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Rocky's Earthly Journey Has Come To An End
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Member Since:
26 January 2017
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12 September 2017 - 6:03 pm
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I knew this was going to be hard, but I underestimated just how hard. 

I found a video my mom had made in late June. She's playing ball with Rocky in my living room. I'm just off camera, dealing with my internet/cable company. Even though he's playing with my mom, Rocky's gaze is fixed on me the whole time. You can see the love in his eyes. At the end of the video, my mom asks if I want to throw the ball. Ticked off with my cable company, I just give a curt "not now." I really wish I could have that moment back. 

I will post some better memories. I promise. I'm going to write the blog as well. I promise. And I want to write a book about his life. I'm biased, but I think it would be interesting.

I made an appointment to get some grief counseling next week. I don't know if I really need it; but maybe I do. Either way, it can't hurt. 

Karen and Sally,

I did find a penny today. It was the first one I've found. 

Kerren,

Rocky the dog is probably seeking out Rocky the cat at the bridge. My Rocky had an obsession with cats for the longest time. 

Amy and Izzy,

I'll never forget your generosity with the Armor Up. Which reminds me, I need to pay it forward. I bought a jar and we only used about a week's worth. I should probably offer it up for anybody who wants it. And I like to think Rocky has some new friends, such as Izzy, at the Bridge. He's a little timid, so he needs someone to show him around. 

Jerry,

Sorry I missed you in the chat today. I got pulled away at work. I may try again tonight. I've taken a walk through the neighborhood every day since he passed. It's crazy how just about every house we passed holds some sort of memory. 

Heather,

Thanks for checking in. I'm pulling hard for Toddy to have a lot more time down here. A lot more. But I'll make sure Rocky is there to greet him when he gets his Wings. 

David and Rocky (and Baxter now too!)

Rocky had his right front leg amputated on Valentine's Day 2017 after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma.

He joined the September Saints on September 3, 2017.

He is the toughest, bravest, sweetest and best friend I'll ever know. 

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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12 September 2017 - 7:12 pm
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And Rocky didn't understand one single word when you told your Mom you didn't want to play ball just then.   Your Mom is the only one who heard it and I guarantee, it probably we t in one ear out the other!

When our emotions are so raw it takes no effort ro find things ro feel "guilty" about.  It's just left over residue from that piece of crap disease still trye to inflict pain on us.   But when we step jnto "being more dog", being more Rocky, there is no room for guilt because Rocky knows how very loved he is!!!

Do you think Rocky is at the Bridge telling everybody how guilty he feels because he puked on the floor one time, or pooted under the covers??   Nope, he spends no energy on that waste of time...he spends lots and lots of time relishing in the happy times he had with you every single day!

If you feel like it, perhaps you can share anything that resonated with you when speaking with the Counselor.  I'm sure it's something that could help us all.

Be sure and keep thst penny is a special place.  Note the time, the day, znd the location you fou d it.  Also note the date on the coin.  Sometimes "messages" are sent in a variew of ways when pennies are found.

Love and hugs

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

PS. Remember we have the Tripawds Helpline too.  1 844 TRIPAWDS

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

Livermore, CA




Member Since:
18 October 2009
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12 September 2017 - 9:12 pm
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Ticked off with my cable company, I just give a curt "not now." I really wish I could have that moment back.

This is where Rocky is still leaving you lessons.  Take that regret and turn it into a promise not to let another moment pass you by, no matter what type of moment presents itself. 

Remember this:

Rocky's gaze is fixed on me the whole time. You can see the love in his eyes

Keep eyes and ears open for those signs from Rocky.  It wasn't pennies for me, in fact it wasn't anything I could hold in my hands or see.  The lessons I learned from Maggie's journey helped me deal with life challenges almost immediately after she crossed.

Karen and Spirit Maggie

Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.

1999 to 2010

 

              Maggie's Story                  Amputation and Chemo

Member Since:
26 January 2017
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13 September 2017 - 10:20 pm
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It would make sense for Rocky to keep teaching me life lessons from the Bridge, since he taught me so much while he was here. I really was spoiled by him. 

Mornings haven't been too difficult so far. A bit weird to not have him at the foot of the bed when I wake up, but I've handled mornings relatively well. My theory is mornings got a bit tough at times near the end, so maybe it's more of a relief now. 

