On Friday, February 10, 2012, just one day after we returned to San Diego, we said good-bye to Rocky, our dog that spent the last twelve and one half years with us. About five years ago, Rocky was diagnosed with an eye disease that just about cost him his eye site. With the use of medication, Rocky was able to retain most of his sight and live a fairly normal life. The disease also attacked his immune system which caused the discoloring of his hair. When we left San Diego on our journey back in February of 2010, we did not think Rocky would last but a few months. Instead he refused to give up on life and instead actually thrived on our full time RV lifestyle. He was a great traveler and could not wait to get to the next campground for new smells. He loved his car rides. He would rather ride with us and sit in the car then ever stay at home.
He attracted a lot of attention with his unusual coloring hanging out of the window. He was a chick magnet for sure.
He rode with us on the chain of lakes in Wisconsin with Carol and my cousin Linda.
He strutting his stuff in a dog show at a Monaco International Rally we attended in Redmond Oregon and took first place for "Most Unusual Dog".
He was able to go with us to most of the spots at Yosemite.
He cruised the beach on Padre Island in Texas.
Visited my Aunt and Uncle in Alamo Texas.
Played with Carter at Cassie's house in Utah.
Well OK, maybe not play with Carter but put up with Carter at Cassie's house in Utah.
Watched the dog parade in Indio.
Camped on the Colorado River.
Kicked it on his couch in the motor home.
Relaxed on his bed camping in Parker AZ.
Watched a turtle cross the road in Wisconsin.
Ran on the beach in Oregon.
If is was at all possible, he was with us anywhere we went. He was the most loyal friend and companion you could have ever wished for. He gave us so much, and only asked to be with us in return. He loved life! He taught us what unconditional love was all about. We will miss him so much, but will never forget him. He made our journey so much more special.
Our pets make a comfortable place in our lives with their companionship, their protective dedication and their unselfish loyalty; asking so little while giving so much. When they go, they leave behind an emptiness because a part of us goes with them. Suddenly the comfortable time spent together becomes time spent painfully alone and it hurts. In a sense, this feeling of loss is a tribute to the bond between you. Those who have not loved an animal will never understand this but then neither will they ever experience this unique communion. This is what the French poet Anatole France meant when he wrote, "Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened."
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. Her bright eyes are intent; Her eager body quivers. Suddenly she begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying her faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...
What a neat post. Carter and I loved seeing all the places Rocky had been (although Carter kept asking why I was crying). I especially enjoyed our chat that we had when you told me you'd put Rocky down. How many people when they find out they are dying (or even those who aren't dying) would love to travel the country in their last months? Rocky got to do that. I think that's pretty awesome that he completed the full tour with you. I am so sad for you.
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