"Tails" of Rocky

Finally Snow!

2012-01-12T13:26:00.000-08:00

Howdy Folks!
Yippee! Finally some snow to play in! I may be from North Carolina, but I've gotten so I like to play in this white stuff! Steffi loves it, too! Check us out....

OW!!! That's my elbow you're biting!!!

You're gonna pay for that, sista!!

Reading With Rocky

2012-01-03T09:43:00.000-08:00

Howdy Friends!
What a great way to start out the New Year -- a new Reading with Rocky program at the Meredith Public Library! Mom and I are so glad that Jenny Stevens, the children's librarian, invited us to her library! We had so much fun! Okay, so I may have dozed off a couple of times, but you know how it is when someone reads you a story -- it relaxes you and sometimes you can't help drifting off a bit. But I woke up just in time to hear my favorite part -- 10 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed!

Me and Mom with some new friends we read with this morning!

Hope my new friends and more people join me again on Tuesday, February 7th, at the Meredith Public Library. Until then, keep reading kids and don't forget, it's okay to fall asleep! Woof! Rocky

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T10:41:00.000-08:00

Howdy Friends!

Well it's that time to say good-bye to 2011 and welcome in 2012! I will be kicking off the new year with a new Reading with Rocky program that mom and I are very excited about. I can't wait to meet the kids who have signed up to read with me next week. It's going to be soooo much fun!!! Here's to a very Happy & Healthy New Year to all my friends. Stay safe ~ woof! Rocky

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

2011-12-28T15:29:00.000-08:00

Hi, it's me, Rocky! I know, I haven't been plugged in for awhile but that is about to change! It's good to be back! Mom has told me we will be able to keep this up to date now that she isn't so busy.

Check out my new Christmas present!

My new bed!

I love my new bed. It's very long just like me and it's very soft and fluffy. It also has this cool pillow that I like to rest my head on -- can you tell? I also got a new Nylabone.

In case you haven't heard, next week I start a new Reading with Rocky session at the Meredith Public Library. I'm very excited to go and can't wait to tell you all about it. In the meantime, hope you all had a Merry Christmas and have a Happy and Safe New Year! Woof! Rocky

Happy 4th of July!

2011-06-30T20:07:00.000-07:00

Howdy Friends ~

I love summer and 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays. I get to do all the things I love -- lay in the hot sun on the deck (reminds me of those North Carolina days), visit with friends (hope mom has a pool party!), and best of all visit my friends at the NH Veteran's Home in my special 4th of July "attire." Hope ya'll have a safe and fun 4th of July weekend -- I'm hoping I do! Rocky

Mouth Full of Toothpicks?!?

2011-04-24T19:19:00.000-07:00

Howdy Friends! I sure am glad last week is over!! All I wanted to do was say hi to this little black critter that I found in my yard Thursday night at 11:00 p.m. I wasn't going to hurt it, afterall I'm a therapy dog. I give kisses, I don't bite! Well, this little visitor didn't give kisses, no he wacked me with a tail full of quills and, yep, you guessed it, I had a snout full of quills! Those things stick like velcro! No one ever told me about porcupines. Down in North Carolina where I come from, they don't have porcupines. Sure wish someone had warned me about these nasty critters.

Real pretty, huh? Well, mom and dad took me to -- Concord Area Veterinary Emergency Services -- known as CAVES around here, and about 3 hours and $300 later, I was sleeping like a baby on my way home. Dad carried me up to my bed and I slept until about noon the next day. Whatever they give ya down at that place really zonks you out. Guess that's a good thing because these things smarted going in, and I can only imagine how they would have felt going out. Glad I was out!! Do you like my "pierced" ear? Well, take it from me, if you see a porcupine, don't try to get up close and personal! Rocky

Cats Need Therapy Dogs, too!

2011-04-07T18:05:00.000-07:00

Hi ~ this is me and Chloe, one of my feline sisters. I'm giving her some therapy dog care because she has a bad boo-boo under her arm. Mom calls it an abcess and she can't look at it, or she'll get sick. We don't know how Chloe got it unless it was a cat fight, which knowing how mean my other feline sister and brothers can be to Chloe, that's probably how she got it. Dad and I took Chloe to Meadow Pond Animal Hospital today to have it checked again. Dr. Keenan said it hasn't changed since Monday, so they changed her antibiotics. If it doesn't get better by Tuesday, Dr. Keenan might need to do surgery. I sure hope it gets better because surgery is no fun. Stay tuned. Rocky

No More Snow! Do Ya Hear Me, Mr. Weatherman?

2011-03-30T16:21:00.000-07:00

Another Nor'easter headed our way on Friday -- and they say it is no April Fool's joke! Now ya'll know I'm a Sou'easter and I've had it with all this snow! Although I do have to admit, Steffi and I have had some good times in the snow. Like we did during the last Nor'easter -- check us out! I'm the one making all the noise. Geez, and to think the snow is almost gone from my front yard right now -- so easy to find a spot to do you know what!! Grrrr, Mr. Weatherman -- maybe I can scare the storm away! I sound pretty scarey in this video, don't you think?

Happy St. Patrick's Day & Happy Birthday to Mom!

2011-03-17T14:20:00.000-07:00

A birthday kiss for my mom. We've been having a great day. Went to the NHVH and saw all my friends while Steffi stayed home and played in the sunshine. Hope you all have a great St. Patrick's Day. Love, Rocky -- and Irish Shepherd for day.

Happy Birthday to Me!

2011-03-16T15:05:00.001-07:00

Saying goodbye is never easy -- love you, Foster Bob!

Three years ago today I began my new life with my new family in NH. It was a long ride, but once I got used to my new mom and dad, I enjoyed it. It's been a great three years and I can't wait to see what the next three bring! I celebrated my "birthday" by having 2 Munchkins -- my favorite snack!

When "Irish" Eyes are Smiling

2011-03-07T19:14:00.000-08:00

Getting in the mood! Mom's taking her birthday off next week and I just know we're going to have fun!!!

I Feel Like a Star!

2011-02-28T16:52:00.001-08:00

Well, here's Mom and me at our photo shoot. What do ya think??? Do I look like a star? I think I have Rin Tin Tin beat. Bullet, too! Just a little sample from the many photos Mary Boudreau took. Can't wait to get the prints we ordered! Thanks again, Mary. Check out Mary's site at http://alpllc.daportfolio.com.

Snow, Snow and More Snow!

2011-02-27T17:35:00.000-08:00

This is way too much snow for a southern dog like me! Where's a dog supposed to do you know what?!?

Okay, okay, I know it has been a while since I've posted. I could tell ya that the cat got my tongue, but you know that wouldn't be true. No, no -- I'm blaming it on my mom -- Busy with work, busy with selling Usborne Books, busy with visiting gram at the nursing home, busy, busy, busy. But we're back on line now! And I've got a lot to say!

This weekend was so cool -- I had my own professional photo shoot by Ambient Light Photography of Sanbornton, NH, at the Lakeside Animal Hospital to benefit NH Foundation for Companion Animal Care. (http://alpllc.daportfolio.com) I felt like a model! I even posed nude!! Yes -- no collar, no nothing!! Then I posed with my red therapy dog coat on and I felt so proud -- I think it showed! I can't wait to show off my new photos.

