Rocky is failing. He’s not eating, he’s trying to throw up, he can barely make it up the steps anymore to come inside. We’ve made a very difficult, heart-rending decision, and if you could all pray for us today, especially for Chad at 4:00PM. You can say anything you want about my theology, but I am absolutely convinced that Rocky is going to heaven. He’s God’s dog, he always has been, and I’ve never known a nicer, sweeter, more patient person than the Rock. We’re both just absolute basket cases today, and a small part of me is slightly ashamed: he’s a dog. But he’s been a part of our family since we got married, he’s been my steadfast friend through many hard times. And he’s taking a piece of my heart with him.
Okay, I have been fighting crying at my desk here since Julie emailed me an hour ago, but it’s okay to cry because this is a very sad day. Rocky you are the best and you will be missed very very much. You’re in our prayers today, love you guys.
I am so sorry to hear about Rocky. I will pray for strength for you guys in this difficult time.
Thanks guys. Hi Jess! It’s good to hear from you, but I’m sorry it’s in these circumstances. The hardest part of all of this is having a time, knowing that after today, he’ll be gone.
I’m fighting back tears here at my desk, too. I haven’t seen Rocky in a long time, but I’ll miss him. And I’m convinced that God’s animals go to heaven, too. Don’t be ashamed, Ally. He may “just” be a dog, but he’s *your* dog. And he always will be. Love and prayers to you and Chad on this sad day.
I’m not fighting back the tears, I am sobbing. Allyson, you and Chad have my love and prayers, now and in the days to come.
John was here this weekend and we were talking about Rocky. We visited your blog together and he enjoyed seeing the kitties and Rory, but he missed seeing Rocky. We both smiled when we “blamed” Rocky for being the reason we have two beloved dogs!
Sniff. I need to go get a kleenex now. My nose is running.
Kim, I was thinking today about all the people who have dogs today because of Rocky’s influence. You, the Heese’s, Luke & Hannah, Billy & Julie, Chad’s brothers. . .who knows how many! I am not at all smug or boastful when I say that while you all may have been looking for a Rocky, he was definitely one of a kind. I’m glad you have your dogs, and I hope you have as much joy and love with them as we have had with our Rocky.
Allyson,
I wrote a little tribute to Rocky on my blog. It’s not smug or boastful to say that Rocky was one of a kind, in fact I said just that in what I wrote.
We didn’t get a “Rocky” when we got Ivy; more like a little red devil, but Eve has that same patient, loving Rocky-ish thing that some dogs have.
Rocky touched a lot of lives. I can’t imagine you, and especially Chad, without him.
“Dogs are not our whole life, but they do make our lives whole.” – Roger Caras
I’ll never forget the day we found Rocky. Kameron saw the puppy-give-away station wagon in the Wall Mart Parking Lot here in Grapevine, Texas. I was against it, but Kameron insisted that Chad really wanted a dog for Christmas, and he jumped out of our car, begged me to let him take one, and I gave in. After mourning his litter mates Rocky perked up and became the most wonderful dog we’ve ever experienced. Rocky’s puppy days were similar to his last days in that he had to be carried often because he just got tired. He loved us all and was the best object lesson anyone could ever hope to see. Our tears are real and we are not ashamed.
Awwww that is soooo sad. I am so sorry for the pain you are going through. Pets are such a part of our lives. I read this post (linked from Hireath I believe) and just had to come over and read. You got me hooked when you said you truly believe your dog is in heaven. I really do believe the same thing. No one else has ever agreed with me, but I know we serve a mighty God who cares about everything that matters to us. And well, I’m gonna stop there because I just really believe they our pets are eating the finest foods and walking on streets of gold right now next to Jesus. Amen!