Hitting Rock Bottom, Gay Man Adopts Dog. “I Have A Great Life With An Amazing, Little, Bitchy Dog.”

[@tracedial6216]

I am also a gay man & while listening to your story tears started streaming or rather drowning my shirt. Our lives are so similar. At 32 the love of my life, my partner, husband, lover died. Days turned into years in a flash. Depression was brutal, & when I thought it was getting better round 2 started & then the next. Decades of knowing this was my new normal, hell. I started helping others in my same or similar situation, which helped me in that new journey. There was many other things that happened about all at the same time. I contracted Stevens Johnson Syndrome & i am sure you know about the worst of it since you mentioned that you are a doctor. I am so sorry for everything that has happened to you. If you ever need to talk I’m here for you. Trace Dial

[@westminster860]

Yes dogs are not the answer to all things in our lives, but they do give us the impetus to get up and put one foot in front of the other. And a source of great joy and comfort. ❤

[@robotaholic]

Cancer at 40. That's horrible. Hiv too. So sorry, man! Much love and acceptance 💛 from Oklahoma!

[@bugleboy4527]

What a strong brave guy, to come through all that and still standing.

[@timdetmers3240]

I take much better care of myself when I take care of someone else (including pets). I'm HIV+, and after my mother and my sister died, I was in a profound depression. I spent each day on the couch, period. I finally realized my mother and my sister would not want me to be that way, so I called a friend from Jewish Family and Children's Services to talk about volunteering. To make a long story short, I was matched up with a holocaust survivor who was very lonely. We hit if off right away, and we became like family to each other. Our relationship lasted several years, until she died. To make a long beautiful, sad, happy story short, she taught me about survival, and by "adopting" her, I emerged from my depression. My suggestion to anyone who suffers and is depressed, give of yourself, do something for someone else, and in the process, you will get more in return than you give.

[@jeffbassin630]

What an inspiring story! My dog has also brought joy to my life.

[@ImFromDriftwood]

Thanks for watching 💞

[@michaelmcginsie9463]

Someone said to me once. When you look into the eyes of an animal, your looking into the eyes of an angel, they will help relieve all bad things in life. Good for you.

[@Paulinrnke]

So good for you to say that the dog didn’t solve all of your problems. It’s more complicated than that. You told your story well.

[@specialforces101]

The unconditional love of dogs is very healing. Incredibly honest story telling.

[@jmudikun]

So painful to see how people suffer, yet enlightening to see that there is always hope to get better and take more control of your life

[@orlando1a1]

Powerful, harrowing and unflinching - and yet in spite of all this remarkable man has been through he manages to speak with an eloquence that belies the sheer hell he's been through. And then there's Fred, Wonderful Fred whose total loyalty and love helped Rob get through what was a very dark period in Rib's life. What an inspiring, courageous man - what a beautiful dog. More power to both of them and long may they flourish.

[@ImFromDriftwood]

So well said! 💞

[@chpoof]

Total unconditional love. That's what you get when you adopt an animal. Or more accurately, when you let an animal adopt you. Rob, you are a beautiful man with a beautiful life. I'm glad Fred helped you rediscover that.

[@ImFromDriftwood]

💞

[@lymedevries2346]

This is my story to a T except I wasn't assaulted, I was incarcerated. Turned 60 today. Doing well & happy. Glad to see you are too! We all need a little bitchy dog in our lives!!!

[@tigertiger1699]

Hey 👋, great to hear that you’re trucking along... I can only imagine.., incarceration could be like an assault on ya... I do wonder as to how it serves community or those we incarcerate.. ffs were all human.. more for me to learn yet

[@kwuanbrinson5006]

🏵Bless You🏵

[@shawnmonrean8622]

Never give up

[@josephyoung6749]

2.2 million people are incarcerated in this country, a massive chunk of our population, greater that the combined prison population of Russia and China, and the largest prison population in the history of human kind.

[@Mcfreddo]

@@josephyoung6749 And it all started with Nixon- the war on drugs, fired up by Reagan ? The USA's had dreadful presidents and plenty of them. The privatisation of the prison system and the revolving door policies and the money making and from the petty crime treated so out of proportion, is vilely corrupt. Morally bankrupt!

[@ladytenor9876]

I am crying. His mother knew something was wrong. Thank you, Fred, for your presence in your human's life.

[@allancuseo7431]

I wept throughout your horrific story. My adopted dog is my constant companion. She helped me through a painful knee replacement. Nothing compared to what you have gone through though. Sending prayers n love your way.

