"When a great adventure is offered, you do not refuse it." Amelia Earhart

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

See you in another life, Rocket buddy




It is with a heavy heart I write this post. One of my best and most faithful friends passed on to his next grand adventure this past Monday.

About a month ago my husband and I took Rocket in to the vet because he had injured his leg, as he was limping and it was getting swollen. We were told that his leg had broken due to osteosarcoma and he would probably have very little time left with us unless we amputated his leg and put him through chemo. Our vet was amazed at how stoic, resilient, and happy he seemed. She said most people opt to put their dogs down by this point because of the pain and he would be a good candidate for amputation (for many reasons, especially his age, we decided against it). We had never heard Rocket so much as wimper. We were devastated.

We cried. We prayed. We laughed about his crazy puppy days. We gave him his favorite comforts: stuffed toys and belly rubs. And ice cream. A lot of ice cream.

Rocket was truly a special dog, and I know how cliche that sounds, but he really was -- just ask anyone who knew and loved him. Or ask anyone who was marked, mounted, or mesmerized by him.

103 pounds of muscle and grace. A stature that humbled the toughest of men (many salesmen we watched stop dead in their tracks midway up our driveway and turn right back around at a glimpse) juxtaposed by huge smiling eyes and a gentle spirit that invited and delighted in the loving embraces from the tiniest of tots.

Sure, he looked pretty menacing but really he was just a big ole love puppy and a clown. We never had to worry about him running away, because he was happy just to be by my husband's side. The fence around our yard wasn't put there to keep him in, but to keep our neighbor's little yapping instigator out (and to keep our more independent free-spirited Evy in). In fact, the only times he ran away were in search of my husband. When we were honeymooning, a good friend of ours chased Rocket not only through the neighborhood, but also through a few startled neighbor's houses. And he made himself right at home wherever he went!

I have so many great Rocket stories, I can't even get started right now. The Rocket Dog Chronicles coming soon...

I just feel so blessed to have had such a wonderful dog. I am thankful that he is no longer in pain and smile when I think of him laughing and dancing in open fields with Grandpa.

8 comments:

  1. So sorry to hear about your loss, Lindsay. I'm sure the Rocket Chronicles will be some wonderful stories - looking forward to it! Be well...

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  2. Oh I am tearing up reading this. I am so very, very sorry! But I'm sure you filled Rocket's life with many wonderful times and many happy moments- and I'm sure he knew how much you loved him.

    So sorry:(

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  3. Stopping from Mom Loop to follow. I am so sorry for your loss. I remember having a similar thing happen to my family dog.

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  4. Hands down the worst part about having pets. I am so sorry for your loss - Rocket was very handsome and sounds like an amazing part of the family.

    The last line made me cry, so beautiful.

    Keep his memory alive!

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  5. Stopping by from Mom loop, I am sorry for your losss we had a collie for 14 yrs and she recently passed. All I can say is remember the good times

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  6. Warmest thanks to all of you! Rocket definitely had a good life, and ours was much better for having him as part of ours.

    Erin -- stopped by your blog yesterday; just got back from the 'burgh myself. I grew up in North Hills. :)

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  7. Oh, I'm so sorry! My parents just had to put down our sweet dog from my teenage years the day after Christmas. It was terrible knowing that it would be the last (holi)day with her. My husband and I stopped on the way over Christmas day and brought her an egg McMuffin, her favorite. I think all dogs deserved their ice cream at the end.

    Hugs and kisses to you all. I know how hard that is....I cried for days.

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  8. Osteo is the number one killer in greyhounds and I know I will lose both of my furkids to it some day. I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you guys!

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