Rocket and Denny (Plus Pharoah Finds a Home)

Rocket, a 4-year-old German Shepherd mix came to Sean Casey Animal Rescue after his owner decided to move to a place that doesn’t allow pets.

When she arrived she had a medical issue: a kneecaps that slipped in and out of the joint, causing arthritis and a lot of pain, said Sean Casey, the shelter’s founder.

The shelter paid for two surgeries for her, and it took months for her to recover. But now she’s all better and ready for a new home.

“She’s a good dog. A little shy and quiet but she warms up quickly when she gets to know people,” Casey said, adding that once she gets to know people “she sticks right by them, she never leaves their side.”

Gentle Rocket is good with kids and would make a particularly good “family dog,” Casey said.

Also awaiting a home is Denny, a 2-year-old Jack-Russell Terrier mix who also came to the shelter with medical problems.

“He was having an unexplained neurological issue, he couldn’t coordinate his legs,” said Casey.

Veterinarians couldn’t figure out the cause of the problem. “It could have been caused by some sort of poisoning or physical trauma,” Casey said.

After several trips to the hospital and months of steroids, Denny recovered – for the most part. “He’s just a little bit wobbly, kind of walks to the left a little bit instead of straight lines,” Casey said. “He’ll always be just a little bit off, but he’s very friendly, energetic and strong.”

Indeed, despite his problems, Denny has a true love of life.

“As soon as you take him out of the cage he just runs, and runs, and runs in circles,” Casey said. “He’s a really happy dog he’s just excited to be around other dogs and to play.”

Meanwhile,  has found a new home.

A young couple from Kensington adopted him. The husband really wanted a dog, but didn’t have time to walk him.

“Pharoah was so like a dog in the way he wrestled and played,” that he won the couple over, Casey said.

Both Rocket and Denny are spayed, dewormed, treated to prevent fleas & ticks and are up to date with vaccinations. The adoption fee, $100 for cats and $200 for dogs, includes a veterinary exam, one free month of pet health insurance and a microchip.