Kaiserhaus Kennels

Deets vom Kaiserhaus

ROCKY

April 16, 2003-July 13, 2007

click here for pedigree

From the first few days of Rocky's short life, it was obvious he was a force to be reckoned with. This youngster showed amazing promise for any type of program from the time he could begin to walk.

But fate had other plans for Rocky, also known as RockStar and RocketMan. :)

He was injured as a 6 week old puppy, a neck and spinal cord injury that made everyday life challenging for Rocky. He never gave up and never even appeared to notice that his body wasn't responding as it should to the simplest of activities. The vets gave him 12 months to live, as they assumed that when he grew his body would be unable to manuever his constantly changing and growing skeletal system. The vets didn't take into account Rocky's huge will to live and incredible drive.

We spent lots of money on vets, and lots of time together in those early months. I tried everything to help him recover. I was advised to "put him down" so he wouldn't suffer. I stopped listening to vets and started listening to Rocky. He was having a great time enjoying his life, so I decided to let him be his own barometer for how things would go. I defy anyone who knew Rocky to tell me he suffered at all those first 4 years of his life. He had such an incredible zest for life and sense of humor that everyone who met him became a lifelong friend and admirer.

Early in July of 2007, I got the distinct feeling that something was changing. Rocky was having a bit more trouble getting around, so I had a "meeting" with him in the yard one evening and told him to let me know when he needed to go.

He told us that it was time to leave on the morning of July 13th, and he left this world surrounded by friends and family, knowing he was loved.

I feel priveledged, honored and humbled to have known such a great spirit. Anytime I think my day is rough or I feel like complaining about something, I think of Rocky.

He truly enjoyed each and every moment in spite of his physical limitations.

Rocky taught me so much in his short life. He showed by example what a positive attitude can accomplish. He reminded me how absolutely honest dogs are and how they will tell us what they need, if we can only open ourselves up to listen. The bond we share with them is forever, even after we leave our physical bodies.

I know he is running as fast as he can now, with no disablities and while I am incredibly sad for my loss, I can't help but smile to imagine him in a fully functional strong body. (complete with a sweatshirt or boot clamped firmly in his jaws)

We love you Rocky, rest in peace. Til we meet again......