Roc, our old trusty friend...

I remember bringing you home.
We found you in the LA Times classifieds.
We drove to Topanga Canyon to pick you up at a breeder's ranch during the week.
There was so much traffic.
We were so excited to get there.

We had just lost Butch and I was devastated.
Your daddy was so good about making me feel good about losing your brother you never met.
I guess I wanted to quickly fill that great big empty void I was feeling.

We finally made it up the driveway and met Susan, your first mommy. She was so nice.
Then we met this great big rottie.
She almost ran over me.
Who was she, you bark?
She was your mom silly!
I think she knew I was adopting you.
I think that's why she bumped me on the side.

There were so many of your little brothers and sisters running around with big cow heads.
I was so overwhelmed!
I did not know which one would be the best for us.
Daddy said "just pick one they are all so cute!"
So I waited...and waited...and waited
...until finally you came to me.
with your great big head and huge paws.
Black and Tan.
You were so playful,
so beautiful,
so little,
you smelled so pretty...puppy smell...
absolutely adorable!

We got your AKC papers and took you home.
You sat with me in the front seat on my lap.
I thought for sure you were going to throw up, but thank goodness you didn't.

You cried and cried all night for your mommy.
I tried to comfort you.
I put a ticking clock in your bed but that didn't work.
Daddy was so good with you.
He loves you so much and so do I.

You have grown to be a great companion and friend.
You are a big part of our family.

I see the signs of aging.
Your grey hairs around your mouth.
Your saggy neck.
Your slow walk.

With every passing day I am so thankful that you have given us so many years of joy.
You are going to be 11 years old in September and it feels like it was just yesterday we picked you up.

I wish you could live forever.

I love you Roc!