[@Shelly-bts]

“Fred”...what a freakin great name! You needed Fred and Fred needed you.

[@reyad4265]

Fred's little life gives your big life unconditional love. Pets are wonderful.🐶💕

[@michaelmckenna7109]

I think someone up there sent you a true friend that could lift you to another level. Well done with the charity.

[@juliancoulden1753]

I hope this man finds love. Fred has been a wonderful surrogate but it’s not the complete picture. This man needs someone to love him and to love that person back. And what’s there not to love? Look at him. Intelligent, articulate and handsome. He’s broken but so many of us are. We just have to try and put those pieces back together again. And he is.

[@ghenderson6717]

Cancer, divorce, assault, and HIV ? I am shell shocked of how much you can bear. So much hurt and so much healing to do. You are so strong. Unbelievably strong. You sure do have a lot to teach other people. So thank you so much for sharing. You are not only strong, but also generous and caring. Stay safe and keep sharing your wisdom, your love and your experience. The world needs people like you desperately.

[@mikecrossley7348]

So happy that things are back on track for you (and Fred!). How brave you are to talk so honestly. You're a man to be respected.

[@tonyvargas368]

Wow. What a great story from a great human being doing good for others. And Fred is cute too.

[@Starwarsfanboy501]

I'm glad things have gotten better for you. Your story almost brought me to tears. You are a strong and brave man for sharing this story. Thank you sir.

[@cantstopthemusic456]

Starwarsfanboy501 ....wish i could say "almost"

[@michaelm5601]

Great story, my Fred is named Joy, She’s an Austrailian Shepherd... she resqued me ..... now im my old self again...

[@ImFromDriftwood]

Thanks for watching 💞

[@mrmusiclover4178]

Thank you for relating your story to us. You made a good decision to include Fred in your life.

[@ImFromDriftwood]

Thanks for watching 💞

[@crsmith9988]

You are a great individual... Best wishes to you and your Fred.

[@billymccaughey3741]

Love seeing your smile.

[@ohmy5650]

Fred, like a human rarely could, has blessed you, your mind and life. That's beyond words.

[@mrdavidgreen6242]

He's so gorgeous.

[@Rob-ry7yi]

IAm Zahrahd* Stop being horny for a second.

[@yvonnechristie5668]

Awwww darlin you are an inspiration!!!!! Lots of love to you and Fred from Bonny Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🙏🌈✌️

[@still730bf]

Rob lives in my HOMETOWN!!! Loved hearin ur testimony

[@bertybertface1914]

Great story, never give up attitude. Such determination and heart. Hugs.

[@michaelmichaelfordloverman8332]

Great story I admire this man

[@christopherlong8685]

You are a strong, brave, loving gentleman. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@lalocandiera6530]

Wow man, sometimes stories are so heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. With yours , you reached the little heart of a young old woman in Palermo, me! Wish you a great life

[@whatterrisees6246]

I'm so glad you adopted your dog! It is so generous and brave of you to talk about your experience. I have depression too. I'm sure this will help others who are having similar problems. Thank you.💕

[@thomaslucia3059]

Whenever I come across stories such as yours, I shudder at the edges you've reached and grappled with as well as being truly awestruck by the tenacity and capacity to change and survive...and to triumph. I send a HUGE virtual hug to you and wish you continued strength and JOY! I come from Morristown, NJ, originally, and was raised by a very troubled mother of Italian parentage. Add this to Catholic school brainwashing and guilt-mongering, and you end up with deep-rooted issues - issues that have taken a lifetime of counter-processing and endless attempts to be "allowed" happiness. Thanks for sharing such personal accounts of your most difficult days.

[@louiscaruso4167]

You are a beautiful person.....get up every day and make life count because life can get rough....wishing you all that is good.....Peace and Love.

[@marecku21]

Moving and inspiring story. I've never been in such a dark place as he, but I know from experience how much caring for a pet can help you move past bad situations in your life.

[@dooney78]

So much love to you both from this proud member of Team Fred!

[@miken4624]

Thanks so much for sharing all of this, Rob 💖💖💖💖💖

[@kwuanbrinson5006]

Sometimes it takes having absolutely nothing to bring you to realization that those material things are just material things. So pleased he has gained perspective in life. He's a gorgeous guy and it seems his beauty is internal as well as outer. May God bless him.

[@tplmic5866]

Thank you. You brought me to tears. But I offer you my love and a great hug.