Even before he got sick, I'd go home from work at lunch every day to spend some time with him. People thought I was crazy, but I hated the idea of him spending nine hours just waiting for me to come home. It hits me at lunch time when I realize I don't have to go home now. 

And getting home from work at the end of the day has been brutal without him here to greet me. That's when it hits me the hardest. 

I did put the penny in his keepsake urn with his last favorite tennis ball and collar. It's pretty beat up. I can't even tell the year on it. 

OK, time for a good Rocky memory: 

As I've posted before, he LOVED his tennis balls. And he was very very picky about them. They had to be that greenish yellow color. I bought him a pack of orange ones once; he wouldn't touch them. At any one time, there would be three to four tennis balls around the house. But he always picked one that was the ONE he would play with. He'd take it out in the yard, roll around on it, drop it in the dirt, chew on it, etc. Like a baseball pitcher, he had to scuff it up and wear it down. When we'd play ball, we had to play with the favorite ball. If I tried to throw one of the new balls, he'd go back inside and get the favorite ball. 

He always took his favorite ball out with him in the yard. Every morning when he went out to go potty, he had to have the favorite ball. On more than one occasion, he'd forget that he left it upstairs the night before. When we'd get up in the morning, he'd run out of the room and franticly search for the favorite ball. He'd run right past the three or four fresh and clean balls. Then he'd remember he left it upstairs, fly up the stairs and get it. It always cracked me up that it had to be that one specific favorite ball. 

After a few months, the favorite ball would get worn out to the point that I had no choice but to "retire" it (aka, throw it away). He'd be upset for a day or two before designating one of the new balls as his new favorite and starting the process all over again. 

His last favorite ball was pretty worn down at the end, but I kept it. It's in his urn now while the remaining three balls are in his toy box. 

David and Rocky (and Baxter now too!)

Rocky had his right front leg amputated on Valentine's Day 2017 after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma.

He joined the September Saints on September 3, 2017.

He is the toughest, bravest, sweetest and best friend I'll ever know. 

Germany
Member Since:
14 December 2016
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14 September 2017 - 7:47 am
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David,

just know that I am thinking of you. I have thought about grief counseling myself and maybe it's the way to go. Let us know how that went, please. 

Manni is the opposite of timid so if Rocky is there to greet him when his time comes soon I am sure Manni will take care of him from then on. 

Hugs

tina

Guardian of Manni the Wonderdog. -Or was it the other way around?
Osteo and amputation in Dec 2015. Second, inoperable, primary osteosarcoma found in June 2017.
The end of our adventures came Dec 10, 2017. 2 years to the day.

Manni's blog -dogblog-

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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14 September 2017 - 9:42 am
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The story of Rocky and how he savored his one speciw tennis ball had me laughing so hard!  OMD!!  Such a special treasured memory!!    I would love to jave known his thought bubble as he decided which one woukd be the chosen one!   And I love thst he only preferred the green balls!!   Such a speciw boy!! 🙂

Rumor has it that they have lots of tennis balls st the Bridge for the dogs who liked to partake in ball games.   As you can see from the picture thougw they had a very special ball just for Rocky upon his arrival!  Pretty sure you can tell which one itnis! 🙂 🙂

[Image Can Not Be Found]

Keep these great stories coming!  @pve hearing abput all Rocky's specialness!!  You may have already shared, but was he named after o e of my all time favorite heroes, ROCKY BALBOA?''

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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14 September 2017 - 9:50 am
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Trying the licture agai

Image Enlarger

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

Member Since:
26 January 2017
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14 September 2017 - 10:51 am
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That picture is pretty spot on. The one on the left, he'd happily play with. The one on the right, not so much. 

When I finally write the blog, it will explain his name. smiley

Today's been another tough day. It was seven months ago he became a Tripawd. I really thought we'd get more time than that. But this disease plays so unfair, you're never truly sure exactly what you're dealing with. 

Tina,

It sounds like Manni is hanging in there. He's a fighter for sure. I think he gets that from his Mom. I'm hoping you all have many more good days left together. Sorry for not checking in. I'll definitely let you know how my session goes next week. 

