In my last post, I briefly mentioned my new friend Rocko. But as promised, I want you to get to know him a little better because once you do, I know you won't be able to resist him just like I couldn't. He's the sweetest dog and he can change your life.

When I first met Rocko, he was on death row. As you might have read in my last blog, I learned long ago that I can't save every dog, but he had a face that I just couldn't get out of my head. With a 5 month old newborn baby that's getting all my attention and knowing that we're going to have to move out into a rental while our house undergoes some remodeling, I was aware that the timing is absolutely not ideal to add a new member to the pack. But Rocko is no ordinary dog. With just a look, he charmed his way into my heart and I couldn't let him be euthanized. So, I decided to bring him home, but I made the bargain with myself, Christopher and Bear that I'd just provide a foster home until he had a permanent place of his own.

Of course, now Christopher and I have fallen in love with Rocko. Everything he does is adorable. He takes treats so gently from my hand and when I feed him, I ask him to sit and he does so patiently-such a good boy. He rolls over for belly rubs and curls up in his bed like a cute little muffin. He's just a lovable, sweet little guy who loves Bear, loves other dogs and loves other people. He wants a playmate really badly! Lacey wants nothing to do with him - she is 16.5 years old for god's sake. She is the last dog standing from the original pack, so she wants her shining moment - not to play with a puppy.

I am so happy we saved Rocko's life, but all the reasons that I knew we could only keep him for a while are still there. It's just terrible timing - otherwise we'd make him a permanent member of our family. He already feels like one! So, the best thing we can do for Rocko is find him a home where he'll be happy and get all the attention and love he deserves!

Here's what we're looking for: A strong, loving alpha guardian who can give him a home that has structure and boundaries, but still allows him to play like the 1 year-old he is. He needs a good, brisk walk twice a day for half an hour or more. When we walk, we try to apply Cesar Millan's techniques every day, which means having him walk alongside you rather than ahead. That's how he knows you are the head of the pack.

It's so important to start off a relationship with a rescued dog on the right foot and Cesar has great ideas about how to bring a dog into your home. I've heard some of the opinions about Cesar's techniques, pro and con, but they have really worked for me. So I'd highly recommend reading his book and I think Rocko would benefit from being in a home with the kind of boundaries, love, respect and sanity that Cesar teaches. I wish I had learned all this when I was younger! I want Rocko to stay a good boy for you. By being alpha, you can have such trust, so you don't have to worry about him running in front of a car and you can have a meal without being pawed at constantly. By giving rewards, including food, after exercise and making sure your dog is calm before feeding, it teaches them the kind of behavior you want. Boundaries don't diminish affection, they reinforce it in a healthy way. Wow, wish I had learned that when I was younger.

Because he's still a playful 1 year-old, I'd love for Rocko to find a guardian who can lovingly enforce these boundaries. He still gets excited when he sees a bird or another dog because he loves to play. He is such a quick learner and a good boy. He's totally submissive and not aggressive at all. However, he is strong, so he needs a guardian who can handle him when he gets all excited to run after a bird!

What do you get in return? Just the sweetest dog! One who will curl up with you on your couch or bed (he's snuggling with Christopher even as I write this!). Or next to you on a nice doggie bed if you prefer-I can give you a nice one that he is loving. I can also give you his leash and some toys for teething. He'll follow you around with total devotion and give you love and gentle kisses whenever you want. He's sooooo sweet and he's got the cutest little lips. I highly recommend touching them often!

By the way, did I mention he is also the best ball catcher I've ever met? He could play for the Dodgers! He also has the cutest way of running, sort of like a bunny hop. It's pretty amazing to see. He will get you great exercise too - he'll get you outdoors enjoying the trees and sun and all the beauty of the fall season. You'll get to connect with your new best friend and be focused on nature, and get lots of exercise all at once!

I think you're getting the picture by now. This dog will steal your heart! Just take a look at this video we made of him and see for yourself.

I love this dog so much and want him to have a great home. I will sweeten the deal (trust me, with Rocko, it doesn't need sweetening). When you adopt him, I will gladly pay for a trainer to come work with the two of you at your first meeting, so your relationship gets off on the right foot! Once you meet this lovable doggie, you'll thank me for bringing him into your life and I know he'll bring you so much happiness for years to come!

Oh, and one last thing: If you live too far away to consider adopting Rocko, please consider saving a dog from your local shelter. there are so many dogs just as beautiful and lovable with amazing, unique personalities of their own out there who are on death row right now and need you to save their lives! Be their hero; they will never forget it. You can also adopt through rescue groups so you know exactly what you are getting. Rescue groups have had some time to be with the dogs, and they rescue from death row anyway (aka the shelter).

Rocko Seeking Forever Home

• Great with babies and kids, other dogs; loves life, loves to play

• Male one year old, neutered

• Needs another dog to play with or access to lots of dogs to play with often

• Needs walks every day

• Needs love

If you are interested in adopting this amazing dog, send an email to AdoptRocko@gmail.com

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How To Help Animals In Need In Your Area

Even if you're not able to adopt a new companion, there are many ways you can help to stop pet overpopulation. Your contribution can be as simple as tweeting or posting pet adoption notices to Facebook. Find a rescue organization near you, and get on their email list. Encourage everyone in your network to spay or neuter their pets, and repost pictures of adoptable dogs who need forever homes.

Rescue organizations are always looking for volunteers. If you have the time and space, you can foster a dog, or you can volunteer to walk dogs that the rescue organization is trying to adopt out. Giving adoptable dogs lots of exercise and love makes them better candidates for adoption, because they haven't been stuck in a cage for days or weeks on end (which would drive anyone nuts). Even sweet Rocko was a little hyper when he came out of his kennel at the shelter. But he calmed down when we gave him exercise and some love.

Obviously, if you're looking for a pet, rescue is the way to go. And if you have pets already, absolutely spay or neuter them. Be sure to support legislation in your community that bans puppy mills and pet stores. We must stop breeders and pet stores from contributing to pet overpopulation and the horrifying dumpsters filled with dead dogs to be ground of for dog food. Let's commit to ending these atrocities. Even the smallest contribution is meaningful, so do something today to help the millions of animals out there who are relying on your voice and passion.