Obviously, I’m no longer in the demographic that ESPN wants to appeal to… But can someone explain to me like I’m five the reasoning behind his popularity????
This was filmed yesterday morning at HALO Animal Rescue in Phoenix. The man is Carlos. Came to the shelter to look at dogs. Told the front desk he was "just browsing." Not sure if he was ready for the commitment. Staff brought him to meet a brown mixed-breed named Rocky. Shepherd and Lab mix. Four years old. Carlos sat on the floor with Rocky for about thirty minutes.
Rocky was calm. Sat beside Carlos. Let Carlos pet him. Normal meet-and-greet. Then Carlos stood up.
Told staff he wanted to "think about it overnight." That's when Rocky moved.
Didn't bark. Didn't jump. Just rushed forward and wrapped both front paws around Carlos's leg. Held on tight. Carlos tried to take a step. Rocky slid across the floor still gripping Carlos's leg.
Wouldn't let go. Shaking. Tail tucked all the way down.
Body trembling. Making this quiet whining sound. Volunteer Jessica was in the room. She said: "Rocky wasn't being aggressive. He was terrified. You could see it in his whole body. He thought Carlos leaving meant being abandoned again." Carlos stood there frozen. Rocky still holding his leg. After a long moment, Carlos knelt back down. Rocky immediately climbed into Carlos's lap.
Still shaking....... And at the end they go away together
The Netherlands has become the first country in the world to successfully eliminate stray dogs, ensuring that every dog has a home.
This remarkable achievement stems from a combination of strict animal welfare laws, large-scale spaying and neutering programs, and a strong culture of responsible pet ownership. The Dutch government has long supported widespread sterilization initiatives and enforces tough penalties for animal abuse and abandonment.
While an estimated 200 million stray dogs exist worldwide, the Netherlands stands out as a global leader. In Dutch cities, it is common to see dogs riding in bicycle baskets, relaxing under café tables, and even joining their owners on public transport, a reflection of how deeply integrated pets are into everyday life.
The country now serves as an inspiring model for animal welfare, demonstrating how coordinated policy, cultural awareness, and compassion can effectively solve a challenge that continues to affect many other nations.
One of my big regrets in life is not learning how to tinker with engines more. Have a good buddy I went to high school with. In his small 2 car home garage he can put together a freaking car like a Lego set. It is remarkable to see the process and I always kick myself for not learning how to do this when I was in my teenage years and 20’s.
@SmokinWhiskers@BowTiedBroke That is a skill many people no longer possess today. The ability to take things apart, repair them, and put them back together is truly admirable. Those hands-on classes taught valuable life skills.