[@jerryb9207]

My dog brought me back (albeit slowly as well) from the abyss of my husbands death and the addiction and destructive behavior that followed. There's something healing about being responsible for something other than yourself and the unconditional love of a dog. Love conquers all. I'm a believer!

[@bishopaz]

So sweet. Crying watching this great story unfold.

[@Leftatalbuquerque]

Explain to me how we can live in society where people can be assaulted and left for dead. This disturbs me greatly. Was anyone ever caught? Was police involved?

[@glendarlow]

You're a hero, Fred! Thank you x

[@kristiecollins5181]

it's so remarkable what you and fred have done to raise funds for worthy organizations-- you are a wonderful human being

[@mohe5482]

Sometimes angels come as a dog ...

[@robertsherman9975]

Thank you for sharing your journey. I’m seriously thinking about adopting a puppy/dog ! ♥️

[@hotterone1127]

Think very seriously before you adopt (preferably adopt)....it's a commitment of up to 16yrs depending on what age dog you adopt. Having said that, getting a dog is one of the best decisions I've ever made. I currently have 2 adopted dogs who have brought so much joy to my household. Losing beloved pets that you've had for years (almost 16yrs) as I have is also one of the most painful parts of having a dog. They don't live as long as we humans do - the only downside of having a pet. Either way good luck with your decision.

[@geocape7060]

Very heartfelt story. So happy you are doing well. Best to you and the doggie.

[@cookingartguy2170]

So happy you made it through. Such is the power of pets. Been through much illness here over the last 15 years and my two little buddy cats like have been by my side literally through the whole thing and got me through it. At the risk of sounding corny, they're little angels. Congratulations also on your good work. (Fred too...;-)

[@okimlistening2u]

Thank you, Rob, for this very human story. Always keep hope alive and you will survive and prosper. Thank you, bro......Ray

[@melissahedrick1318]

Your documentarys are truly help to pull me out of my "most recent" phase thank you so much for the work you do!!!

[@ImFromDriftwood]

Thank you so much for watching! 💞

[@melvinnixon2378]

Thank you for that wonderful story and for getting Fred. I am so glad you are recovering from your addiction and Fred is helping you, tho it may not seem so much, he is.... 🙄

[@KC-rd6en]

The world needs more people like Rob and Fred

[@ImFromDriftwood]

So true!!

[@hot2see1]

God Bless you and Fred...hope you are both doing well!

[@RaymondTaylor2011]

So very happy for you.

[@riccardo50001]

A very touching human story. Thanks for sharing. Every time I think of getting a dog I remember what many of my friends have had to spend on surprise vet visits. Peace! I ain't got no "disposable income" since I was scammed online for six years, but its still a touching story.

[@sahasrarachakra1]

I like the story. I want to adopt a dog from the shelter instead of paying for a puppy.

[@EVALLOYD]

salamandra: My thoughts exactly, so many abandoned dogs & cats so desperately in need of love and care.

[@emjayay]

You will probably still have to pay, but a lot less and they will be already fixed and have shots. Some charge a lot less for a dog over a year old etc.

[@EVALLOYD]

@@emjayay In France, where I live, if you adopt a dog from a shelter, its costs 250€ which covers any treatment the dog has had, food, shots, neutering, etc, it's really a small price to pay. You also have to give proof of your finances to make sure you yourself will be able to meet veterinary costs if need be, food etc...And you sign a written statement that you promise to make sure the dog gets plenty of exercice, more especially if you live in a flat, walking the dog at least 3 times daily. They have the welfare of the animal at the top of their list, as it should be. For a cat, it's 150€

[@carlosbarahona8609]

The irony and the twist and turns that life makes. I remember Rob from H.B.H.C. Always caring and always with a smile. It was 2000 and i had gone through a terrible experience. Which i wont discuss. I did work in the same place as him but nothing major like him. Because he is a Doctor. Lets just say since i don't have a disclosure agreement some people were nice and others were full of shade. So i left. Years later i would come to find out that Rob was positive which made me sad for him actually. He never told me but i always considered him a very nice person. I know he was nice and caring because of the young people he helped. Almost 20 years later time sure has flown. He has aged well unlike some evil twisted queens i know lol. Glad to know that you are still around and that things have worked out for you all the best XOXO:)

[@carlosbarahona8609]

Rob deep down inside has no idea or probably does. The many lives he saved and changed for the better. Rob, maybe one day i will just walk up to you and Thank you personally on behalf of those you touched with your kindness. You are the best Kudos :)XOXO

[@Chanel2424-v9d]

Thank you for sharing your story, what courage. It’s really touching..