And tonight I visited my friends at the NH Veteran's Home. That was so much fun. Roger was happy to see me. Bud scratched my ears. And I met some new veterans that I hadn't seen before. I love being a therapy dog!! Well, that's it for now. Hope ya'll had as great a weekend as I did. Rocky

See Rocky at the Pet Fair

2010-04-18T20:08:00.000-07:00

Hey, a busy guy like me needs to rest up once in a while -- even if it is in my Dad's favorite chair! Don't Miss Me This Saturday --4/24, I'll be with my mom at the first-ever Cause for Paws Pet Fair at the Opechee Conference Center in Laconia. In between selling Usborne Books at her booth, mom and I will be doing a Therapy Dog presentation at 12:30 to 1:00 p.m. Sure hope you can drop on by! Until then....sweet dreams! Rocky

Remember Me? Therapy Dog In Action!

2010-03-28T16:25:00.000-07:00

Howdy Friends -- Remember me?

Finally, a new post! I hope ya'll haven't forgotten me just because my mom has been too busy to catch up on my blog. Well, here's a quick rundown on what we've been up to along with some special Therapy Dog in Action photos!

This is mom's favorite Therapy Dog in Action photo....

Bet ya didn't know I had a little Irish in me! Well, mom says that everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day and she should know because that's her birthday and she's Irish, too. We had a great St. Patrick's Day Birthday -- Mom took the day off and we did therapy dog work! Yeah! We had lunch with my grammy at the NHVH and then we joined into the parade they had and then sat and listened to nice music with my grammy and friends.

This is me and Steffi playing in what little snow we got this year. All my friends in NC got lots of snow, hope they enjoyed it. Steffi may be fast, but I'm the one with the power! We love chasing each other in the snow. Hope we get lots of snow next year!

Here are some more special photos taken in January at the NH Veteran's Home. All of these Therapy Dog in Action photos are courtesy of Jackie Bonafide, NHVH Public Information Officer. Mom wrote a story about therapy dog work for a newspaper called "Aging Issues" and these are some of the photos from my "photo shoot." You can read the article and see more photos if you'd like at this link. Click on "Aging Issues, Spring 2010" then go to page 4. (I hope it works -- if it doesn't, cut & paste it into your browser.): http://www.dhhs.state.nh.us/DHHS/BEAS/LIBRARY/Newsletter/aging-issues.htm

Oh, I just love it when they rub my ears!

This man is always so happy to see me and always remembers my name.

I met a new friend that day -- Pinto, a seeing eye dog. Pinto and his mom visit the NHVH on a regular basis. I had a good time visiting with them. I think Pinto was a little leery of me at first because I'm quite a bit bigger than Pinto. But we quickly became friends!

This is my friend, Dave. He's President of the Resident's Council.

This is me and my grammy during my Christmas visit. The reindeer antlers were okay but I didn't like the little bells so close to my ears!

Well, that's it for now. Hope you enjoyed my update! Stay tuned for more updates as we've got lots of things happening. I'm currently in an advanced dog obedience class as a "refresher" and I'm going to be in the Cause for Paws Pet Fair on April 24th in Laconia! Take care, Rocky

I Wear a 10 Gallon Hat!

2009-11-01T18:24:00.000-08:00

Howdy Friends! --We're back in action, just in time for Halloween!Here we are dressed as cowgirls to go visit the Veteran's Home on Halloween afternoon. What do you think of my braids?? I'm Annie Oakley! You knew that, right?

This is Steffi -- she wanted to pay tribute to the veteran's with a bit of a military flair for her costume -- she's Combat Cutie!

This is earlier in the day -- Look! No cast! Mom is showing off her first day with both feet in sneakers -- first time in 6 weeks!

Steffie -- being a little ham! She has the longest tongue!

Steffie loves running in the leaves! Sure hope she doesn't bite that tongue!

She just never stops running!!

I'm so happy my mom can walk on her foot again! Can you tell? This means I can get back to work!! Yippee! Hope you all had a great Halloween and got lots of yummy treats. I had a great day doing what I do best -- making people smile!

Happy Birthday, Steffi!

2009-10-15T17:32:00.000-07:00

Howdy Folks! You only turn one once, so I'm letting Steffi get all the attention in this post. (Actually not much else to report with Mom still being out of commission -- boring!) Sunday was Steffi's first birthday and Mom has a tradition around here: You must wear the Clifford, the Red Dog, birthday hat on your birthday. (Come to think of it, I think I escaped it last year -- I never told anyone when my birthday was!) As you can see, though, Steffi is a fashion-hound, loves to be the center of attention, and is looking very proud and, should I say, chic? in the birthday hat.

As usual, though, she couldn't wait to get back to chewing on a toy. She loves toys! Especially squeaky ones. I hardly have eardrums left after the one she found Sunday night! She's turning out to be a pretty good littl' sis. We play hard and run fast! She's a bit scared of the coyotes, though, when she hears them off in the woods at night. During the day, she thinks she's supposed to catch every falling leaf before it hits the ground! Anything to burn up energy! I sure wish I had her metabolism then I'd be able to eat treats all day long and Dr. Keenan would never be able to tell! Take care ya'll -- Rocky...and Steffi

We're Down But Not Out!

2009-10-06T17:24:00.000-07:00

Howdy Folks ~
Well, as you can see, the therapy dog team is out of commission at the moment, and let me tell ya, it's no fun when your partner gets hurt. Remember my last post said we had a little mishap?? Well, this is what happens to two-legged folks who don't use a flashlight when they go walking down a dark, abandoned road at night. The pot holes creep up when you are least expecting them! Yup, it's broken -- the foot, that is. Could have been a lot worse. Mom goes back to the doctor tomorrow to check on the progress -- 3 weeks down, 3 to go. In the meantime, Dad and I have been doing all the chores. Dad hates cleaning the cat boxes the most. Now, ironically that would be my favorite chore but try as I might, he won't let me help! Stay tuned, we'll be back in business soon -- just like the song says: you can't keep a good therapy dog team down for long! Rocky

Rocky Greets the Troops!

2009-09-16T10:07:00.001-07:00

Howdy Friends!

Wow, what I day I had on Monday!! It all started with me meeting a group of former POWs at the Manchester NH VA and they invited me to join them as they welcomed some troops home from the war! Here I am at the former Pease AFB in Portsmouth, NH, meeting the Colonel (left)and his Executive Officer (right) -- yup, the top guns! -- as a plane full of troops returned from overseas! This is their first touchdown on US soil on their way home, (via Iceland). While the plane is being refueled and they swap crews, the troops stretch their legs, call home, and get a bite to eat. The Pease Greeters (http://www.peasegreeters.org/about.html ) make sure they get a New Hampshire welcome that they won't soon forget. It's one I won't forget either! Do I look happy or what!?! It was so much fun, I think I'm going to be a regular at these things!

There was so much excitement and so many people! Sure was different than visiting the veterans at the Veteran's Home, but just like the veterans there, these guys told me all about their dogs they had waiting for them at home. Very cool!

This lady soldier was very nice. There were quite a few women in the group!
This photo is especially for Bob Armstrong

and Forever Home Canine Rescue:

"From the floor of Petco to the floor of the Heroes' Walk."

I'm just taking a little break during a special ceremony honoring these men and women.

Look closely and you can see the troops coming down the walk. They all looked rather stunned by all the hoopla! Music was playing and everyone was applauding and shaking their hands, including me!
This is the hall as we awaited their arrival. There were a few other dogs there as you can see on the left (look closely), but no other German shepherds and I did overhear someone say, when I walked by: "now that's a real dog!" I felt very proud in my bright red jacket. I now have a "Pease Greeter" button on my jacket to go with my patches!

