Rocco wrap up (Case closed!)

After recently turning his life around, Justin now needs help saving the life of his 6-year-old dog who has seen Justin through all of his hardships. Justin Durrell is a familiar sight to NDG residents. Rain or shine (or 30 below), this young man can usually be found panhandling outside the corner of Sherbrooke and Hingston.

Justin is friendly with many locals, who give him change, or bring him hot coffee on cold days. They are also familiar with Justin's two beloved dogs, Rocco and Molar, who are always by his side. But lately residents have noticed that one of his dogs, Rocco, has been absent. Rocco recently suffered a leg injury, and Justin is desperately trying to raise money for an operation. He was playing ball and took a bad fall. He tore his ACL ligament and hurt two others - needs expensive specialized surgery to recuperate. Operation and recovery will cost 3, 700$. Justin ended up on the streets after a hard start to life and a series of foster homes. Justin has recently gotten off the streets and is in his own apartment, but doesn't have the money for Rocco's operation.

Justin’s plan was to try and raise 50$ a day panhandling for about 60 days to be able to afford the surgery. Even at –30 despite concerned citizen’s warnings Justin was on the streets desperately trying to come up with the money. Christmas day and all of New Years Eve, Justin still continued to relentlessly try and raise money for Rocco. However with the collective help of the community and good Samaritans we hope to be able to help Justin and Rocco and see them through the surgery and recovery.

As the word of Justin and Rocco buzz around NDG, Montreal and across North America (Thanks to the C4P Newsletter) this rescue story has quickly brought an entire community together in the efforts to save Rocco. From local vet clinics and businesses advertising Rocco’s story to neighbors coming together and donating an entire community is working together. From as far as Walkin’ Wheels in the states donating a much needed doggy wheel chair for Rocco to The DMV foundation covering 1000$ of the surgery and helping us raise money. Even Diane Bond from House of Shoes is organizing a ‘Shop for a Cause’ day for Rocco January 31^st. The community is in motion, and Justin’s dream of seeing Rocco back on his feet is coming closer and closer.

Rocco had his surgery January 19th at the DMV with Dr. Plante - and Rocco is doing GREAT, thanks to the DMV Foundation!

Eleven Eleven Animal Rescue was able to raise online 1000$ of 3700$ for Rocco's surgery!

Also thank you to the DMV Foundation who donated 1000$ towards his bill, The House of Shoes who raised 350$ at their Shop For A Cause day for Rocco, and an anonymous good samaritan who donated 500$ to the DMV for Rocco's surgery.

We would like to thank the contributors: Yulya Faibusovitch, Elena Benelli, Angie Laurusaitis, Stefan L'Esperance, Marie-Aude Gagnon Rousseau, M. Michelle Nadon, Kim Gladding, Kimberly Jeffrey, Elizabeth Abbott, Amy Webb, elizabeth cowan, Marie Kirby, Philippe Daviau, Anna Campagna, Joan Fraser, Jesse Radz, Ceilia Guigui and Luigi D' Agnillo.

We also would like to thank: Nathalie Simard from The DMV Foundation, Dr. Planté who preformed the surgery, Lisa Marie from Walkin' Wheels, and Diane Bond from The House of Shoes for all of their support.