Four Years with Rocky
Four years ago, I was standing in line at the shelter waiting to meet Rocky. It was the height of the pandemic and pet adoptions were at an all time high. This particular shelter has a first come, first served policy on pets, and I was hoping to be the first one to get to Rocky, who had just been featured on their social media channels as available for adoption.
As fate would have it, I was first to see Rocky. He came bounding in, sixty pounds of joy filling the meeting room with his energy, love and readiness. It was love at first sight for everyone, that magical chemistry that removes any doubts or fears and opens up a brightly lit path for a new beginning.
Rocky’s front left leg had been amputated five days earlier, leaving only a gruesome row of stitches across the side of his shaved body. He had already adapted to the missing leg, and wanted nothing more than to play with his new big brother Charlie, despite the veterinarian’s orders that he rest for several weeks while his surgical wound healed.
Rocky found a sense of security in Charlie, a dog twelve years senior to him, and they began a two-year journey together, bonding quickly as if they knew their time together would be short. When Charlie passed, I was concerned about how Rocky would react, but he showed his characteristic adaptability as he gracefully transitioned from little brother to an only dog.
A month went by as I tried Rocky out as an only dog, a situation I wanted for myself. But a one-dog situation was not in the cards for me or for Rocky. I was being called to make room for another dog and Rocky was being called to take on another role, this time as big brother.
Enter Ringo, another dog with a rough start in life involving physical trauma, finding refuge in my home with the help of a more experienced dog. It would now be Rocky’s turn to provide a sense of security and leadership for a younger dog. Once again, Rocky adapted and became the capable big brother he was taught to be by Charlie.
The Rocky and Ringo chapter was meant to be, with a pairing so perfect, I felt the Universe’s magic in making it happen. It lasted about ten months before I had a temporary loss of sanity and adopted a puppy. I didn’t realize it at the time, but by bringing Moose home I was asking Rocky to become the leader of this newly formed pack.
Rocky approached this next step cautiously, observing Ringo and Moose from a distance while they chased one another around the backyard, playing rambunctiously, Ringo effortlessly taking on the role of big brother to Moose. While Ringo and Moose became playmates, it became evident that Rocky was the leader of this pack, and Rocky once again adapted to a new situation and a new role.
Watching Rocky gracefully evolve in his roles from little brother to only dog, big brother and leader of the pack in a matter of three years has been truly inspiring, especially following his ultimate act of adaptability after losing his leg and starting a whole new life here. Any time I feel self-doubt, fatigue or worry, I turn to Rocky and find the motivation I need to keep going, push harder, or try something new.
We were meant to be together. He needed me to provide a safe place to heal and blossom and I needed him as a guide and source of inspiration. We have grown so much together in these four years, and we continue to help each other grow as individuals while we grow closer as a pair.
Happy anniversary to my little go-getter, my daily inspiration, the one and only unsinkable Rocky!