Here I am with my new friends -- that's Bob the left who I met at the POW meeting and he invited us down and gave us all the info we needed to get there. The man on the right is Ed Johnson, the man who started the "Pease Greeters" group in 2005. This group meets both departing groups as well as those returning -- be sure to check out their website for lots more info. (http://www.peasegreeters.org/about.html)

This is the hallway the troops all walk down. It is lined with photos of all the groups that have been greeted there since 2005. One of the former POWs told us he had met something like 274 flights! It was a great time and I can't wait to go again! We did have our own little mishap that evening but that's a story for another day. Until then, keep our troops in your prayers -- Rocky

A Week in a Therapy Dog's Life

2009-09-10T18:10:00.000-07:00

Howdy Friends!

Well, ya know that little lump I needed to have removed from my cheek -- it got taken out, only to get a larger lump!

I know it looks like a wad of chew, or maybe an acorn for my food storage, but Dr. North checked it and said it was blood pooling there and would go away. She was right! It's going away, sure hope it's gone by Monday -- I have a big "speaking" engagement at the Veteran's Administration before a group of former POW's about my therapy dog work! Well, I didn't let it stop me from.....

Eating my most favorite unhealthy snack: Dunkin Donuts Munchkins, plain of course....or

Or eating my most favorite heathy snack: the last of this season's blackberries, with my dad.

Guess, who had to get in on the act? Hmm, I guess that's what little sisters do...copy their big brothers!

And most of all, I didn't let it stop me from doing what I do best! Therapy dog work! Here I am visiting at the NH Veteran's Home!

Yup, that's me with my mom, my grammy, and my grammy's nurse, Nancy. Nancy's from the South, just like me -- I just love hearing her accent, reminds me of my friends back in NC!

I just love being a Therapy Dog, does it show??

Rocky

Catch-Up Time!

2009-07-28T19:45:00.000-07:00

Howdy Friends!
Well, I'm back on line. Mom has been sidetracked a little the last couple of months. You see, my grammy who used to live with us had to move into the NH Veteran's Home. It made us all very sad, especially my grammy and my mom. But we're all doing better and I still get to see her every week when I go over to the Veteran's Home to do my therapy dog visits. In fact, I love going in to see her and I'm getting to know all her "neighbors", too!

Me & my Grammy Dee at home doing a Therapy Dog demo.

Well, would you like to see what else I've been up do? Okay, here goes!

I got to meet my double-cousin, Toby. I call him my double-cousin because first he belonged to my Aunt Mary and Uncle Dennis, then my Aunt Beth and Uncle Peter adopted him, so he's my cousin twice -- a double cousin! Me and the Painting Crew -- it was a really wet June to try to get a house painted so I saw a lot of these guys -- got to know them really well. I miss them. They did a great job!

Then no sooner did the painters leave and the tree crew showed up. We had lots of ice damage and some dead and rotting trees that had to come down. It was very noisy when these guys were here but they did a good job, even if they did have to take down one of Mom's favorite trees!

It looked good on the outside but it was rotting on the inside, so down she came!

And not even a leaf in the pool! Hey, those guys know their business!

This is great -- now I can chase Steffi even better with no tree in the way!!

And I love it when I catch her -- she thinks she's such hot stuff!

Sometimes I long for the days when I didn't have to share. Once Steffi got over her car sickness, she just took right over like she owned the rig!

Ditto Dogs -- that's what Mom calls us when we copy each other.

Now, don't get worried, nothing serious going on -- I just wanted ya'll to meet my vet, Dr. North. Well, she's one of my vets. Dr. Keenan is the other. And the pretty lady on the left is a vet-to-be. Can ya see why I don't mind going to the vet? I get the royal treatment from these ladies -- and Jeremy, too, at Meadow Pond Animal Hospital. I'm going back in next week to get my teeth cleaned up and a little lump taken out of my cheek. Again, nothing serious -- I had it biopsied and it's not cancer. It shrinks when I take antibiotics but doesn't disappear, so the ladies said we better take it out. Maybe I'll opt for a little lypo around the middle while I'm at it. The diet doesn't seem to be working. Hey, speaking of diet, look at my newest favorite treat!

Dad taught me how to pick blackberries and boy do I love them! See Dr. Keenan, I do try to eat healthy snacks! See that black one I'm going after!

Hey, there's some big black, juicy ones in here! I better get them before Gina does!

And now for a little down time...

Ahh, peace and quiet! Nothing better than a few zzz's by the pool on a hot summer day. I'm actually not a pool dog -- too much chlorine, I prefer the brook down in the woods behind our house where Dad takes Steffi & me. Well, that's how my summer is going. How about yours?? Rocky

Happy Together

2009-06-09T16:44:00.001-07:00

Howdy Friends!

Life is good. Steffi and I are becoming fast friends. Just look at us here, snoozing on a warm Saturday afternoon.

Me and Steffi napping in the gazebo.

It hasn't been all play and no work, though. I've been visiting the NH Veteran's Home on Sunday afternoons. The past two weeks I made some new friends in the dementia units. Those people just love me and I love them.

Today I went to my dad's office in Massachusetts. Well, I didn't actually go inside but I did go for the ride and that's really all I care about. I love to ride -- nothing better than feeling that wind against your face. Look here, can ya tell how happy I am?

Mom and Dad don't let me ride like this very much, just when we're going slow on our dirt road. Mom says I'll get a bug in my eye. Heck, I say it's worth the risk.

They say it's June, but ya know, I'm a North Carolina dog and if this weather is June, then I'll eat my collar. Where are the hot, sunny days that I love? My idea of summer is soaking up some rays in the driveway or on the deck.
Speaking of the deck, I've found some new friends this week right here at home. Dad's having the house and everything painted and I love hanging out with those painters. Mom says it's because I'm a man's dog. It's true, something about a man and a pick-up truck that I just love! Hey, see that pool cover there? Well I'm not used to some of these things and when Dad let me out of the gazebo, I thought I could walk right across that green thing -- a shortcut, ya know. What a surprise that was when all of sudden my front legs sunk about a foot -- where the heck did all that water come from? Dad was cool, though -- didn't get upset or scare me and I just stepped back onto firmer ground. Too bad Mom wasn't there with the camera. Well, ya'all have a great week now and send some warm weather this way! Rocky

Happy News -- Meet Steffi!

2009-06-02T19:03:00.000-07:00

Howdy Friends!
Check out our newest member of the family!

This is my new sister, Steffi. She'll be 8 months old on June 6th. Isn't she pretty?

She sure looks pretty to me! As you can see, she's almost as big as me, too! We've been having a lot of fun getting to know each other.

We've been playing in the yard. Sometimes we play rough and Mom hollars at me because Steffi gets scared. It's only dog play though. I would never hurt her, remember I'm a therapy dog.

Steffi hails from Wisconsin and comes to us via Gretchanya Kennels (thanks, Becky!) in Webster, NH (http://www.gretchanya.com/). She started out at Kenlyn Kennels in Wisconsin (http://www.kenlynkennels.com/) and she was going to be a show dog but she's missing a tooth, so Mom says she's now going to be a "show-off" instead. She has lots of champions in her family tree. In fact, her grandaddy, Dallas, is quite well-known in the German Shepherd world. Here's a photo of him at Westminster. He was on the Purina ProPlan advertisements and is the top producer in German Shepherd breed history! Just Google his name and see all the hits you get!
I've been teaching Steffi how to relax in the house. (That's been a challenge!)
I've also been helping Dad teach her how to heel. She's a very fast learner!
Here's Mom taking advantage of one of the few times she be able to hold her "baby." Good thing Mom's been going to strength training! That's 50 lbs of puppy!

Dad wasn't about to let Mom out do us! 95 lbs. of dog! Yes, Dr. Keenan, there will be less of me the next time you see me.

Steffi loves the cats almost more than Sadie did! I've tried to warn her not to get too close but I guess she's just going to have to learn the hard way.

So, as you can see...

Mom's got a smile on her face again.

