Monday, January 14, 2019

Rocky’s Gotcha Day

AJ, AZ   High 64  Low 50

rocky_thumb5

I can’t believe it’s been two years ago today that we went into PetSmart and Jim picked up this aggressive old dog out of his pen. He was malnourished, had a cancerous sore on his wide, almost furless, a big hole in his mouth and a really bad heart murmur. 

DSCN2939_thumb7

It didn’t take us long to fall in love with him but it took him a lot longer to learn to love me. Skitz was so patient with him and put up with his snapping at her for several months. It took him over a year before he would let me pick him up or even be willing to sit on my lap.

2018072895150616

He is still totally Jim’s velcro dog. If Jim leaves him behind he whines the entire time he is gone. Sometimes he really gets on my nerves but there is nothing I can say or do to make him happy.

     

DSCN3797

However, he has come so far. He no longer attacks people when they reach to pet him. Just don’t try to pick him up! He is still dog aggressive so we just keep him away from other dogs or make sure Jim has total control over him.

DSCN3934

He is really stingy with his kisses but for some reason I seem to get more of them than Jim does. Don’t know why but I take what I can get.

20180720_101847

He is the best traveling dog we’ve ever had. You put him in the truck and he’s settles right down and goes to sleep. He’s even happy in the truck when Jim is out working on the boat or doing something else.

He and Skitz have a wonderful relationship now. Well, I’m not sure Skitz thinks so because Rocky has a habit of climbing into the bed with her and sitting on her.

20190105_205247

His heart is extremely enlarged and we have no idea how much longer he will be with us. So we appreciate and love each day as it comes. It’s not easy with two old dogs in the house. Rocky is on diuretics for his heart so he has to go out many times during the day and also a few times during the night. His hearing is slowly going away and even with the cataract surgery that he had before we got him, his eye sight isn’t the best. He gets four pills in the morning and five at night. He’s on almost as many meds as Jim is.

20190109_125212

They will both be 15 this year.

Skitz has dementia (not real bad but she forgets where she is or what she’s doing there). Her back legs are also not working well so she has to be carried up and down the steps to go out. She is also almost totally deaf. I’m grateful they are not big dogs and we are able to take care of them.

As for Jim and I, we are doing nothing but doctor appointments. Hopefully by the end of the month we will have some answers.

However, we do have a fun outing planned for Tuesday and we are really looking forward to it.

15 comments:

  1. Rocky certainly got the best home for him. You are great.

    ReplyDelete
  2. You guys are dog angels - such love and caring for your two old dogs. They couldn't be in a better family. Bless you both. :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thank you for the report on Rocky and Skitz. They are so blessed to have you and Jim to care for them...as I am sure you are both blessed to have these precious souls in your lives.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I'm guessing Rocky has had a tough life, so nice you ate making these last few years easy and with a lot of love.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Such amazing dogs you have and the love of a dog is unconditional . :love all the pictures and stories you tel about them.

    ReplyDelete
  6. My daughter has a 16 year old cat that has developed diabetes. The cat now understands she gets a shot twice a day and hides when she thinks it is time. We love our pets and will go to such extremes - and costs - to keep them comfortable. I hope Buddy doesn't go before me. I will break my heart but he still a teenager so the daughter promises to take care of him should I go. I'm so glad you were kind and gave this guy a great last home.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Sweet little guys. It is impossible to prepare for those coming days. We have been there, so cherished the time we had with them.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Love your dog story!! We just enjoy them while we can. I'm sure Rocky knows you are his angel! And, see you tomorrow!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Rocky is one lucky pooch and I'm so glad you guys gave him a forever home! We do love our fur babies!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I really admire your wonderful attitude about the dogs. It isn't easy when they are puppies, and it isn't easy when they get old! Your guys sure have great people to take care of them - I hope I live long enough to take care of my lab baby!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Those two fur kids are so precious. You two are wonderful parents.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I remember when you brought Rocky home he was so sad, and look at him know even with his illness he looks great and Skitz is also adorable. Nice update tonight on these little ones.

    ReplyDelete
  13. There are two old dogs in our house, too, and neither one is a canine... :cD

    ReplyDelete
  14. Your doxies are so lucky to have the best parents around. I love, love that raincoat. I sure could have used that for our girls. Amazing how well they look for almost 15. Enjoy each day to the fullest. Hugs and kisses to your babies.

    ReplyDelete
  15. What a cute blog. I’m sure if they could speak, they would tell you and Jim how much they appreciate all the love you and Jim give them. They are both just little cuties.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for visiting today. I look forward to reading your comments. Have a beautiful day.