For those animal lovers out there who love their pets and had to do the same, you know what I’m talking about. His name’s Rocky, and he is a white terrier-mix. We’ve had him since he was a pup. He’s now 13 years old (91 in dog years). He’s always loved ice cream and popcorn (without butter and salt) and loved to go with us to the hills when we went gold panning.
We spoil him, but what is a dog for, except to be loved and spoiled?
Last year, he was bitten by a pit bull on the neck and hindquarters. My wife and I took him to the veterinarian for x-rays, medicine, examinations and follow-ups to the tune of over $600. Some may think that’s a lot of money to spend on a dog, but it’s not if you love your dog as much as my wife and I do.
The doctors said Rocky had a collapsed trachea in the throat. We nurtured him for over a year, but after he started hemorrhaging, we had to give up the ghost and put him down. As sick as he was, he fought hard at the end and had a strong will to live.
Some may say he is only a dog, but he has been more than that to us. He is family. He went with us everywhere and loved to go camping. Some may say that I am over-reacting. Writing this is good therapy for me to try to get some closure. I don’t plan to get another dog.
By the time you read this, Rocky will be gone, but I shall always remember him as one of the most admirable individuals I’ve ever known. Sounds like I’m talking about a human being, doesn’t it? Very few human beings that I’ve met can compare to his loyalty. He is an innocent being and one of God’s creatures that brought much happiness and joy into my wife’s and my life.
He was a great friend and companion, for he had the gift of making you feel that you were someone special. He shared your happiness or sorrow with equal sincerity. I have met few humans as honest or as trustworthy. You could tell him things you couldn’t tell others, for you knew your secrets would be safe.
Never, in all the years that I knew him, did I ever hear him speak an unkind word about anyone. He was a gentle soul, yet courageous to the point where you felt he would willingly give his life for you. Money and material things were not important to him — people were.
His wants were few — a place to call home and someone to love was enough. When I came home from work each day, he faithfully met me at the front gate, always excited to see my safe return. When I was sick, he was always there at my side.
Some may say he was only a dumb dog and can be replaced. I’ve had a couple of other dogs that died of sickness, but Rocky was a very special dog. He truly was man’s best friend.
His memory will always live on in my heart, and I shall never forget Rocky, a very special dog.
• William Rogers Sutton, a Tracy resident since 1977, is retired from US Windpower and the author of the book, “The Wind Blew Him West,” about his grandfather who traveled on the Oregon Trail in 1862.
I am sorry that you have decided not to get another dog. I felt that way too once but soon realized that I couldn't live my life without a canine companion. Luckily I have a spouse who agrees. It is so hard to let our pets go but I like to think that the reason they don't live all that long is because there is another canine or feline soul in need of love and care and with much to give. I honor my previous pet by extending the love to another. Every pet we've had has enriched our lives in a different way and I wouldn't trade my time with any of them.
I hope your grief is eased by happy memories.
All of us who know what it's like to give and receive love from animals know it's one of God's greatest gifts.
That is providing they are trained well and are well taken care of by the owner. Kind of like kids:) Unfortunatley that does not happen all the time and we do have to put up with crappy dogs from crappy owners. Believe me I have had the worst dog neighbors EVER! But my dog was a love.
I've always thought it's kind of sad to think we are going to out live our animals by such a large margin, and we are going to go through a number of them during the course of our lives.
Unfortunately that's part of the deal, but it's hard to beat the fun of watching a new kitten or puppy growing up and seeing how their personality develops.
Very sorry to read about your loss of Rocky.
While many of us question the meaning of life, I like to believe that animals had it figured out a long time ago, and have been trying to tell us, just give and receive love.
Please take comfort in knowing that your Rocky is no longer in pain, and your decision as painful as it was for you was a act of love. The memories of the love you both shared will never fade and when our time comes I have no doubt our animals will be the first to greet us.
I felt so angry when I read that he had suffered a pit bull attack. Do you agree that pit bulls are the most likely breed to attack other animals, and children/people? It is in the news frequently, and well documented. In fact, just recently in Tracy an older gentleman's small dog was killed by a pit bull who got out of his yard just to attack him.
I have seen pit bulls on the loose several times in Tracy...have even seen them being walked without a leash. Their owners don't always have good control and it worries me when we walk our little dog. In fact, some of the owners act like they enjoy the intimidation of their dog.
Any follow up comments from pit bull owners who proclaim that they are "really sweet dogs, and that it is all in how you raise them"...well, BS.
I think Tracy should have breed specific laws and enforce them.
Again, sorry for your loss.