Dad's happy 'cuz Mom's not crying all the time.
And I'm lonely no more!
Hope you enjoyed meeting my new sister! Oh, wait, hold on, Steffi wants to say hi!

Stay tuned for more fun times ahead.

Rocky and Steffi

And Then There Was One

2009-05-17T15:18:00.001-07:00

Hello Friends -- sad news to report:

Me, Sadie & Bud

Me and Bud

Yup, just me.

Things are a little sad around here. My pack is now just me. Bud joined Sadie at the Rainbow Bridge yesterday, Saturday, May 16 -- two months to the day that Sadie died. At 11 years old, he fought a good fight but the cancer was too much for him in the end. Mom and Dad are very sad. I'm a bit down, myself. I loved Sadie, she was so nice to me and then she got sick. After Sadie crossed the Rainbow Bridge, Bud and I started to become pretty good buddies -- pun intended. We were having pee & scratch contests. And we'd both gang up on the chipmunks when they peeped at us. Bud still wasn't crazy about sharing his toys, but that was okay with me. Then I noticed Bud was starting to slow down a bit. Mom told me he was sick, too. I'll never know why cancer took both my new sister and brother so quickly and so soon together. I never had a brother and sister before I came to NH, except for my foster family in NC. I was so happy to have my own brother and sister -- I wish I could have known them longer. Here's a little photo tribute to them both and may they both be chasing lots of chipmunks along the stonewalls in the fields at the Rainbow Bridge. Mom says things will get better, so stay tuned for some happy news. Sadie and Bud -- till we meet again...run hard! Rocky

Rocky In Lights!

2009-04-10T16:38:00.000-07:00

Howdy Friends

Rocky on the sign at Tilton AutoServe

It's me, the Rock. I know it's been a while since I've been online, sorry. We've had quite a month, these last four weeks. I'll start with the good news -- I won first place in the Dog Category of the Tilton-Northfield Rotary Pet Photo Contest, and yes, that's me up there in lights -- high atop the sign at the Tilton AutoServe! Can you believe it?? A local car dealership put the winners' pictures on their sign -- how cool is that??? I got 484 votes. I had a lot of people helping me and we raised $255 for the Rotary Scholarship Fund. Mom says that will help kids go to college. I think that's great because I went to Carolyn's Canine College and it was lots of fun! Everyone should get a chance to go to college!!

Mom and Sadie -- happier times.

Now for the sad news. My GSD sister, Sadie Sue, died on March 16th from cancer, the day before mom's birthday. She was 10 1/2 years old. We had only found out about the cancer on March 7th, so it was quite a shock. I could tell she was slowing down but Mom thought it was her thyroid and arthritis. She stayed active up until a few days before she died. Even though she was weak she still kept chasing the cats in the house. She loved cats more than anything in the world! I miss Sadie. She was always nice to me and we used to hang out in the sunroom together after Gina left in the afternoon. Mom was very sad so I was her personal therapy dog through it all helping her to feel better. She is still sad and we all miss Sadie very much. Above is one of Mom's favorite photos of Sadie. It was taken on her 9th birthday -- July 5, 2007. Mom says we all need to wear the birthday hat on our birthdays and Sadie didn't like to wear it.

Bud wearing the birthday hat on his birthday, April 1st.

Now for more sad news. My GSD brother, Bud, was diagnosed with lymphoma on March 28th. He just turned 11 years old. He is taking prednizone to help shrink his lymph nodes. He seems to feel okay and we've been getting along really good. Here's a picture of Bud on his birthday just last week. Mom is sad and says we need to treat Bud like a king, so I try not to push through the door ahead of him and I let him get the treats first. Mom says we don't know how long he will be feeling okay, so we are making sure we love him lots each and every day. Come to think of it, that's how we should treat everyone we love. Whether they are sick or not, we should love them lots each and every day because we never know what tomorrow might bring. I hope Bud keeps feeling good -- we have fun seeing who can scratch the dirt the furthest after we go pee. Today, Bud won. Well, that's enough news for now. Keep watching my blog as I visited a school today and I'll be posting about that soon with photos. Until then, give an extra hug to everyone you love and especially, if you can, "HugAK9" Rocky

Life is Full of Ups and Downs

2009-03-09T18:42:00.000-07:00

Howdy Folks! Well, it was a year ago today that I made that long ride from NC to NH to begin my new life! And just look at me now. Look at the difference a year can make -- from a frightened dog, not sure of where I was going, to a confident Therapy Dog!

My week started out great. Here I am in my first Tail Waggin' Tutors therapy dog session with a group of friends who came to visit me. Check out my special "reading" blanket that I have. It's really cool with dogs, bones, fire hydrants and paw prints all over it and just perfect for me to sit on while I'm being read to.

On Friday, I got a special package in the mail -- a book! Not just any book though, this book is called Planet of the Dogs and it's a special story about dogs coming to planet earth. I can't wait to have someone read it to me! I got it from some new friends that found me through my blog. (http://www.planetofthedogs.net)/ Just goes to show you never know who will find you on the web!

Saturday things weren't so good. My dog sister, Sadie, went to the vet for a check-up after being on some meds for her thyroid and elevated white blood cells. She had also put on a little pot belly since her visit last month and the vet didn't like the looks of it, so they took an x-ray. The x-ray showed a large mass in her abdomen. The vet suspected cancer.

Today Mom and Dad took Sadie to a specialist for an ultrasound which confirmed an aggressive form of cancer called hemangiosarcoma. She's acting okay right now but it looks like it has spread to her liver, which is typically what happens. The vet today said it is very common in us large breeds and surgery is not very successful. Boy, I sure hope I never get it! Mom says we're just going to treat Sadie like a queen (so what else is new?) for the rest of her days. Sadie says she feeling fine right now and she's just going to keep on chewing her Nylabone and no one better try to take it from her! I'm going to miss her and I know my Mom will because she's already very sad. I can see that I've really got my work cut out for me as a therapy dog. Heck, I'll probably need my own therapy dog, too! Well, this is how I see it -- my Uncle Ryan, who's a Major on a B-1 Bomber, has this on his license plate: LV42DY, which stands for "Live for Today" and that's just what we'll all be doing around here -- that and waiting on Sadie hand and paw! Catch up with ya'll next week! Rocky

Just Keeps Getting Deeper!

2009-03-02T18:49:00.001-08:00

Welcome to My World -- New England!

Would you believe this is my walkway? I've never seen so much of this white stuff! Where did my path go? It snowed all night and all day today. A 'Nor'easter' they call it -- boy am I glad I don't have to shovel! I sure did have fun running in it, though. I took one corner a little too fast and slid right down into the snowbank on my side -- snow crashed down all around me like an avalanche! That would have been a great picture.

Look at Bud on the left -- Doesn't he know I was at the door first? He is always pushing his way through to be first -- Didn't anyone teach him any manners?? He even pushes Sadie out of the way and she's a lady -- no manners, I tell ya. Well, today sure was fun -- I hope we get another Nor'easter soon! Have fun playing in the snow -- I know I will! Rocky

Snow, Snow and More Snow!

2009-02-23T20:03:00.000-08:00

Howdy Friends! Let us in! That's what Sadie was saying but Mom just laughed and took our picture! She said we looked like a snowdog train -- whatever that is! All I know is my feet were getting mighty cold and the snow was piling up...on our backs!

I don't think I've introduced you to my feline family -- that's Chloe on the Shaker chair -- the one Sadie is bugging. As you can see I'm getting out of the way, I sure don't want to be in the middle when the claws start come out and the fur starts flying! Behind me in the red chair is Eddie, the orange tiger, and Annie, the grey tabby. I have two more feline brothers -- Jack and Sam, but you'll have to wait for another time to meet them. The room was getting pretty crowded with the just five of us as you can see!

