I Called Him Rocky

One of my all-time favorite dogs crossed the Rainbow Bridge today.

His name was Rock, but I called him Rocky. I made up a song about him to the tune of "Rocky Top". He was a sweetheart of a boy known for his prancy little steps around the yard and a tail that swung around in a complete circle.

Rocky came to my friend as a rescue and while he hadn't necessarily had a hard life, he hadn't had a great one either. He hadn't had a lot of outdoor time, a regimented routine or consistent caregiving. We had the feeling he had no idea of a regular feeding or outside schedule and that he was left alone a lot. My friend introduced him to clean, algae-free food and water bowls and we took turns feeding him by hand when he was too afraid to eat from a new bowl.

After a while a began eating, drinking, sleeping and prancing.

Soon Rocky made friends with everyone that came to visit the house including human and dog friends. His demeanor was always so lovely and was probably one of the most gentle dogs I've ever known.

It was hard to watch Rocky decline. He would refuse food, have staring seizures, trouble walking, obvious confusion. Then he would perk up the next day and seem fine. But any dog that was nearly 20 years old would behave this way. It was not necessarily a reason to take heroic measures or change anything that was being provided to Rock. My friend kept Rocky safe, comfortable and happy as he provided him the backyard country life Rock had never had. He gave Rocky a sister sibling dog and many other friend dogs that visited regularly. In his last days, Rocky finally found a pack!

His last year and and half was golden and near perfect.

The last time I saw Rocky, I laid beside him on the floor and petted and sang to him. I read that dogs like to be comforted quietly as their hearing goes, but it's also just an obvious way of caring for the vulnerable. Like most humans, I have rocked babies and sat by the dying. Our instincts kick in and tell our bodies what to do.

I sang Rocky's "Rocky Top" song. I told him I loved him. I told him it was okay for him to go. I told him he'd be happy and free soon. I sang "Yesterday" just like I used to sing to my child. And "Sweet Baby James". That was also a favorite of my infant son. I thanked Rocky for what he brought to me. I told him he was special. I told him not to be afraid. I sang "The Long and Winding Road". I stroked his head and held his paw. I looked in is eyes. I willed him to feel every comfort I could give.

I wasn't there when he actually passed, and I'm glad for that. My goodbyes in his comfortable space were what we both needed for the relationship we had.

Goodbye, Rocky, you beautiful soul and gorgeous animal. As hard as the loss is, in a year of losing my best girlfriend and Dolly Parton, something about his time coming now seems almost.......right.

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