Sadly my first dog, Rocky, died on Friday 22nd May 2009 after losing a battle with the horrible disease, Leishmaniasis. He was a great dog and faithful companion.
I remember coming out to Spain in 2001. My pickup truck was filled with all my worldly possessions, so Rocky had to sit in the passenger seat all the way (illegal now of course). We had some great fun coming down through France and Spain at the motorway toll booths. We would arrive at the booth, the electric window would come down, and the booth operator would be taken aback at seeing what he thought was a dog driving and wanting to pay!
He was in his element in the snows of the high Sierra Nevada and had a particular affection for Cabra Montes mountain goats. He spent many days walking the hills with me and even made Mulhacen summit and became the highest dog in Spain.
He also once starred in a Spaghetti Western that we decided to shoot as a joke. He played the lead role in “The Search For El Perro Negro. In this, El Perro Negro is on the run from the law. Includes those immortal lines “I’m looking for the dog that shot my paw”! Movie Trailer below.
As all dogs do, I suppose, he always sensed when I was a bit down. He would come over, sit beside me, nuzzle up, and look at me with those big brown eyes. He always knew. I have put together a short video celebrating his life. I hope you enjoy it.
Rocky loved all humans and was so trusting of everybody. I know he had a nice life, apart from the last few months when he has been steadily deteriorating. I’m glad now he is resting and at peace. I will never forget his friendship, trust and loyalty.
His final resting place is under an olive tree on a peaceful terrace above our house. Descansa En Paz
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¡Una gran pérdida!!!. El auténtico Perro Negro…..
Mis condolencias, Richard. Espero que tu amigo Rocky, esté mejor allá en la otra vida.
Saludos.
I am sure he had a wonderful life. It is always difficult losing ones best faithful friend. I have DB now who is just 8, still a pup! My previous were Sam (black), Mocha and Offa (cholocate) all lived till the ripe old age of 15! Always said “never again” but just cant live without a labrador. Whilst there are many strains of sandfly, I have been using Advantix with success for the last 5 years since we moved to Greece. Also have a Jack Russell pup, labs best friend! and he is also on it. It was recommended by our UK vet before we moved. The vet showed us a world map in a book and advised what the dog may pick up where we were going to – very efficient. Also, the local (well 1 hr away) pet chemist agreed it was the best as it also for ticks, lice, fleas etc. I find lots of ticks (from sheep and goats) but they are always dead! Must work.
Anyway, keep your chin up and remember the good times…you will never forget him, I haven’t forgotten mine.
Kind regards
Amanda
aka Offadog! (Wales, UK….)
Just watched the videos…needed tissues as he is so like my first black labrador, Sam. He was 1982 – 1997..seems like yesterday having seen that…Thank you!
Thanks everybody for their wonderful and helpful comments. Leishmaniasis is a horrible disease and hopefully there will be a cure coming soon.
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As you know we were on holiday with you when Rocky died. We saw how you did everything possible to help ease his suffering and our hearts went out to you both at this very sad time. Like so many others we too have been through the heartache of losing a precious companion. Rocky was very special, very loved and now peacefully sleeps in the quiet spot you chose for him.
Hi
I lost my yellow lab Fern last week to injury and arthritis. She was 11 and a half. Fern was my 1st dog and grew up with my kids. I also went a lot of remote walking in Scotland and she was always with me. I am more staggered now at just how loyal an animal can be. We said that we probably wouldn’t get another dog because her last years were difficult with operations etc. After a weeks worth of tears however I feel I cannot do without the company and am thinking of getting 2 labs, not to replace her but to respect her so I can keep walking the same walks we went. They seem to tug the same heartstrings as kids.
Just wanted to write as you have to live with them to understand the loss