Here I am relaxing with Bud. He's not such a bad guy as long as you let him think he's top dog, which is fine with me because I'm the one who gets to go for rides with Dad -- it's a good trade-off, I'd say. Being the Southern gentleman that I am, I respect the fact that he was here first and just let him have his way. It was a quiet weekend for us -- didn't make it to the Veteran's Home due to snow but hope to get there next week. Speaking of snow, check out these pictures of our road taken this morning! I'm sure glad no trees fell down on my Mom as she drove through! Ya'll have a great week now, ya hear! Rocky

Love At First Sight 1 Year Ago Today

2009-02-16T18:45:00.001-08:00

Howdy Friends!

It's been one year since I met my new mom and dad -- one year ago today, February 16th! And what a year it has been! Little did I know when Foster Bob took me to Petco that sunny Saturday morning how much my life was about to change. Before long I was on my way to a new home 1000 miles away and a new life as a Therapy Dog.

It's been an exciting week -- I've been visiting all my friends at the NH Veteran's Home on Sunday afternoons -- seems I've been arriving just in time to join in on the sing-a-longs in the dining hall. This past Sunday, they sang "Hey Good Lookin" just as I walked in -- everyone is always saying how beautiful I am, so mom said it was my song.

Tuesday evening I did my first "Therapy Dog Demo" for a youth group at Mom and Dad's church. That was so much fun -- I got to pretend like I was being tested again for therapy dog work so everyone could see what I needed to be able to do in order to become certified. The teenagers took part in the demo and had a good time putting me through my paces. Then I got to see them all again last night when they came over to my house for BYD with my dad -- they were all so happy to see me and I just loved all the attention.

Today Mom scheduled another event for me -- a local preschool called and wants me to come in to visit the class in April and talk about being a therapy dog. I'll keep you posted on that event as it gets closer.

Look at me go! Just kidding -- I'd love to be running with this team, though! That looks like a blast! My mom wouldn't let me go to the World Championship Sled Dog races that were held this weekend in our area. She said it was not a dog spectator sport as I would distract the teams, so she went and took this picture for me. They sure must be tired after that run! Well, hope ya'll have a great week, I know I will! Rocky

A Long Quiet Week

2009-02-04T18:13:00.000-08:00

Howdy Friends!

Well, I sure am glad last week is over! It was a very long, quiet week because Mom and Dad went on vacation to Utah and guess who stayed home! Yup, you got it. There's Mom waving at me.

Here's Dad skiing on the slopes of Snowbird. He said he missed me, but you wouldn't guess it by this picture. Gina stayed with us all week so everyone could stay at home -- no kennel for anyone this time. That was nice, but I sure did miss riding in my Dad's truck. Before they left, I did go on a very long ride to Massachusetts to my Dad's office. That was lots of fun. At first I thought we might be headed back to NC! Then on Sunday, Mom and I went over to the Veteran's Home. I got 3 treats from my new friends who live and work there. My last stop before I leave is always the Security Office. They always have treats for me -- I think they'd really like to have me riding around patrolling with them. Well, that's all for now -- just glad to have Mom and Dad back and life back to normal. Ya'll have a great week -- Rocky

Wicked Cold!

2009-01-20T18:21:00.000-08:00

Howdy Friends!
It's been wicked cold here, so I've been staying inside! Wicked -- that's a new word I've learned since moving to NH. Mom says it means: really, really, really, really something, like really, really, really, really cold! The other morning it was 21 below zero! Now that's wicked cold! Things can be wicked good, too, like when talking about my new food -- Taste of the Wild! It's full of salmon, sweet potatoes, blueberries and lots of other good stuff. Mom says Dad just bought it because it has wolves on the package. I'm just glad he bought it! It's wicked good!

On these wicked cold days, I don't go out much, except to go riding in the truck with my Dad -- I wicked love going for rides! (Mom says I shouldn't use wicked that way but I'm gonna anyways -- it's my blog.) So when I'm not riding around, I'm sunning myself in the sunroom deaming about riding in the truck. Oh, sorry 'bout the dog slobber on the window, must have been when one of us was drooling over the cats!

Speaking of dreams -- this is my new bed! I love my new bed, it's just like Bud's. Whenever I got on his he would give me the evil eye until I got up and moved, so Dad went and got me my own. I had another bed but I didn't like it as much as this one. This one is nice and thick and cushiony. And I love the pillow -- can you tell?

Ahah! Fooled ya! Betcha thought this was me, right? Wrong -- it's Sadie waiting for Mom to come to bed. We do look just like real brother and sister. Sadie spends time with me in the sunroom during the day. I like Sadie! Well, cold weather and a new bed is about all I have to report on this week. Stay tuned for more adventures next week! Keep warm and sweet dreams! Rocky

2009-01-11T18:15:00.001-08:00

Howdy Friends!Here I am anxious to get going for a walk on a sunny Sunday afternoon. We got about five inches of new snow today and then the sun came out, so Mom said, "Let's go for a walk." I was so happy to go! The last thing I wanted to do was practice sit, stay for the camera! Can ya tell? It was about 28 degrees but it didn't feel too cold. I was afraid my feet were going to get cold but they didn't so I had a great time!

These are some of the elk that live down the road from my house. I really, really love to look at the elk! They remind me of the deer I saw when I was lost in the NC woods. The elk smell really good, too! I always have my nose up in the air when we walk by so I can get a really good whiff!
I guess I must have scared them as pretty soon all the big elk began to herd the little ones up and the big elk stood around the little ones and never took their eyes off me. I think I must have looked like a coyote to them! But what would a coyote being doing walking on a leash?

Here's me and Bud, well, mostly Bud, but I'm there behind him. I learned something from him that's really cool! Eating snow! When we're out with our Dad we just walk along eating snow -- it's a lot of fun. This was taken the other day before all the new snow we got. Mom doesn't like me to eat snow, so I'll have to wait until she's not around to taste this new stuff.

Oh, well, that was the highlight of my weekend -- what was yours? Have a great week! ~ Rocky

First Solo Visit A Moving Experience

2009-01-05T15:35:00.000-08:00

Hi Friends --
Well, our first solo visit to the NH Veteran's Home will be one Mom and I cherish and remember forever. We weren't even going to go yesterday because Mom was very busy and also felt we needed to practice a bit more before going solo. But later that morning, she said she got a strong impression that we needed to be there that afternoon, so she quickly groomed me and off we went. Our friend Kathy Wilson joined us to help navigate the halls of this large facility. Mom wanted for be sure to visit her friend Forrest, a former member of the WWII 10th Mountain Division. Mom had been looking forward to having me meet him from the time we began training for TD work. We found his room and went in, only to find him very sick. Mom had seen him a week ago, so she was surprised to see him so sick. He knew who we were, though, talked with us and was happy to see us. We visited for a short time and then a nurse came in to tend to Forrest, so we said we'd better go. A few hours later when we were at home, we got a phone call from Forrest's granddaughter -- Forrest wasn't expected to live much longer. Dad went over immediately to see him. When he came back, he told us that Forrest had told his son when he arrived that I had been in to visit him. I'm so glad he remembered I was there. This morning Dad got another phone call. Forrest died around 5:30 a.m. I'm so thankful my mom listened to that still, small voice and took me over to see Forrest. I hope I made his final hours on this earth a little bit brighter -- I think I did. That's what Therapy Dog work is all about. Rocky

Forrest and his late wife, Dorothy. They are now together...forever. Helaman 10:7

http://scriptures.lds.org/en/hel/10/7a

My Best Christmas Ever!