[@BarbaraC02]

Wow, an amazing and touching story. Thank you and serious blessings to you and Fred.

[@DannyLTerry]

LOVE YOUR STORY. THIER IS ALWAY'S A BRIGHT SIDE SOMEWHERE! THX FOR SHARING. MUCH LOVE*

[@SJPDurham]

Such a heartwarming story from such a beautiful soul.

[@SwashBuckTief]

It's certainly not as easy as just adopting a dog, but the dog definitely helps 💕

[@teamcougars]

Pets have an incredible ability to heal people, the love, cuddles, puppy breath of a puppy is so powerful then you add on needing to feed , walk and play with them, it gives you a purpose, they don’t care what you look like, who you love, they simply want time with you ❤ that’s all they want ❤😊

[@ImFromDriftwood]

You said it perfectly! ❤️ Thanks for watching.

[@krisbest7846]

Great story ,l believe loving an animal is one a path to enlightenment.

[@mamgz5166]

"Ginger and Fred"... good luck to the both of you, and thanks for sharing

[@1533ramsay]

Great story! 👊

[@pirigonzalez5329]

I have been through hell. I have my puppy now for 13yrs. I don't know how long she or I have, Thinking about it makes me cry. I don't know what I would do without her. She is all I have.

[@TWalsh-ji7jh]

Damn, wanted to hug you better so many times during your story

[@KevinGraves703]

Love this, and inspired by you!

[@nicoestelle9397]

You're AMAZING!!! Big hug 💙🤗💙🐛🦋

[@michaeljj43]

really beautiful. so open and honest. thank you for sharing.

[@gracevega3633]

Im so sorry this happened to you, please stay strong, sending hugs and blessings ❤

[@ImFromDriftwood]

❤️❤️❤️

[@mamabird1953]

What a beautiful touching story.

[@ant1991.]

Rob. Glad you are doing well. I knew you back in the day. From Troy Hills area. You lived a wild life. We all did back then. I hope you are not sleeping with strangers anymore. God Bless.

[@tigertiger1699]

Thank you for being so powerful to share your humanness , you have help me gain perspective.., you are a champ for others🌹

[@EphemeralProductions]

such a great story, Dr. Garofalo. You are a cute and sweet man! I wish you the best life, and many great years with the doggie! I wish you to find a man you can grow old with. Hugs!

[@user-kb1ir7dy8j]

Hi from the uk ....your an inspiration to all good things in life , if you were close by I'd by you a pint or two , and talk till sunrise...love to you and Fred ...xxx

[@8Namaste]

I am an old, straight woman who has just fallen in love with a guy named Fred! Thank you for sharing your story...you are amazing!

[@antroy4508]

Great video, thank you for sharing and happy you found your HOPE again ; )

[@andykerr4180]

lots of love mr

[@dennislaw2135]

I no longer live in Chicago, but if I did .......growl. He is cute and lovable.

[@LenHealsU]

Everything will continue getting better and better and better. Trust me.

[@jackconner8376]

Thank you!

[@ooiamsamoo]

Love this. Love this so much. 💗💗💗. And hey Fred. 💗💗 Good job pupper!

[@damienj5378]

thank God for Fred stay bless

[@chrismckinney6654]

Rob thanks for sharing...

[@Antibiotics01]

Great story.

[@robertreinhard296]

Thank you for your good heart and courage

[@shaunboyce2184]

I have adopted 5 beautiful dogs ,they loved me and I learned to love.

[@greggbelt4470]

Forget the dog being cute, You are!

[@luisviera6347]

They both are.

[@manystar]

Beautiful brave man

[@krobk1953]

We have a sign in our kitchen about dog adoption that says "Who Rescued Who?"

[@dougn2350]

Dogs are perfect little souls.

[@richierichnumber1]

Wow thank you for your honesty Rob....Yes it sounds like life threw some heavy duty stuff at you there bit not long ago.

[@kimberlewinzeler5115]

Rob,your story is always inspiring. I hope all is well with you. We should connect again. Kim W. DIFFA Chicago

[@alexcameron2295]

Always have Hope xxx

[@beakittelscherz5419]

I wish everybody that spread hate and fear about gay men and women (and those -often family - that beat them up) one thing: walk in his shoes for one day... the day he Hitting Rock Bottom, and feel how it tastes to you! Bless his heart!