Give a dog love, and you’ll receive ten times more in return.
This couldn’t be truer than in the story of Pork Roll, the lovable American Bully you’re about to meet.
After being abandoned by his first family because of his weight, all Porky ever wanted was another chance at love. He had no idea that his life was about to take the most beautiful turn — one that would bring him endless happiness.
Struggles At The Beginning
Porky’s life started out in Virginia, where he was purchased from a breeder as a puppy. For two years, he lived with his family, but they eventually surrendered him, citing “skin issues.”
The truth, however, was different. Porky had become around forty pounds overweight, and his family didn’t want to deal with it.
That’s when South of the Bully, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, stepped in. With the support of these compassionate rescuers, Porky’s life began to change.
“Turns out, him being FORTY pounds overweight was the real underlying problem. Once his weight went down, the rashes and skin problems disappeared too. He’s now down to 65 lbs & looking great,” Skip wrote on Instagram.
After months of hard work, Porky finally reached a healthy weight — and he was ready to find a real forever home.
Finding The Perfect Match
Skip and Graham, a couple from Asheville, North Carolina, came across Pork Roll’s story and fell in love instantly. Already parents to two dogs — Athena, a senior girl, and Dime, their rescue boy — they decided to add one more furry member to the family.
Bringing Porky into their lives turned out to be one of the best decisions they ever made.
He settled in immediately, as if he had always belonged. He treated Athena like a mother figure and quickly became partners in mischief with Dime.
It didn’t take long before Porky’s silly, affectionate personality began to shine.
Skip and Graham were overjoyed watching him blossom into a goofy, loving, and sometimes clingy pup.
Whenever his parents leave the room, Porky whimpers until they return. If something catches his attention, he makes funny, unusual noises. His obsession with his family is obvious — he simply wants to be around them all the time.
Even when Athena or Dime weren’t interested in cuddling, Porky insisted on showing his love, making sure they knew how much he adored them.
Heartbreak And Resilience
Sadly, life brought some challenges along the way. Athena, the gentle senior who had been a role model to Porky, eventually crossed the rainbow bridge. Her passing left the entire family heartbroken, and Porky deeply missed her.
But his bond with Dime grew even stronger. The two became inseparable, sharing every adventure side by side.
Unfortunately, more struggles followed.
Both Dime and Porky were diagnosed with serious health conditions.
Dime developed degenerative myelopathy, while Porky was diagnosed with intervertebral disc disease paralysis (IVDD), a rare condition for his breed and age.
The diagnosis meant Porky required urgent surgery.
“We had heard of things, but did not know about IVDD in detail or just how dangerous it really is. And how EASILY it can happen even in young dogs,” his family shared on Instagram.
Thanks to surgery, medications, and ongoing therapy, Porky is improving every day. He may face challenges, but he continues to fight with the same happy spirit that made his family fall in love with him.
“Hoping with everything that one day he’ll be able to stand, walk, run, and kick again,” his family wrote on Instagram.
Looking Toward A Brighter Tomorrow
Porky is still that wiggly, enthusiastic Bully who loves life and family above all else. Though he faces obstacles, his determination and the unwavering love of his family give him the strength to keep going.
And hopefully, it’s only a matter of time before this cheerful “hippo boy” is running and playing again like before. He has already proven that he deserves every bit of joy in the world.