2008-12-28T15:40:00.001-08:00

Hi Friends!

Here I am on Christmas Day with my Auntie Mary and Uncle Dennis. They brought me a nice gift, all wrapped up in special holiday dog paper! At first I didn't want to rip the paper because it was so pretty. But it also smelled really good!

My Auntie Mary helped me get the box open and I got to reach right inside and pull out my own cookie! That was so much fun!
This is Bud with one of his Christmas presents he got from Gina. We all got lots of bones -- Nylabones, red squeaky Christmas bones, rawhide bones and Meatybones! We love bones.

That's Sadie helping herself to a Meaty Bone. Auntie Mary calls is 'free feeding.' We like free feeding, in fact, Bud likes it so much Mom caught him 'free feeding' out of the Meaty Bone box under the tree Sunday afternoon! Mom wasn't very happy so I guess I'm not going to try that one.

This is my dog cousin, Lola. She lives in Texas (Southern dog like me!). She's wearing the gift we sent her -- a really cool biker jacket that says "Bad to the Bone" on the back. It's perfect for her because her parents are in the Air Force, stationed at Dyess AFB. Her mom, Crystal, is a Captain (that's her there) and flies a B-1 (get it: B-one...bone) bomber and her dad is a Major and a navigator and weapons systems officer on the B-1. "Bad to the Bone" is kinda like a slogan for the B-1 because its nickname is "the bone." Auntie Mary told me Lola's going to wear her jacket when she visits the squadron with her mom and dad. I'm sure she will be a hit!! Oooh...uh-oh, maybe that wasn't the best choice of words!!! Ya'll know what I mean!

Well, what's Christmas without the gift you just can't wait to return! I know Mom meant well by getting me this camouflage hoodie, but really!! I know I feel and look like a stuffed camouflage sausage in this thing. Can't you just see how happy I am with it!?! She said it was extra large. I'm all for world trade but those Chinese just don't understand American sizes. Hoods are not my thing either! I hope this fits Sadie because it sure as heck ain't goin' back on this body, I don't care how cold it gets up here! All in all, it was a great Christmas -- my best ever!! Hope ya'll had a great Christmas, too! Rocky

Rockin' Santa

2008-12-23T19:11:00.001-08:00

Well, here I am with that special person I told you I met. Now, I know this isn't the real Santa Claus, this is just one of his helpers and he was raising money for the Franklin NH Animal Shelter. He's a real cool Santa, can ya tell by the shades? Also, this was at the Tractor Supply Store, my Dad's favorite store. It's almost as good as Petco! Get a load of that horse behind me, ain't no reindeer here! If I look scared, it's not because I'm a sissy and afraid of Santa like some pups. No, I was a little concerned because the guy's got a grip on my neck like he was going to strangle me or something. I kept looking at my mom for help and all she'd say was: put you ears up, put your ears up! Lot of help she was! It was fun just the same and I got to get a munchkin at Dunkin' Donuts afterwards -- that was the best part! Merry Christmas to ya'll and to ya'll a good night! Rocky

Special Christmas Greeting!

2008-12-21T09:29:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas Friends!

Well, I made it! Here I am about ready to enter the NH Veteran's Home in Tilton, NH, on my first visit as a Certified Therapy Dog. I don't mean to brag, but don't I look proud and ready?? This was Monday, Dec. 15th, 1 day shy of 10 months since I met my new mom and my life changed forever. Isn't my coat sharp? It has a K9 Good Citizen patch and a Therapy Dog International patch sewn on it, and my name is embroidered on the other side. Very cool! I just loved meeting all the veterans and they loved me. I heard a lot of stories about dogs they used to have. I spent some time laying down next to men sitting in wheelchairs while they petted me, greeted others as they wheeled themselves down the hall, and I even went into private rooms and visited those who couldn't get out of bed. I also got lots of pats and attention from the nurses and other staff. It was so much fun! I can't wait to go again!

It has been a very busy week -- first my TD visit, then up went the Christmas tree! Now, just so you don't think I'm a sticking my tongue out at you, I want you to know this is how dogs blow kisses to everyone! How else would I send kisses your way? Afterall, dogs don't pucker up, right? So this is a Christmas kiss to all my friends!

Then the snow started arriving --

I'm so excited, we are definitely going to have a white Christmas and I'm loving all this snow! I've never seen so much snow -- it's like it hasn't stopped since Friday and this is Sunday! Mom says we're getting another foot today, of snow that is! At this rate, all you'll see of me is the tips of my ears!

It's getting sooo deep, I can hardly do you know what! Now I know why Sadie & Bud just do it in the driveway!! Very disgusting but it sure is easier than this! I guess when in New England, do as the New Englanders do. Can't believe my dad took my picture!

Check this next one out -- I'm practicing for the World Championship Sled Dog Races! Mom says they are held right here in the Lakes Region in February! I think I could make an awesome lead dog! Look at that form, will ya! (Click on photo to zoom in.)

Well, I also met a special person this week but you'll have to check back in another day or so to find out more about that! In the meantime, I'm going to hunker down next to the fire and dream about all those goodies I hope to get for Christmas! Hope ya'll have a great week and a very Merry Christmas! Don't forget to check back soon for a picture of me and my special friend! Love ya'll -- Rocky

Ice Storm of 08

2008-12-14T12:53:00.000-08:00

Howdy Friends!

Well, this sure isn't a Christmas tree we're rocking around. Nope, this is just one of a few trees that came down Friday night in my yard during that ice storm.

We used to have a nice little shade tree growing inside our kennel and, well, as you can see, it's gone now, too, along with a real nice apple tree that got clobbered by another tree,

Good thing Dad's got a chainsaw! We also lost power for about 12 hours but Dad has a nice generator that kicks on as soon as the power goes out, so I was down right cozy the whole time. Well, except for when nature called -- it was very wet and slippery making those little trips outside. It's times like that when I envy the cats!

Sorry, I've been "off line" for a while. Mom's been really busy at her job and also selling children's books at holiday fairs and home shows.

The shopping season is winding down now, so she'll be around more to help me stay connected with ya'll. In fact, Mom took tomorrow off as it is a special day for me -- one I've been preparing for since March. I don't want to say too much, except keep an eye on the blog for pictures of my next big adventure!! Hope ya'll take time to enjoy the Christmas season with your family and friends. I sure am -- especially when I think of how lonely I was this time last year all alone in the woods of North Carolina. Boy, what a difference a year can make! Ya'll stay warm now, and God Bless! Rocky

So Thankful!

2008-11-23T19:46:00.001-08:00

I have so much to be thankful for!

First, is my Foster Dad, Bob Armstrong in Mooresville, NC. Look at how scared I looked that day I had to leave. I didn't want to leave him and I know he hated to see me go. Little did I know that I had nothing to be afraid of because Foster Bob had found me a wonderful home! And if I hadn't left, he might not have found Baron, my foster brother. That's him above, isn't he handsome? (I could use some of that long hair up here in NH!) I've never met him but I feel like I know him already. We've got lots in common -- we were both lost, we both had heartworm and we both had Foster Bob to nurse us back to health! Baron is over his heartworm treatments and is now starting search and rescue training. How cool is that? Heck, if I ever get lost again, Foster Bob could bring Baron up to help find me! Now, don't worry, I'm not planning on getting lost again!

Look at me know -- happy and healthy! That reminds me of another thing I'm thankful for. My x-rays came back fine -- Dr. North says she doesn't think I have an ACL injury and my hips are in fine shape, too! She thinks it was a muscle injury. She's sending the x-rays off for a second look by a specialist just to make sure. She's so nice! I got kind of upset when Dad left me behind there last Friday for my appointment, but all the nice people there made me feel right at home and took great care of me! Thanks so much to Dr. North and her staff at Meadow Pond Animal Hospital, they are the greatest!

