A 1-year-old pit bull terrier mix called Rocky has broken hearts as he “cries” for attention after being returned to a New York shelter.
Rocky was originally found as a stray near the Great Neck train station. After being rescued by local police and eventually adopted, he appeared to have overcome a difficult start.
But the North Shore Animal League America in Port Washington, New York, shared how “life had other plans” for him, when he was returned to the shelter through no fault of his own.
Now back at the shelter’s Adoption Center, Rocky is struggling with the stress of kennel life. Described as having a “sensitive heart,” he cries softly for attention and seeks the comfort of a gentle voice or familiar touch.
Michael Spiotta, shelter director at North Shore Animal League America, told Newsweek: “He was found by police at the Great Neck, New York, train station in August of 2024 when he was approximately 7 months old.”
“He was originally adopted about two weeks after his arrival on our campus. Sadly, he was returned approximately a year later due to no fault of his own. His owners decided that they did not have time to care for him and meet his needs,” Spiotta said.
Rocky’s story reflects a wider challenge faced by shelters across the United States. According to Shelter Animals Count, about 2.8 million dogs and cats entered U.S. shelters and rescues in the first half of 2025–a 4 percent decrease from the same period in 2024, but still leaving many facilities at or over capacity.
Large dogs like Rocky often face longer stays in shelters and lower adoption rates. Data shows that while small dog adoptions rose by 6 percent this year, adoptions of large dogs dropped by 9 percent compared to 2024. The median length of stay for dogs in shelters now stands at 47 days, reflecting how many continue to wait for their forever homes.
Staff at North Shore Animal League America said they are doing everything possible to keep him comfortable but emphasized that he needs “a quiet home to call his own.”
“He is adjusting, but as we all know, shelter life for any animal, especially one that was in a home for a year, can be a very difficult adjustment,” Spiotta said. “Being a large black, pit mix makes it that much harder to get adopted. He is well looked after and doing fairly well but he would love to find a new home soon.”
Rocky is looking for an experienced owner who can now give him the time and care he needs and deserves. “He is looking for a home with children over the age of 10, preferably a home with dog experience and with owners that will have time to devote to Rocky. He can be fearful of new environments, so he would need a patient owner and one that is willing to help him work through his anxieties,” Spiotta said.
He gets along well with other dogs—though a meet and greet is recommended—enjoys spending time with children and loves his chew toys.
The shelter described Rocky as a “beautiful soul” who simply wants to be close to his people again. They encouraged anyone with room in their home and heart for a dog who “needs a second chance” to consider meeting him.