by Kat Stovall

Created on: November 08, 2008

My dog, Rocky means a great deal to me. He means comfort, loyalty, friendship, protection, fun, and love. He is all these things and much more to my entire family. The little dog is no pedigree pooch; in fact, he is a true blue mutt. Part Jack Russell Terrier and part beagle this little dog is a big part of my world.

I rescued Rocky two years ago from a very abusive home. When we brought him home he had a badly sprang back leg, numerous cuts on his head and back, and was ridden with worms. I was worried at first about how he would react to my three children. To my relief he fell in love with them all instantly. My baby at the time was barely a year old and it was Rock's whines the first night that let me know every time she even whimpered in her sleep. He slept right by her bed and I often found him with his nose stuck between the slats of the crib while he watched her sleep.

Since those first days, Rocky has become a great companion. He always greets me at the door when I come home exhausted from work. No matter what, he is always glad to see me. I scratch his head and great him with the normal human to dog babble about how his day went and if the kitty had been nice to him. Rocky even has his own pet. We adopted an abandoned kitten four months ago so that he would have company during the day. I make sure he has fresh food and water and he shows his abundant appreciation by yipping at my heels and licking my hands until I beg him not to be impolite by licking. When I am sick he curls up beside me for comfort and even keeps the kids from the bedside by pouncing anyone who might get close. He is forever by my side and always so well behaved.

Recently I learned that I would have to move from the home where I have lived long before I rescued Rocky. In my search to find a new place I was told repeatedly those hateful words, "No pets allowed"! I refused to part with my dog. In fact, my children, my husband, and I all swore that we would live in a cardboard box before we would abandon a member of the family simply because he has four legs and fur. Luckily, we have found a new home where Rocky and his kitten are welcome.

Rocky really means so much to us that he is like one of our children. Only I believe Rocky may listen better and have better manners. No other animal shows the dedication, loyalty, and love that a dog can. Especially one who is taken from terrible and abusive situations and placed with people who will give them special care. I can only pray that Rocky will be with us for a very long time because eternity would be to soon to loose such a great little dog.

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