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We noticed Rocco is now starting to get a bit slower with his lymphoma. I figure a few more weeks with him is all we will have. It got me to thinking about our first few days when we brought him home and the memories it dredged up.

This Photo I had taken right after we got Rocco from Brother Wolf. It was winter and Ice was on the ground. This was in Charlottesville while I was working at the University at UVA Medical Center. A few things was going on for me that day other than us taking Rocco in. I was also just getting into amateur photography as well.

This was the first photo I had taken with my Kodak Brownie six-20 box camera that I found at a local pawn shop. I used B&W 120 film, ISO 400. I did not think the photo was to bad for a cardboard camera that they quit making in the 1950's. My wife was tickled to death that day. She was very happy because first off it was the first time in her life that she ever had a dog of her own. Second, it was our first outing as the typical husband,wife and dog family. Keeping in mind my wife comes from the type of family that is not much of well a family if you get my meaning.

We had decided we would go roam the campus and we had stopped at the University Chapel. The history of the Chapel that is behind Beth and Rocco is that in the late 19th century, community members raised funds to establish a non-denominational church on the University Grounds. The Gothic Revival building was designed by Charles Emmet Cassell of Baltimore, the chapel's cornerstone was laid in 1885.Services are still held in that church today. Lots of history on that campus, Lots of good memories for her and I while we where there as well.

Sorry to hear about Rocco's decline.............nice pic, glad to hear it triggered some good memories

We just got our Stinky's ashes back yesterday......my wife has been pulling out pictures and putting together a photo album that spans Stinka's life.......lots of pics bringing back so many memories-so many things I had forgotten........I completely forgot how tiny she was when we got her

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Thank you guys, Yeah we have been making it a point to spend good quality time with him. Today I had got my hands on some sun dried figgs which rocco loves. I sat down in the floor with him today and shared them with him. Something that he and I would do since we had got him. I will take a fig and hold it in my mouth, He will come up to take it from me and I bite it in half. That way I get half and he gets the other. He was very slow today but as soon as he realized I had figgs he perked up pretty good. He came up and sit in front of me and I knew right then he was wanting me to share. Them damn whiskers of his still getts me right under my dang nose every time he would take a fig from my lips. My wife was sitting watching us and she got to talking about when I had started training him to take baby carrots from my mouth.

I caught my wife looking at necklace urns two days ago, She does not know that I went back in the history on the PC and saved the page. That way when the time comes I can get the one she was looking at for her. The pendant is a baby elephant which my wife has a thing for. The body of the elephant is a small round glass bottle that holds the ashes. I know she was just looking because it is just on her mind about him passing. She would never buy such for herself and ofcourse I do not bring it up because she breaks down every time and she refuses to talk about it. This way I will just have it ready to give her when the time comes. I am so dreading the day but its the price we pay for the time we have I guess.

Thank You Burner, I agree... He bacame part of the family very quick. For the wife and I he filled a huge empty spot. We noticed last night that my dog Daisy has started staying at his side laying very close to him and following him around when ever he is up and moving which worries me even more. I have learned a long time ago to trust the actions of my dogs. They both did that when my wife had her brain surgery and also when I had my stroke. I got the odd feeling Daisy is sensing something is coming to a close for Rocco.

So true, When I was working at UVA I would vonlenter to help out with case studies on such. This was back when they started studying dogs being able to sniff out cancer cells. The dogs was used as an early detectction system. The animals was able to pick up on cancer cell clusters before they could be seen on an MRI or CT.

Since my field was neurology I have also got to work with many "seizure dogs" which is an amazing thing to wittness. One of my college sisters had one. Her dogs name was Maddie, she was one of those large poodles. Ugly ass dog lmaooo but astounding to see her work when Brandy was getting ready to have a seizure. The dog would pick up on it before Brandy would even know she had an impending seizure comming. Maddie would sit and start barking and refuse to move, this would sginal to Brandy to stop, sit and lay flat so as to prevent a fall and head trama. Now seizure dogs not only signal to the owner but also during the event the dogs will work their way under the patients head and use their body as a pillow to prevent the patient from beating their heads on the ground during the tonic clonic event. If John Travoltas son had one of these dogs it is very possible he would still be alive today. Sad story that one.

Today Rocco sat with me out in the garage while I was smoking a cigar. His eyes have now gotton worse today and hes back to bumping into things. He is doing well with following sounds and also is doing very well with leading him with touch. Since this has happened today we now do not leave him alone other than when he is sleeping. He does not present as being scared but more like confused due to the sudden loss of eye sight. I have a tendancy to assign sudden loss of sight with fear due to experinacing it for myself. When I had my stroke I lost sight instantly and it scared the piss out of me. It dont really seem to phase him but I am also scared to assume such. I just dont know what in the hell to do.

At 2am this morning we noticed Rocco doing circles and running into things even more offten. Also a loss of blader control. We went to the emergency vet due to his new issues but more for my wife. I spoke with the vet and told him that we have no idea on endstage lymphoma and due to Roccos age we needed some guidance. After an examination he came to us and informed us the reason for him doing circles is becaus cancer has now hit his brain. He is very confused and also after listening to his lungs noticed that they also was now infected with cancer and Rocco was having issues breathing. He had stated that since this was not the case a few weeks ago but is now that it is a very agrrisive cancer and due to the fact that Rocco is now confused that it would only get worse that he felt is was time.

Needless to say my wife is all to hell. I myself am not doing to well ither. After my stroke Rocco became my rock so to speak. He was my companion when I was down and out. He made me feel safe due to he would guard the house like a hawk. He was very protective of my wife and I.

Today at 3:am 11/06/2017 we lost our best friend. It is with a heavy heart and tears in my eyes that I say "Rocco, you broght more joy in our lives than any other. You filled a huge hole in the life of my wife and I. May you rest well buddy. You will be greatly missed".

You made the right choice for Rocco and also for yourself. He suffers no longer. You can remember him for the wonderful companion he was and be thankful for all he did to brighten your life.

sorry to hear Chris,.......you did the right thing for Rocco even though it caused you pain..........You can now focus on the bright side of Rocco's life and relive all those memories.......I bet you'll discover some you had forgotten........let your wife know she also has my sympathy and best wishes

Condolences Chris. It's always tough to put a loved member of the family down.


Last dog I had to put down was in 2009, and I still miss her to this day.


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SHORT PRAYER TO SAY FAREWELL

Faithful friend, loyal companion,
we say farewell to you now.
You have kept us warm at night,
protected our home
and offered us unconditional love.
For this we are thankful,
and we will remember you forever.

PRAYER TO HONOR THE WILD SPIRIT

In days gone by, the dog ran wild, untamed and free.
Although man may have tamed your bodies,
we have never tamed your spirit.
You are free now.
Go and run with your pack,
with your wild ancestors, racing by the midnight moon.
Go and hunt for your prey,
taking what is your birthright.
Join the wolf, the jackal, the wild dogs,
and run with your kin on the wild hunt.
Run, and guide your spirit home.


Chris, I often say these 2 to my departed dogs. I hope it gives them comfort. I know it gives me comfort.