The thing is he was always there. And in the end I was there. I was the only one there with him when he died in the office at the Animal Medical Center. I didn’t want him to be alone. He went peacefully to sleep and then his breathing stopped. "You’re still beautiful," I said. "I loved you," I said, "I loved you so much. Goodbye, bud, goodbye."
Never have I known such a widely loved dog. So much joy he created in the lives of others! So much kindness, such unambitious love, such largeness of spirit.
My Boy is gone. He is no longer here. But he is There. I am sure of it.
Lord, may I live the way Rocky did.
Oh, Chad! I loved Rocky. I am so sad for you and Allyson.
I’m going to go kiss my girls now.
This time I didn’t even try to hold back the tears.
Everyone knows that I am not a dog lover. Over the years, Rocky has grown on me, and I loved him too. He is the only dog that I have loved. He will be missed. My prayers are with you. I wish I was there to give you a big hug. I am in spirit. I love y’all very much.
Jack and I are so sad to hear the news . . . we loved Rocky ! We have such great memories of Rocky-sitting and playing in our Grove City backyard with him . . . he’s the only dog I’ve ever liked ! After reading your blog regularly for the past few months, I’ve wondered about Rocky many times, and welled up with tears when I saw today’s post. I’m so sorry for this loss . . . my prayers are with you guys.
Thank you to those of you who have posted loving notes on this difficult day. Your lives have been influenced by Rocky, and his life was also influenced by you… You have all loved Rocky on some level, and shown that over and again. .. The ache is real and raw, and I’m reminded again of a thought I’ve thought many times: “Will my life have the same type of legacy as my dog’s?” I know it sounds strange, to look up to a dog, to admire him, to want to be like him… But I wonder, “Will my life influence others for the sake of Christ much as Rocky influenced doggy-love and doggy-joy?”
Hi.
I don’t know you, and I didn’t know Rocky, but I have to say this post brought tears to mye eyes.
What is it about dog-love that resonates so strongly among owners?
I completely understand your love and sadness over Rocky; it makes me think of my Bailey and how miserable I would be to lose him.
Blessings to you both.
P.S.–for your healing, may I suggest Marley & Me ? That book enouraged me on so many levels.
You may or may not know that I am bloodysamcash. It goes all the way back to getting your own pirate name by taking some convoluted test on the Internet. Very fun, actually! 🙂 Anyway, I appreciate all the posts, and must proclaim that Rocky has now made a record 5 blogs. Again, a dog of profound influence! A dog dies, and people come out of the woodwork! Melissa, Jess, etc. Nice to see you guys on, tracking us through Guiggles, no doubt.
The hardest thing so far has been the emptiness of the house. That is, I wake up, no Rocky stretching and going outside. I come home from being out, no Rocky shriekful joyous greeting. I walk to the back room, no warm lumpy dog to cuddle with. Those are the hard things. I’m doing better today, thank you for the prayers.
Chad, why don’t you have Allyson post links to the other blogs that have mentioned Rocky. I’d like to read them.
I’m glad you’re doing better. How is Allyson? That’s the thing about people (and dogs) that you love so much; the loss is so great but over time the love and companionship you shared will be remembered with fondness and sweetness.
Love you both!
Kim
That Christmas Eve when Rocky came to live with us shall live on as the Christmas Eve of all Christmas Eves! He was the cutest, most fluffy ball of fur you would ever see anywhere. While Doug and Kam were driving through Walmart’s parking lot in search of some last minute Christmas gifts, Kam spotted the litter of Flat Coat puppies offered free for the taking! He took a quick look and chose Rocky– !! and soon placed him gently in the arms of Chad.
Now that was a choice to remember. I hadn’t realized before this that Kameron was supernaturally endowed when it came to puppy choosing, but that soon became apparent. As Rocky grew up Chad taught him how to sneak baseball hats off of people’s heads, on command, how to bark when he wiggled his fingers, He even learned how to praise the Lord. He had special respect for the words “Hurry Up” ( in English meaning “Do your business now!)
Rocky was my friend. He walked and talked with me, played Hide and seek in the Park, and snuggled with me in his soft furry coat. He was there the day that Chad and Ally graduated from College, cheering them on!!
He always came when I called him, swam hard to retrieve the sticks that I threw him at Lake Grapevine, and added a special touch of warmth and gentleness to our home. I know in Heaven He has new legs now and he is bouncing around bringing joy and gladness to those around him–Robin, Mom and Dad, and George, his buddy!
Even though he is really Chad’s dog, we got to love him and enjoy him for several years.
Chad & Allyson,
My prayers continue for you both. I count it a great privilege to have known “the Rock” over all these years. He is and always will be the best dog that I have ever known. What a great addition he was to two awesome homes – Mom & Pop Voller’s and y’alls. I have experienced all of Rocky’s tricks with amazement and I too will miss the man – now the legend. Great job Chad & thank you Rocky for the warmth you brought to all of us.
Rocky died?