Rok

Rok I’ll never forget the day we first met. Exactly 12 years ago last month, John and I decided to go to PetSmart with the intentions of adopting a pet for Sam and Evan. I had no idea what I was looking for but went there with an open mind. When we got there I was wandering around, checking out all the dogs but John seemed to be focused on one in particular—a Rotty mix whom everyone had nicknamed Romeo because he was so loving. He would lay on his back and just wallow in everyone rubbing his belly, loving the attention he was getting from everyone. John finally convinced me to have a look at him and soon afterwards he stole my heart as well and we eventually walked out the door with him. If someone didn’t adopt him that day he was going to be sent to the pound and would probably have been put to sleep. We were not having that! We were going to give him a chance at a good life! And so begins the story of our “bubby” Rok! That night when we brought him home we awaited the arrival of Sam and Evan. As we were waiting, Rok made himself right at home—–by marking his territory in our den and in Sam’s room! That was the only time he ever relieved himself in the house! Except whenever anyone came over and he greeted them at the door with such excitement that he would pee right at their feet!! When the kids got home that night they were a little leery because Rok was a big dog. Evan actually jumped on the kitchen counter when Rok approached him! But it didn’t take them long to fall under his spell and fall madly in love with him! He was so much fun to have around! Such unconditional love from him! Although he would eventually grow to 90 some pounds I always said he thought he was a small dog because if he could he would get up on our laps! He was constantly snuggling his nose in our laps or nudging us to pet him, which we did willingly, most of the time. We made so many wonderful memories over the next 12 years and had I realized how quickly those years would go by I would have tried to make more! Although he had so many medical issues, Addison’s Disease, two surgeries, shots every month, pills every day, he was a strong old bird and fought through everything that was sent his way. But I think he has grown weary of the fight and this last battle was too much for him to wage. As I sit here typing with tears in my eyes thinking of him laying in the hospital away from his home and family, I can’t imagine this home without him. The jingle of his collar as he would wander around the house, his faithful alarm clock on the weekends, waking us at the crack of dawn to put him out and feed him, the faithful buddy who would greet us at the door every day, without fail, when we would arrive home—-how do you get over that loss? How does your house become a home again when someone who filled it with so much love and happiness is gone? I look out the kitchen window and expect to see him walking around the yard. I hear the floor creak and expect him to come traipsing in to the room. I know it won’t be easy but I am trying to take consolation in the fact that maybe we took such good care of him over the last 12 years and that is why he survived all that he did. And that he, just by being the buddy that he was, was able to provide us with such unconditional love and joy! I’ve been hoping that we would get to keep him a little while longer but I think he has fought the fight long enough to stay with us and make us happy. He has fulfilled that promise a thousand fold and it is time for him to rest now. He was truly man’s best friend, truly our best friend! It is so hard to let him go but if it means he’ll be at peace then so be it. He gave us 12 wonderful years of love and memories that we will never forget. We love you Rok! You have been the best friend a family could ever have!! We miss you so much!
Monica Mitchell