My family is smaller today, and the world is a less better place today.

My best friend in the world passed away yesterday. I have been with Rock for longer than I had been with my wife. He taught me so much and was so loving and understanding with me. It truly was the saddest moment in my life that I can recall. He was very old for a Bulldog. He made it to 12, which is 77 in Bulldog years, but was just to short for me. My heart really hurts today. I don't know if there is a Heaven, but if there is, I am sure he will be there. He could not drink fluids over this past month, eating was a struggle, he loved watermelon, but could not keep it down. I just cannot believe he is not here any longer. I have such fond, happy memories of him. I got him when he was 6 months old from a guy who did not want a dog any more. Most people don't know this, but Rock had been to Puerto Rico in his life. His 1st owner brought him there for 2 months on vacation. Well, Rock escaped on the 2nd day there and wound up roaming Puerto Rico for 5 days with a pack of wild street dogs. Luckily, the owner finally found him. He taught me patience, love and acceptance. My home feels a bit more empty, life feels a bit less sweet, and the world is a little less happy place because Bubba is gone.



Here is a silly poem that I would like to believe Rock would have felt:

You were with me to the very end and even after I had "gone" you held me, and as my soul left my body and I looked down and saw you crying, I wanted so much to tell you that I understood. You did this for me.

I tried to tell you in my own way that it was time for me to leave, and I thank you for understanding. No other will take my place, but those I left behind will need your love and affection as I have had.

You still think of me, and there are times you try to hide your tear-filled eyes....but please...be happy and think not of sadness, but of how I made you happy and made you laugh at the funny and smart things I did.

There are no fences where I am, for no one has the desire to "dig out".

There are no thunderstorms where I am, therefore fear is never present.

There are no fights where I am. Everyone is congenial.

There is no hunger. There is no thirst. There are watermelon's everywhere. There is much to explore. Many of us who are older take care of the little ones and guide them. It's fun watching them run with their ears flopping and their curly tails wagging.

So you see, my loved one, I am very happy...

When it comes time for your loved ones to leave, I will meet them , and I will acquaint them with this beautiful and serene place, and I will take care of them until you are with me again.

Thank you for loving me, caring for me, and having the courage to let me go with dignity.