North Carolina Couple Lets A Rescue Choose Their Dog And Gets One With A Truly Unusual Backstory
Steph and Graham were ready for any dog the North Carolina rescue sent their way, but they never expected a senior pup with a pterodactyl scream and an ear-to-ear smile.
A Leap Of Faith

Steph and Graham knew they wanted to open their home to a rescue animal in need. When they finally reached out to an adoption agency, they kept their hearts completely open.
They decided that whatever dog the rescue matched them with, they would be ready to welcome into their family.
It wasn’t long before the agency sent them a picture of a very unique little guy. Instantly, the couple knew he looked absolutely perfect for them.
A Case Of Mistaken Identity

When the dog first arrived at the rescue facility, his appearance caused quite a bit of confusion.
During his intake, the staff actually thought he was a potbelly pig. He was massively overweight, making it hard to tell what kind of animal he was at first glance.
It took a lot of dedicated work over several months for the rescue team to help him lose the excess weight so he could finally be ready for adoption.
The Perfect Name

Because of his early mix-up at the shelter, the rescue had given him a highly appropriate name: Pork Roll.
When Steph and Graham finalized the adoption, they knew they couldn’t possibly change it.
The name was just too fitting for his stout little body and hilarious personality, so Pork Roll it remained.
The Pterodactyl Scream

Pork Roll is full of quirks, but his vocalizations are by far the most surprising. He has an adorable little voice that sometimes turns into what his parents call a “pterodactyl scream.”
When they take him out for hikes, this unique sound can be quite startling to unsuspecting strangers.
People on the trails will turn around with terrified expressions, wondering what kind of wild animal is approaching them. When they finally spot Pork Roll, they are left entirely confused about whether he is actually a dog.
The Ultimate Family Man

Despite his funny noises, Pork Roll has the perfect temperament for a busy household. He is incredibly gentle and accepting of everyone he meets.
Steph and Graham describe him as having the “trifecta” of good behavior.
He gets along beautifully with male dogs, female dogs, cats, and is exceptionally good around children.
A Proud Senior

Pork Roll is a senior dog, and his age means he has some limited mobility. However, he absolutely refuses to let that slow him down.
He navigates the world with a sense of dignity that his family finds incredibly endearing.
Whenever he walks into a room, he holds his head up very proudly, ready to greet whoever is waiting for him.
Wearing His Heart On His Sleeve

This special senior dog feels his emotions extremely heavily. He loves being close to his people and hates being separated from them.
If he is put outside, he will whine at the door in a way that sounds absolutely heartbroken.
His parents say he sounds beside himself with sadness, completely different from any other dog they have ever owned.
An Ear-To-Ear Smile

Just as his sadness is profound, his happiness is entirely infectious. When Pork Roll is in a good mood, his whole face lights up.
He flashes a massive, ear-to-ear smile that Steph and Graham absolutely adore.
His silly, happy-go-lucky energy draws people in wherever he goes, making him the center of attention in any setting.
Spreading Joy Everywhere

Pork Roll’s hilarious presence is impossible to ignore, even when he’s just out for a normal walk.
His parents joke that he has ruined a few local soccer games. Players on the field will do a double-take when they see him walking by, completely losing focus on the match.
The athletes just start cracking up at the sight of him. For Steph and Graham, it is the perfect reminder of how lucky they are to have a dog who simply makes the world laugh.