Hi everyone!! Welcome back :) and welcome to our new subscribers!!
Tomorrow is Rocco’s and my 2-year anniversary :) We’re gonna talk about the story of how we met, the early days, and life now.
I was looking for a black dog with a white chest, medium to large, adult, and friendly. Initially, I had looked locally, but at the suggestion of my cousin, Geetha, I expanded my search to outside the city.
Almost immediately after expanding my search, I saw Rocco online (thank you Geetha!)
His eyes are what caught my attention. I felt my soul light up. I made an appointment at his shelter (Maury County Animal Shelter in Columbia, TN).
Two days later, I went to the shelter with my friend and her two kids (side note, if possible, you are not supposed to bring children to meet animals, but my friend couldn’t find a babysitter - don’t worry, it works out!)
When I told the handler which dog I wanted to meet, he immediately said, “I love Roscoe!” (his shelter name). He gave us the option to meet “Roscoe” in the outdoor doggy play pen. We went out there and waited for him. As soon as I saw him come out, I knew I would bring him home.
He entered the play pen and immediately started running laps around us as fast as he could. He was so happy! He came over and said hi to my friend, her kids, and myself. Turns out he loves children.
But he always circled back to me. It’s like he knew I would be his owner.
How I Named Rocco
I heard a voice say “Rocco” in my ear the morning before I was supposed to meet him, while I was brushing my teeth. That’s how I named him, and everyone loves his name!
The Early Days
Rocco is my first dog (of this lifetime). In the beginning, I was really nervous. I would text my friend Kay frequently with questions. “He just vomited - should take him to the vet?” “No, just watch and wait” – turns out that will solve most dog problems.
Rocco knew a few commands before we met, but not many. He was not housetrained, he did not know how to walk on the leash without pulling. He stole food off the counters, and he chewed so many things!
Yup - remote controllers, pens, shoes, socks, cardboard, pillows, pillowcases, bedsheets.
He was so food driven that one day when I was eating dinner, he hoisted himself up onto the dining room table (yes all fours!) to try and get my food! I was legitimately scared for my life.
Another time, he stole a half-round of mozzarella sneakily while I was cooking, then ran away to the living room carpet to eat it.
I know he’s done something naughty when he runs away to the living room carpet…
I ended up taking Rocco to Petco classes. Turns out he actually learns very fast (classes are mostly for the owners to learn how to teach the dog).
By week 6 of him living with me, he had trained me. He had gotten into my bed to sleep at night and he wouldn’t get out. I asked the dog trainer to help me get him out of my bed. She said she wouldn’t help me and that it was good for our bond. Now we sleep together every night (and it turns out I love it!)
I continued to train Rocco past his Petco classes. It took a while - probably about a year and a half for Rocco to really settle in. But it taught me a lot about patience, consistency, and compassion.
Life With Rocco Now
Life is much more relaxed now with Rocco. He listens well, knows our routine, and is very relaxed at home. He walks like a champion on-leash. He knows not to jump on the counters. Many “leave-it’s” later, he knows not to chew the above mentioned items. Looking back though, I realize he was chewing because he was nervous (and he had a lot of fetishes).
He knows lots of commands by now. Sometimes I still teach him new things.
He makes me laugh every day. Like after I eat a snack, and go sit on the couch afterwards, he’ll race across the room to lick my face to taste what I tasted lol.
He goes crazy for cheese. And pizza! Game over if it’s pizza.
He’s a great running, walking, and hiking companion.
He’s very social. He loves other dogs, people, and children. He’s a showstopper - he wants to be the center of attention. Everybody should be petting him. He’s the sweetest, most affectionate baby I’ve ever seen. I think he’s the friendliest dog in the neighborhood.
Did I mention I love his eyes? You can see the entire universe in them <3
Here’s a list of Rocco’s Favorites and Least Favorites.
Rocco’s Favorites:
Favorite Toys: socks, dryer balls, stuffies
Favorite Treats: ALL OF THEM
Favorite Time of Day: Walk-o-clock (x2)
Favorite Fruit: mangoes
Favorite Place to be Pet: his knees - yup - belly up, he will point to which knee he wants me to scratch and look at me bashfully. One day I discovered this and I think it surprised him - now he’s hooked! I tell other dog owners and they think we are nuts! He also loves belly rubs of course 🙂
Other Favorites: blankets and pillows; fast food trash and chicken bones in the street :(
Rocco’s Least Favorites:
The vacuum
Baths
When Rocco Wants Attention:
He will hover his head over the recycling bin, threatening to knock it over. Sometimes he does knock it over. Other times he pretends to eat the pillows on the couch. This is usually when I’m cooking.
FAQs about Rocco
How Old is Rocco?
My gut says 8 years old. They told me he was 4 when I got him, but I think he was closer to 6 at the time, judging by his grayness and his energy levels now.
What Kind of Dog is Rocco?
The shelter told me “mixed breed”. My guess is a lab (due to his face & personality), hound (due his adept nose & long ears), and pitbull mix (due to his short hair & barrel chest). I’m sure there’s more, but I don’t care that much to find out. It wouldn’t change how I feel about him <3
To Close
Rocco is 52 pounds of personality. He’s the cutest, patootiest best friend a girl could ask for.
I really believe our pets are our soulmates, and Rocco is no exception. I am so glad we chose each other 2 years ago.
It’s wild to see how much deeper our bond has become. I never thought I could love something so much!
Rocco baby, here’s to a fabulous two years and many more!!!
Love,
Angeli
“I love every person and dog that I meet.” - Rocco