"In the early 1970s, Sylvester Stallone was struggling to make ends meet as an aspiring actor. In 1971, Stallone sold his beloved bullmastiff, Butkus, for $40 outside a 7-Eleven, as he could no longer afford to feed him. Stallone was hugely affected by having to part with his best friend - Butkus had been his loyal companion during his most difficult times, offering him comfort as he lived in a small, roach-infested apartment. Four long years later, after Stallone’s screenplay for Rocky sold and his career finally began to take off, he immediately sought to buy Butkus back. The new owner, knowing Stallone’s situation, demanded $15,000, which Stallone paid without hesitation. The two were reunited in 1975, and Butkus even went on to star in the first two Rocky films alongside Stallone. They remained inseparable until Butkus passed away in 1981."