The Heartbreaking Exchange
It is difficult to imagine a Hollywood superstar weeping on a New York street corner as he hands his dog’s leash to a stranger, but that is exactly where Sylvester Stallone found himself in 1975. Before the global fame and the blockbuster franchises, he was a struggling writer living in severe poverty.
He faced a choice that no pet owner ever wants to make. This narrative details exactly how he lost his only companion for the price of a cheap meal and the extreme lengths he went to in order to get him back.
Desperation at the 7-Eleven
Stallone lived in a tiny, run-down apartment above a subway stop in New York City. He was twenty-nine years old and had nearly zero dollars to his name. His constant companion was a Bull Mastiff named Butkus, a massive animal weighing roughly 120 pounds (54 kg).
The situation deteriorated until Stallone could no longer afford to feed himself or the animal. To save the dog from starving, he took Butkus to a local 7-Eleven convenience store. He stood outside and tried to sell the dog to anyone who walked by. A man known as “Little Jimmy” eventually approached him. After a brief interaction, Stallone sold his best friend for $50. He walked away in tears with the cash in his pocket.
The Gamble on the Script
Shortly after this low point, Stallone found sudden inspiration. He watched a boxing match between Muhammad Ali and Chuck Wepner and began writing. He produced the screenplay for Rocky in a frenzied burst that lasted about three days.
Movie producers read the script and immediately saw potential. They wanted the rights to the movie, but they did not want Stallone to star in it. They offered him $125,000. Stallone refused.
They raised the offer to $250,000 and eventually to $360,000. Stallone still said no. He insisted that he must play the lead character. He eventually accepted a much smaller payment of $35,000 to ensure he remained the star.
The Three-Day Wait
With the check in hand, Stallone did not buy a car or new clothes. His first move was to return to the 7-Eleven. He did not know Little Jimmy’s address, so he simply stood on the corner and waited. He stood there for three full days. Finally, the man appeared with the dog.
Stallone approached him and explained that he had sold the dog out of absolute necessity. He begged to buy Butkus back. Little Jimmy was not sympathetic at first. He told Stallone that his children now loved the dog and he would not return him for the original price.
The Price of Reunion
Stallone began to negotiate. He offered $100. The man refused. He offered $500. The man refused again. Stallone continued to raise the price until he offered $3,000. The man finally agreed to the cash amount. However, there was one more condition.
Little Jimmy wanted a part in the movie Rocky. Stallone agreed to the terms. He paid the $3,000 and promised the role. He walked home with Butkus. The dog actually starred in the movie as Rocky’s pet, and Little Jimmy appeared in the film as well.
Before Rocky became a hit, Sylvester Stallone was broke.
He stood outside a store, weeping as he sold his dog, Butkus, for just $50 to buy food.
But the story didn't end there.
Just weeks later, he stood on that same corner to get him back, no matter the cost…🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/w9rwx9j0Zm
— Fascinating True Stories (@FascinatingTrue) November 30, 2025