RIP Rocky-San

Rocky is the kind of dog that if he were human you would want to be around him.  He had a zest for life...  and he was just so stinkin cute with his flying nun ears.  He started out living with my sister and her ex husband but eventually went to live at the warehouse with Mom and dad at work.  But we have many funny Rocky stories.  He is a BIG dog that always thought he was a poodle.. a mini poodle.  He had such a sweet heart.  All he wanted was to be carried... all 65 pounds of him.  :) 

I was first off of ships and would go over to Kristin's house and pick Rocky up and take him to the park over on TC Jester in Houston.  He would often walk me but we came to an agreement after awhile.

One day the park was deserted (or so I thought) except for one man and his boxer.  The two wanted to play so badly...  and Rocky had been going to obedience training ...  so the other owner and I took both dogs off leash and let them play.  They were having a grand old time until this man came around the corner and started yelling at us to get our dogs on leash... with arms raised in the air in a very threatening stance.  Well...  Rocky took great offense at this.  He was really doing what a dog is supposed to do and protected me but he started barking at this man...  who only made it worse at this point.  I was getting his attention and turned back around an the man had quite literally climbed the tree which only made things worse.

I did get rocky back on leash and we left but I'm sure it's a moment this man won't soon forget either.  I do recognize that I was at fault for taking my dog off leash.  but...  if you could have seen his face... 

Part of what made Rocky so cute were his ears.  I know that a lot of people aren't fans of the non docked ears but there is really no medical reason to do it, it hurts the dog and part of what made Rocky's personality that much cuter was the floppy ears.

He also had this mournful "roo".  As long as you were petting him and scratching his hind quarters or giving him a treat he was great.  But as soon as you went back into the office you would hear this loud and heart wrenching ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO... just letting you know that you were loved and if you were so inclined, he would like a bit more attention.  :-)

Tonight Rocky was struggling to breathe and dad took him to the vet.  Turns out it's cancer and it has metastasized to his lungs, making it near impossible for him to breathe.  Dad made the ever difficult decision to put Rocky to sleep and take away his pain.  Rocky will forever live in our hearts...  but that office will never be the same without him or his roo.  :-(

Rest in Peace Rocky!  You were loved.

Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me. 

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do. 

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear. 

When it is cold and wet, please take me inside... for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements... and I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth... though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land... for you are my god... and I am your devoted worshiper. 

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. 

Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger. 

And, beloved master, should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. 

Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest...and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.

--Beth Norman Harris