AJ, AZ High 71 Low 44
Three years ago today, Jim picked up this aggressive little dog out of his pen at a dachshund adoption event. Since that day he has been velcroed to Jim 24/7.
Rocky was not an easy dog to love (especially for me since he didn't want anything to do with me for almost a year). However, he has somehow managed to worm his way into even my heart. Scooter's death six months earlier had left such a hole in our lives and hearts and Rocky has filled that hole with love and "devotion" (to Jim).
Rocky was aggressive with other dogs but in a pretty short period of time, Skittlez won him over and now he torments her by wanting to sleep in her bed with her.
They had told us he might be diabetic because he drank so much water. We found out that he was hungry and was drinking water to fill up his empty stomach. He only had four teeth so he could not eat the kibble they put out for him. We got him started on some good quality canned food and the excessive water drinking stopped. He had a large hole in his mouth which took two surgeries to fix. At that time we had them pull his last four teeth since they weren't doing him any good. He also had a cancerous mass on his side that they were able to remove.
It took him a year before he would let me pick him up without being aggressive towards me. And he did not like other people trying to pet him. However, with time and patience and lots and lots of love, he is now a complete love bug. His kisses are few and far between so when he does dole one out it really is special.
He has serious heart problems and we know that big heart is going to give out on him way too soon for us. He will be sixteen next month and we celebrate every day he is with us.
Don't get me wrong - he's still a difficult dog especially for me. If Jim goes off without him, he whines the entire time he's gone. So the other night when Jim went to the races, he carried on for 5 1/2 hours. Maybe some people (Paula) can tune it out but I can't and it gets really hard at times. He is also one of the pickiest eaters - definitely NOT food motivated. He only weighs 9 1/2 lbs so keeping his weight up becomes a challenge. Because he is on a diuretic, he needs frequent trips outdoors and he can no longer walk up and down stairs, so Jim really gets his exercise carrying him in and out.
We love him and that is all that matters.
Three years ago today, Jim picked up this aggressive little dog out of his pen at a dachshund adoption event. Since that day he has been velcroed to Jim 24/7.
Rocky was not an easy dog to love (especially for me since he didn't want anything to do with me for almost a year). However, he has somehow managed to worm his way into even my heart. Scooter's death six months earlier had left such a hole in our lives and hearts and Rocky has filled that hole with love and "devotion" (to Jim).
Rocky was aggressive with other dogs but in a pretty short period of time, Skittlez won him over and now he torments her by wanting to sleep in her bed with her.
They had told us he might be diabetic because he drank so much water. We found out that he was hungry and was drinking water to fill up his empty stomach. He only had four teeth so he could not eat the kibble they put out for him. We got him started on some good quality canned food and the excessive water drinking stopped. He had a large hole in his mouth which took two surgeries to fix. At that time we had them pull his last four teeth since they weren't doing him any good. He also had a cancerous mass on his side that they were able to remove.
It took him a year before he would let me pick him up without being aggressive towards me. And he did not like other people trying to pet him. However, with time and patience and lots and lots of love, he is now a complete love bug. His kisses are few and far between so when he does dole one out it really is special.
He has serious heart problems and we know that big heart is going to give out on him way too soon for us. He will be sixteen next month and we celebrate every day he is with us.
Don't get me wrong - he's still a difficult dog especially for me. If Jim goes off without him, he whines the entire time he's gone. So the other night when Jim went to the races, he carried on for 5 1/2 hours. Maybe some people (Paula) can tune it out but I can't and it gets really hard at times. He is also one of the pickiest eaters - definitely NOT food motivated. He only weighs 9 1/2 lbs so keeping his weight up becomes a challenge. Because he is on a diuretic, he needs frequent trips outdoors and he can no longer walk up and down stairs, so Jim really gets his exercise carrying him in and out.
We love him and that is all that matters.
Awwww!!! Happy “gotcha” Birthday Rocky Joe!! You are a special boy and very very loved!!!!
ReplyDeleteWe have a 14 year old Shih Tzu, Nick, that has dementia!! I understand the barking and whining...it can grind on you!! He’s our love!!!
Happy Birthday Rocky Joe!
ReplyDeleteI expect much of his difficulties comes from some of his health issues...dogs in pain do not like touching and are a bit nervous...like i am telling you something you don't know with all your dog experience. Anyway, bless you for giving an old dog a good home and putting up with his crankiness.
ReplyDeleteHappy gotcha day! So hard at times, but the reward is worth it
ReplyDeleteOur pets!!!
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine being without our pets and their unconditional love.
ReplyDeleteRocky is so lucky to have found you and Jim!
ReplyDeleteYou certainly have given Rocky lots of love and care, he is one lucky dog! :c)
ReplyDeleteNot sure who rescued who...how lucky for Rocky and for you and Jim. Happy gotch day Rocky Joe!
ReplyDeleteGrrrr. I just typed a long response and it disappears. Makes me so mad.
ReplyDeleteKudos to you for taking the time to let Rocky get used to you. I love my Rocky to pieces, but wish I had someone else around to share him with - he has separation anxiety when I'm not around, and that can be difficult to deal with.
ReplyDeleteHappy "Gotcha" Rocky.. you are special people to take him on and then love him so completely!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Gotcha Birthday, Rocky Joe!
ReplyDeleteWillie was one of those stubborn old guys too. In his later years, he would bark when he realized we weren't right there. It could be pretty challenging. He still loved going in the RV and would curl up and sleep while I was driving. But I miss his determined personality and stubborn ways every day. Now it is just Harley and I who travel in the RV.
ReplyDelete