Sylvester Stallone sold his dog to keep him alive before Rocky fame but his turtles are still by his side

While Rocky made Sylvester Stallone a household name in 1976, the film also introduced two unlikely co-stars that remained with him far beyond the screen—his turtles, Cuff and Link, and his bullmastiff, Butkus. Unlike many movie props or animal performers, these companions became a lasting part of Stallone’s personal life. Cuff and Link are still alive in their fourties, and Butkus, who passed away in 1981, left behind a legacy strong enough to earn an IMDb listing of his own.

In a nostalgic Instagram post shared in May 2018, Stallone posted a photo alongside the turtles and wrote about their enduring presence in his life. The actor, now in his 70s, shared that Cuff and Link were not just props in Rocky, but have been part of his family since the film wrapped. He also highlighted their return to the big screen in Creed II (2018), referring to them fondly as his “original buddies.”

From Film Scene to Real-Life Companions

In Rocky, Cuff and Link were introduced during a quiet scene in which Rocky shows them to his love interest Adrian (played by Talia Shire), calling them “the exotic animals I was telling you about.” What audiences may not have realized then was that Stallone kept the turtles after filming ended and continued to care for them personally.


These reptiles, red-eared sliders by species, are known for their longevity, often living several decades with proper care. Their appearance in Creed II was more than just a nostalgic nod; it underscored the bond Stallone has maintained with them over the years. As People reported, the turtles are currently living a peaceful life under Stallone’s care.

A Bittersweet Backstory: Butkus the Dog

Butkus, Stallone’s bullmastiff, also had a heartfelt role in the Rocky series, appearing in both the first and second films. But his off-screen story is just as compelling. Before Rocky became a hit, Stallone faced financial hardship and had to sell Butkus outside a 7-Eleven store because he could not afford to feed him. Once his screenplay sold, he tracked the dog down and bought him back—for $15,000, a steep price he was willing to pay without hesitation.

Butkus, who was born in 1972 in New York City and died in 1981 in Los Angeles due to a heart attack, is remembered fondly by fans and even has an IMDb page under the name “Butkus Stallone.” He’s credited with roles in Rocky (1976) and Rocky II (1979), making him one of the few dogs with documented acting credits in a major film franchise.

More Than Pets — A Piece of Film History

The continued presence of Cuff and Link is more than a quirky trivia fact; it reflects the deep emotional ties Stallone has to the character of Rocky and the film that launched his career. Over the years, fans have speculated whether the turtles seen in Creed II were truly the originals. Stallone, however, has consistently affirmed their authenticity, emphasizing their significance in his life.