I could go on and on, I have so many things to be thankful for this year, but ever since last week, all I've been able to think about is turkey! Why last week? Well, take a look. Mom counted 29 turkeys right in our back yard. I watched them from the window with my cat brother Eddie. There were so many Mom couldn't fit them all in the pictures that she took from the window. There were turkeys everywhere!

Hopefully, I'll get a little taste of turkey this week, until then I'll just dream about them and be thankful that I'm no longer in the woods trying to catch one to survive! Hope ya'll have a wonderful Thanksgiving and remember to count your blessings! Rocky

BRRRRRR! It's Getting Cold Up Here!

2008-11-17T16:35:00.000-08:00

Howdy Friends! Okay, okay, it's not Alaska, but it sure feels like it could be! My mom might be used to this cold, white stuff, but ya gotta remember, I'm a Southern Boy. Heck, I don't even know what a winter coat is, yet alone grow one! Here we are at Cannon Mt. Ski Area in NH's White Mountains -- and they are getting white! It was 30 degrees and spitting snow! I'm still not doing much walking, so we took off for a ride on Veteran's Day. I love riding!

Check out those slopes! Dad got new skiis this year -- I sure hope he knows what he's doing and doesn't hurt his ACL or we'll both be laid up!Get a load of those snow tires! I didn't even dare pee on them for fear they'd attack me! They must have some mean driving conditions up here on Mt. Washington -- never saw anything like that in NC.

Now this is the kind of bridge I like -- covered and cozy! The wind can blow and the snow can fall, but I'm nice and dry walking along this highly photographed covered bridge in Jackson, NH. Sure hope you liked my little Veteran's Day travel log as much as I enjoyed it...well, except that cold white stuff! Hope ya'll have a great week -- I'm headed off tomorrow for a second opinion on my leg and probably x-rays on Thursday or Friday. Mom is checking into a leg brace that might help stabilize my knee so it will heal faster and avoid surgery. Wish me luck and I'll keep ya'll posted. Rocky

Recuperating

2008-11-03T19:00:00.000-08:00

Now don't get worried I'm not sick, I'm just taking it easy and resting my leg. You see, last week, there was a little scuffle between me and Bud. Nothing serious, just Bud exerting his status as the pack leader. Since he's kinda old, I go easy on him but I don't necessarily back down when he starts something and this time I guess I twisted my bad leg. Mom was worried I might need to have surgery, so Dad took me to see Dr. MacDonald who said I must have re-injured my old ACL injury. He said if it was torn it all the way, I wouldn't be using my leg but I'm using it fine. It only hurt when I tried to jump up on something or run up the stairs, and it made me cry a couple of times. Doc M. gave me a pain killer, but I only needed it one time. Doc said I just needed to go easy for a few days and take my pain killer if I needed it, so that's what I've been doing. It's been kind of fun because Dad's been lifting me up into the car or truck so I can still go places. But we haven't been walking much and I miss that a lot. I've also had time to be thinking a lot about my old life in North Carolina. I sure hope my friends are all doing okay. Well, another few days of R & R and I should be good as new. In the meantime, as I lay around watching TV all day, I'm getting tired of all these political ads. So I just hope everyone goes out and votes so we can get this here election stuff behind us! Hope ya'll have a great week -- Rocky

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-27T17:57:00.000-07:00

Trick or Treat! Okay, this is as scarey as it's going to get for me!

No, this is not Minnie Pearl, this is Sadie in her Halloween Cowgirl hat!

Bud, the show-off -- thinks he looks pretty dapper.

Okay, so my costume's not very scarey and my hat's not on nice and straight like Bud & Sadie, what can I say! You're lucky you saw me in one at all -- costumes are not my thing and, if you ask me, German shepherds were given big ears so they'd never have to wear hats! But my mom is very persistent and you should have seen how many times I stomped on my Dad's cowboy hat before she finally got this photo with it on me. She tried to get me to wear her cowboy boots, but I put my paw down on that one! I'm usually a pretty cooperative guy, but I can be very uncooperative when I want to, too! There's one thing I am looking forward to wearing, though, and that's my red Therapy Dog coat -- now that I will proudly wear! I got to try it on but it was a little too big, so back it went for some alterations. Not only do I look sharp in it, it's going to help keep me warm. I'm not used to all this cold weather, ya know. I can't wait for ya'll to see me in it! It's even going to have my name embroidered on it. How cool is that!?! Well, hope ya'll have a great week and get lots of goodies for Halloween. Rocky

Fall Fun in NH!

2008-10-20T18:06:00.000-07:00

Howdy Friends!

Have ya missed me? Sorry I'm a little behind in posting my latest happenings, Mom's been busy with book shows, exercise classes, and working, but we've been making the most of our weekends. So let's do some catching up!

First, I went to the NH Humane Society Dogtoberfest -- I met some new friends there while Mom & Dad saw some old friends:

These are the Alden's -- Mrs. Alden is the widow of Sheriff Don Alden who Mom & Dad worked for when they first met at the Belknap County Sheriff's Department. The man in blue is Frank -- he worked at the Jail back then. By the sounds of it, those were the good old days. I especially liked hearing about Dad's K-9 Patrol Dog, Pal, who was known to chew up a cruiser now and then!

Then we were off to Hackleboro Apple Orchard in Canterbury. I'm not much for apples, but I did get a nice dog treat from a lady there.

Then it was back home to just enjoy the awesome colors of fall in NH. I sure wish my friends in NC could see how pretty it gets up here!

I'm on the far left here with Bud in the middle and Sadie on the right.

And there's me and Dad walking down into my yard from the woods. I just love walking in the woods with my Dad. It reminds me of my walks with Foster Bob back in NC -- male bonding time, if ya know what I mean.

Here's Bud and me -- Sadie hates to sit for a picture, so she took off.

I finally couldn't resist just laying down and relaxing on this great sunny Saturday. After all the excitement, I was just dog-tired!

And here's a shot of Mt. Washington

and then our driveway, as I'm headed out for a walk.

Hope you enjoyed seeing a little bit of my world as much as I enjoyed sharing it. I think I must be the luckiest dog in the world! Stay tuned for the latest on my therapy dog work -- I got my official ID card last week, so you will soon be reading about my important work ahead. And remember, like my Mom's license plate says: hugak9! Rocky

Mug Shot!

2008-09-29T18:00:00.000-07:00

Howdy Friends!

My mom needed to take my picture for my Therapy Dog ID Card. I really don't like to sit for pictures -- don't know many dogs that do. She needed a face shot, so this was the best I could give her. Can you see me smiling? She nearly blinded me with that flash! And, no, I don't have a white mustache like it appears. Why, it makes me look like I'm in one of those "got milk" ads! Must have been that darn flash!

I can't wait to get my ID tag, then there'll be nothing stopping me from carrying out my mission in life. In the meantime, I'm practicing with my grammy-- check this out. She's 87 and blind, and lives with us. I always make sure I am very gentle with her and she loves me in return. I just know I'm going to love being a Therapy Dog!! Ya'll have a great week now! Rocky

BYD & Me!

2008-09-22T18:25:00.001-07:00

Howdy Friends!

I just love the 3rd Sunday because that means all the teenagers from church come over to see me. Well, they don't actually come to see me. You see, for those of you who don't know, my dad is the Bishop of the Laconia Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and every 3rd Sunday night he holds a Bishop's Youth Discussion (BYD for short) in our home. I sneak in and listen, and soak up all the pats and hugs I can get. As you can see, I'm getting quite a bit of attention here! And this is just half the group! Can you tell I just love these kids? They're the greatest! Hope ya'll have a great week. Rocky

You Won't Believe This One!

