Rocky’s Story

It was July when the phone rang at work and I answered. It was a woman inquiring
about therapy for her dog. The only problem was he was not in any condition to
travel. Her pet had fast growing osteosarcoma  (bone cancer) and her vet gave a
window of just a few weeks. Since her dog was a large, “senior,” amputation of the
affected leg would be too traumatic. She wanted to follow a more natural and less
invasive path. The veterinary practice I was with at the time did not provide mobile
services, but I did.  I agreed to meet them after work and do what I could to make
this dog comfortable with massage and energy therapy.

When I arrived, a very friendly and concerned woman named Regina greeted me. She
led me into the den to meet Rocky.  A big yellow Labrador with a goofy grin limped
over to me. His eyes shown with pure happiness and love and that took my breath
away. Regina and I sat down and spoke about what I was going to do and the things
that she was doing for him. He was on different supplements, vitamins, shark
cartilage, and special food along with some traditional pain medication. It was very
refreshing to me to be in the presence of somebody that really did their homework on
their pet’s condition. Meanwhile Rocky limped back and forth between us going from
me to Regina and finally settling down next to her. When he looked at her it was clear
to see that she was his “goddess.”

Regina put a large dog bed down on the floor. Rocky had his own relaxation music
and it was turned on. Regina went upstairs and left us alone. Rocky settled right down
on his bed and I started the massage and energy work, noticing the hard golf ball sized
tumor on his front leg. Halfway through our session, Rocky fell asleep with his head
on my leg, a sign that the energy was flowing and the massage was relaxing him. It as
a joy to work with this dog. He knew exactly why I was there and welcomed the
treatments. He was always kind, gentle, loving, and always smiling.

That is the difference between people and animals. People can be so cranky and
moody when they are sick, where as animals just accept it and deal. Rocky was an
example of this wonderful kind of spirit.

For awhile Rocky did well after the weekly treatments, and the tumor continued to
stay the same size (which is a miracle in itself). As the weeks passed, I saw a
mattress propped up against the wall in the den and had a feeling someone was
sleeping with Rocky since stairs were no longer an option for him. Some may not
understand sleeping by a sick animal but I do. When the moments become less and
less, they also become more and more precious. Each shared touch and each shared
breath become a communion of souls.

The summer came to an end and Rocky had far passed his medical expiration date.
The ride home from Regina’s house was very scenic and when I first started seeing
Rocky I wondered how beautiful the tree lined roads would be in the fall. Part of me
thought our time together would be over before the leaves changed colors but happily
I was wrong.  They had turned and were falling lazily to the ground.

During this time my dog Boomie got very ill, was diagnosed with Addisons Disease
and I was having some trouble monitoring him. Regina and I had some scheduling
problems and since I lived and hour and a half away, I didn’t see Rocky for 2 weeks.
Then I got a call from Regina. The tumor had grown seeming over night and Rocky
looked very uncomfortable. When I got there I could tell that Rocky was in a lot of
pain. He continually panted and could not get comfortable at all. The tumor had indeed
grown, but Rocky never stopped smiling.

After the session, Regina and I talked about what was happening with Rocky. It was
time for him to transition. Regina was going to make the arrangements with the vet. I
hugged Rocky and Regina and left, knowing it was the last time I would see the big
yellow dog who slept with his head on my leg.


I love what I do and I am blessed to be able to do what I do, but many of my
“patients” are going through the transition from this world to the next and there are
moments of sadness. A mile or two into the ride home, the floodgates of tears
opened.  I normally don’t cry but this affected me deeply. I cried for Regina, for her
bravery and her willingness to do everything possible for the dog she loved. I cried for
Rocky, for his gentleness, his acceptance and his smile. I cried for every parent that
sat beside the hospital bed of a dying child. I cried for Boomie whose health was in
question. I cried for every animal I loved and was no longer by my side.

Rocky passed on a couple days later, it was the right decision. He was ready.

It took me almost a year to write this story. It rattled around in my brain for all that
time. I kept putting it off and I’m not quite sure why. I think it may be because a part
of me still misses Rocky and I do think of him often. I hope Regina and her family
find a new dog to love someday. They make GREAT caretakers. The last time I heard
from Regina, she said she was thinking about it but her husband needed some
convincing. All I know is that it was an honor to know Regina and an honor and a
blessing to come to know a dog as wonderful as Rocky.
Rocky on his bed.
Just a Note:
Regina and her family have welcomed 2 new sweet additions. Introducing Henry the Yellow
Lab and Cody the Chocolate Lab. What cute brothers! Much happiness to you Regina!