01/02/2026
Rocky
Rocky was a former military bomb sniffer dog who happen to get adopted by me when his handler became terminal and unable to care for him anymore. I instinctively felt protective over rocky and instantly connected with him the moment I had laid eyes on him. I actually had no plans on ever getting a dog, but I am a marine corps veteran, and felt obligated to support rocky anyway I could. I knew that if he did not come home with me, that he would most likely end up in a cage or even put down. So he came home with me. We instantly bonded. Everyday we would run 10 miles on the green belt, swim in the river, and go to the parks. We were attached at the hip. I spent all day every day with him, and did everything I could possibly do to make his life a good one. All my friends and family said that he ate better than most people. I would prepare steamed chicken, fish, lamb, beef, potatoes, spinach, and blueberries for him because I didn't like the idea of giving him processed kibble for the rest of his life. Rocky was the 1st dog I have ever met that had his own passport. He has been to more places than most people have. We would go camping together and if he wasn't allowed to go somewhere then I didn't go either. Him and I were glued to each other. It has been hard since he has been gone. I constantly forget for a moment that he is gone, and sort of glance to where he would normally be, and then remember he's not here anymore. Its been pretty rough. I have done my best to keep it together, but inside, it feels as if someone is squeezing the life out of my chest. I have lost lots of friends, and been to dozens of memorials, but this has been one of the worst losses I have experienced in my entire life. I will never forget him. I think what is hard for me is knowing that he is facing eternity by himself. I dont know what I believe in, but if there is some sort of afterlife I just want to know he is ok. And the anxiety of maybe there is nothing after death. I hope there is something because I need to see him again. Even if only for a moment. Maybe he is with his handler again. I would be ok, just so long as he is happy. He kept me happy, and I kept him happy. It was a perfect relationship and he was definitely my best friend.
Sometimes I would wake him up with my camera, and he would become camera shy. Whenever I woke him up, he would stretch out to me for hugs. Nothing better than seeing his little smile. I will miss him, always.