David and Rocky (and Baxter now too!)

Rocky had his right front leg amputated on Valentine's Day 2017 after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma.

He joined the September Saints on September 3, 2017.

He is the toughest, bravest, sweetest and best friend I'll ever know. 

Westminster, MD
Member Since:
31 August 2013
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14 September 2017 - 11:45 am
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Hi David, I have followed most of your and Rocky's journey behind the scenes, and just want you to know how sorry I am for his loss, it hits me square in my heart every time I see another loss from the "ugly c".... Most of us do know the terrible pain and loneliness that seems to take over for a  very long time, but eventually the joyful memories take over a little bit at a time, day by day. For me it was having another pup or two to ease my pain and bring happiness back into my life, but that is different for everyone, opening your heart again can take some time. 💜🐾

Keeping you in my thoughts,

Bonnie, Angel Polly, Pearl, and Zuzu 🐾🐾🐾

Member Since:
26 January 2017
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15 September 2017 - 9:55 am
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Thanks Bonnie. 

Somewhere down the line, I'll have another pup (probably a little hellion to compensate for how sweet Rocky was) in my life. It will take time to heal and recover. 

David and Rocky (and Baxter now too!)

Rocky had his right front leg amputated on Valentine's Day 2017 after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma.

He joined the September Saints on September 3, 2017.

He is the toughest, bravest, sweetest and best friend I'll ever know. 

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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41
15 September 2017 - 11:37 am
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What a sweet memory David! Rocky was the tennis ball connoisseur! I'll always think of your sweet angel now when I see the ones that our crazy Wyatt ignores. He's not that into them. 

Love that pic, Sally 🙂

By the way David thank you so very much for your generous donation to Tripawds Foundation in honor of Rocky. We were deeply touched to log on and see that this morning. Thanks for making a difference for our Tripawd heroes. xoxo 

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Member Since:
26 January 2017
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15 September 2017 - 11:45 am
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I wanted to do something to honor Rocky and I felt like it was the least I could do considering how great this place has been to me. When Rocky was first diagnosed, I got a lot of help from the great people here. And now that he's gone, this is the one place where I feel like people really understand how tough this all is. 

So thank you, Tripawds. 

David and Rocky (and Baxter now too!)

Rocky had his right front leg amputated on Valentine's Day 2017 after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma.

He joined the September Saints on September 3, 2017.

He is the toughest, bravest, sweetest and best friend I'll ever know. 

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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43
15 September 2017 - 10:33 pm
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We definitely understand David, definitely.  heart

And I cannot wait to see who Rocky picks out for you!  His choice, his terms, his timing!!  Sorry, but you'll have no say so!

In the meantime, have you thought about taking in a foster for a few weeks just to offset the void and the silence?  Of course, it will be good for the foster pup too.

And tha ks for supporting this wonderful community on behalf of Rocky.  Very, very ki d of you and Rocky!

Hugs

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

Member Since:
26 January 2017
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17 September 2017 - 5:55 pm
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Today marks two weeks since Rocky left for the Bridge. 

I found another beat-up penny on my walk last night, but I'm still waiting for him to come to me in a dream to tell me he made it OK. 

Maybe I'm weird, but at 1 this morning, I went out to the spot where I found him - at 1 a.m. two weeks ago - and just sat and thought about him. I still haven't gotten used to the silence. My house really doesn't feel like home without him. Still can't believe how fast our time together flew past. 

David and Rocky (and Baxter now too!)

Rocky had his right front leg amputated on Valentine's Day 2017 after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma.

He joined the September Saints on September 3, 2017.

He is the toughest, bravest, sweetest and best friend I'll ever know. 

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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18 September 2017 - 6:01 pm
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Two weeks can seem like forever and just a few moments ago. That penny was left there just for you. That was Rocky saying "I'm all good dad, walk on in my honor."

And no it's not weird at all to walk out there and contemplate Rocky's impact on your life. You are processing such a great loss, the brain needs time to come to terms with it. It was healthy for you to do that. It shows that you have strength to think about what you've been through, and honor his memory by being in the moment.

It's a process David, and you are on the road to recovery even though it doesn't feel like it. You will never be "over" it, but your heart will learn to cope better in the coming days, weeks and years.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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