Kasia and Roko: A Story of Second Chances

Roko is around four years old – a German Pointer type with a story written in scars.

He was spotted at a private shelter in Miedary, Silesia. We don’t know how long he had been there, but one look at him told us it had been too long. His skin was red and irritated, his ears and torso almost completely bald. His coat suggested a fungal infection. His face and ears bore numerous healed scars, while his legs showed fresh bite wounds – likely from other dogs in the communal kennel. And the smell… so overpowering that in freezing temperatures, we drove home with the windows open.

Roko was clearly desperate for help.
I had a house with a garden – I could offer space to a large dog.
Why not get a puppy from a breeder?
Because once you've seen a dog like Roko… you just can’t unsee him. And you can’t turn away.

Adopting him was surprisingly simple – five minutes, some paperwork, and we were on our way home. On the way, we stopped at the groomer and the vet. Roko was incredibly calm the entire time – no aggression, no resistance. He stood still, patiently, and let us do everything that needed to be done.

The real challenge began at home.

We already had another dog – Bruno – the same age, a friendly, open soul who had never shown an ounce of aggression. Unfortunately, Roko greeted him… with bared teeth.

They began establishing a hierarchy – a process that was anything but smooth. Roko had more strength, more experience. Bruno didn’t understand. He didn’t know how to defend himself and always came out on the losing side.

It went on like this for some time. But day by day, something began to change.

Bruno never gave up. He kept trying. He would gently nudge toys toward Roko’s paws, inviting him to play. And slowly, Roko began to soften. He started to let go of the shelter. He began to trust.

It took a whole year before he fully accepted Bruno.

But the humans in the house? Including our 3-year-old child? He loved us immediately.

It’s been almost two years since we brought him home from Miedary.

Today, Roko is the gentlest soul – a family dog through and through. A cuddler. A shadow.

He may not have become Bruno’s best friend, but there’s a deep bond there now – mutual respect, silent understanding.

Despite being middle-aged, Roko is full of childish mischief. He steals squeaky toys and plushies and buries them in the garden to mark them as his own – and only his.

He listens. He knows commands. He’s stunningly beautiful on walks.

And he has the kindest eyes you’ll ever see.

I have absolutely no hesitation encouraging others to adopt from shelters.

I actively help with adoptions, and I know that when the day comes that our beloved dogs are no longer with us… I’ll go back. I’ll choose another one that no one else chose.

Because in return, I’ll get something priceless:

Unconditional love. Pure loyalty. A bond that heals.

— Kasia & Roko