made my life richer and even with all the hair, love him deeply!
What a great dog and a great story of redemption. Pyrenees are amazing!