SALEM – Salem Animal Rescue League's newest guest is showing them how to have a rocking good time.

One of the latest additions to SARL's guest list is a non-aggressive pit bull who loves to be around people. He won the hearts of staff members at SARL, who named him Roy O and made him the mascot for their upcoming Roy Orbison tribute concert, featuring impersonator Mike T.

The concert is Saturday, Aug. 11, at Stockbridge Theatre at Pinkerton Academy, 4 Pinkerton St., Derry. Tickets are $25.

Veterans with military ID get in for free along with one guest. Social hour starts at 6:30 p.m., and the show begins at 7 p.m. All proceeds got to support the shelter and its work.

Along with the concert, SARL is holding an “Only the Lonely” special on animals that love people but need to be only pets. Adoption fees will be reduced 50 percent on those animals and their new families will receive two free concert tickets.

A state trooper found Roy O tied to a post in a highway rest area at 2 a.m. with a handful of food and no water. The animal control officer called animal shelters from Manchester to Massachusetts but none had space for Roy O. Seeing a lot worth saving in the pooch, she postponed his euthanasia and reached out to SARL. The staff carved out a space for him despite being quite full.

“After we heard the story, we just wanted to give him a chance,” said Patricia Mack, development project coordinator.

The staff feels fortunate to be entrusted with helping Roy O start a new life. He didn't show signs of neglect or abuse when he arrived and appeared to be in good physical shape. He was well-groomed down to his well-trimmed toe nails.

No one will ever know why Roy O's owner abandoned him, but Mack said it's important to think of how dangerous the situation was for the dog. She stressed that people who have to surrender their pets should bring them to an animal shelter instead of expecting them to fend for themselves.

Sponsors are also still being accepted for the Roy Orbison fundraiser. Those interested should call Patricia Mack at 893-3210.