2008-09-18T19:13:00.000-07:00

Howdy Folks!
This is me last weekend trying to catch up with my dad who was in the paddle boat over at the Iacopucci Resort. The water was nice but it would have been more fun if someone had actually been in the water with me. It's probably my last swim for the season -- we may get a frost tonight! It sure cools off fast up here in NH! I'm sure swimming days are no where near over in NC.

I want to thank all of you who leave me comments and I can't wait to meet ya'll. Now I know some of you have said my blog has brought a tear or two to your eyes. Well, get the whole box of tissues out for this one. My story can't even compare to this one here that my dad shared with me. It shows you just how amazing dogs can be if they are just given a chance. Click on this here link, and if you don't have a tissue handy, it's not because I didn't warn ya. Rocky
http://www.faiththedog.net/video.asp

It's Nascar Time!

2008-09-13T19:26:00.000-07:00

Yup, that's me at the Sylvania 300 right here in NH! I know, I know -- I look a little small next to that sign, and that's not even the big sign at the main entrance. But I wanted you to see these nice new signs. Mom says this Mr. Smith guy has really spiffed up this place since taking it over. I never saw it before but it sure looks pretty now! I'm not surprised, after all, now ya'll know I come from Nascar country, right? That's right, Mooresville, NC -- Earnhardt country to be exact. You can't get any closer to Nascar than that! And when it comes to racing, they know how to do things right down there. So this is a big howdy to all my fellow NC Nascar fans!

When my mom started telling me about all the big rigs pulling into town from Conover, Concord, and all those places, man, I just couldn't stay away. I had to at least make an appearance, so my mom and dad took me down so I could show-off my Nascar pride. I know it's hard to see it, but I'm wearing a real nice bandanna -- white with a big orange #88 on it for Dale Jr. Now, tomorrow's Sunday, so I won't be at the race, but I'll be able to hear it from my yard and I'll be wearing my bandanna showing my support for Jr.

Maybe it was the bandanna, I'm not sure, but everyone who saw me was saying how nice-looking I was. These guys here even let me join in on their tailgate party! How cool is that? Check 'em out -- my new friends from Nova Scotia -- Nascar fans and dog lovers, too -- doesn't get much better than that!

Vendors were inviting me into their tents and everything! Then I saw this here #3 blanket that I really, really, really wanted for my bed. But my mom said Buddy and Sadie would be way too jealous if I came home with a new bed, so I had to settle for just a picture of me in front of it. It's pretty, eh? (Picked up the "eh" from partying with my Canadian friends.) I just know I'm gonna to be dreamin' about this blanket, why I'd probably feel like I as right back in Mooresville, if I had this for a bed. Well, maybe next year...or maybe I'll ask Santa Claus!

Hope ya'll had as much fun today as I did! Oh, and don't forget to root for Jr. tomorrow! Rocky

It's Official!

2008-09-11T18:35:00.000-07:00

I made it! I'm officially a TDI Certified Therapy Dog and an AKC Canine Good Citizen. Imagine, all those letters after my name -- who would have thought this a year ago! Well, I haven't actually got my ID tag or my special jacket with fancy patches yet, but I did pass my test! Tonight was the night and mom said I passed with flying colors! I thought she was sad when I finished the test because she started to cry, but then she told me she was so happy because I had come so far from being shot with a BB, lost in the woods and sick with heartworm to now being a Therapy Dog. I owe this all to all of you who wished me well, said a little prayer, and especially to my special angels in North Carolina -- Bob, Denese, Marilyn, the unknown girl who first rescued me from the woods, and the vet staff at Animal Hospital of Statesville! And, of course, Sheila. I hope I have done you all proud! Mom got a special cake and Tex's mom, Renee, brought sparkling cider to mark the occasion and also honor all service dogs that served at Ground Zero and the Pentagon 7 years ago today. My Aunt Mary also brought me a special gift -- a BBQ ribs chew toy. She said she knew I was missing some of that Southern BBQ and she was right! Joining me in getting their TDI certification was my new friend, Tex, a chocolate lab from NY and NH (more on him later); Moose, a chocolate lab from VT, and Quimby, a terrier from Peterborough. They are all there in the picture with me, along with others who helped out with the testing. Special thanks to Carolyn Bancroft, who certified me. I had a great time and even better times lie ahead as I carry out my mission in life. Rocky

Saturday Fun

2008-09-06T19:32:00.000-07:00

I love weekends! All week long when my mom and dad go off to work I count the days until Saturday because I know we get to hang out together then. Here are some pictures of me having fun today. You'll see the three of us here: there's Bud, my dog brother that I'm sitting next to. He's a little lighter color than me. And that's Sadie, my dog sister laying down. She and I look a lot alike, don't we? Just like we were real brother and sister! We all hate to sit and have our pictures taken but we do it to make our mom happy. Look at me running and jumping! Not bad for dog that had heartworm, eh? I love to run in my big yard! Mom calls me Rocketman when I run fast like that! Rocky

Labor Day Fun

2008-09-01T12:07:00.000-07:00

I've been having a great long weekend with my mom and dad -- staying up late, sleeping late! Yesterday, Mom and I went for a walk in the afternoon down our country road to the cemetary, and I had a chance to practice my therapy dog work. We saw an elderly man by himself sitting on a bench near a grave looking very lonely. So Mom and I went over to see if he might like someone to chat with. He seemed happy to have us stop by -- he was visiting his wife's grave; she died in 2005. We visited for quite a while, so long I finally just laid down and took a nap. It was a nice day to be outside, so I didn't mind and it was nice to make a new friend. Then in the evening we went to the band concert in Tilton. There were a lot of people there and we had a good time listening to the bluegrass band on the river island. It was all I could do to keep from joining in on some of those high notes! Hope ya'll had a great weekend, too! Rocky

Latest Happenings

2008-08-28T20:56:00.000-07:00

Life is such an adventure! Two weeks ago, on a warm Saturday morning, I joined my mom and dad, aunt and uncle, and cousins and friends and we all climbed a leg of the Appalachian Trail right here in NH. I suppose if I had wanted I could have turned and headed south and it would have brought me right back to NC...eventually! But, no, NH is home for me now. I met my cousins, Tyler and Shannon, that day and I walked with them quite a ways. I was a little nervous whenever I couldn't see my dad because I didn't want him to get lost in the woods. Been there, done that and didn't want it to happen to him! Tyler and Shannon are very nice -- check out the picture of Tyler giving me another set of ears -- like mine aren't big enough already! We were on a very important mission that day and I was honored to be invited along. I can't wait to see Tyler and Shannon again -- next time, I see them we'll be on a therapy dog assignment at the Glencliff Home where Ty and Shannon's mom works -- Can't wait to meet her! Oh! Speaking of therapy dog work -- I've got my date for my evaluation: September 11th. I'm excited it's on that day as I've decided I will do it in honor of all the service dogs that helped at Ground Zero. If I can be half the dog they all were, I'll consider myself a success! The Rock

Special News

2008-08-22T20:07:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends -- Today is my special day! My dad took me to the vet for my 6-month heartworm test to see if I was cured of that awful disease. Just the thought of worms in my heart disgusts me -- ugh! Well, great news -- I'm heartworm free. Being treated for heartworm back in my home state was no picnic, but it worked! Now I can be scheduled for my Therapy Dogs International evaluation and get on with my mission in life! I am forever grateful to Bob, my foster dad, and Forever Home Canine Rescue for saving my life! I love you, Bob and Denese!