Different Hats

I thought it would be a good day to introduce the family dog, Rocket.

Rocket has been apart of our family for over six years now. He is a Jack Russel Terrier mix and originally from Puerto Rico. His Birthday is unknown so we celebrate it on the day he was adopted. Rocket was found abandoned on the streets after Hurricane Irma, and no one came looking for him. Lucky for him, he was rescued and then shipped via airplane to be sent to an animal shelter in New Jersey.

Rocket was only at the animal shelter for two weeks, that’s it! I just happen to be looking for a new dog to adopt for our family and this was the first shelter that I visited. The shelter attendant brought him outside to introduce us and it was just love at first sight. He jumped right up on to my legs and began to stretch his paws and I swear he was smiling right at me. That was it for me. I said he is the one I want to bring home and smother with love. I knew my family would adore him too.

*Fun fact: Rintin is his original name.

We went right inside the shelter and I signed all of the adoption papers. The next day we were able to pick him up and bring him to the Veterinarian for shots and all the important stuff. Rocket became a member of this family that day and will always have a special place in our hearts.

Rocket is many things: kind, gentle, sensitive, playful, curious, lazy, gluttonous, and spoiled. He enjoys spending most days sleeping in the sunlight, hiding and sleeping in the closets, and jumping up and down from the couch to the bed. He is very active during the night and likes to spend time alone watching TV. He has a sweet demeanor, he’s great with kids and people in general and anyone can approach him.

One of his favorite activities to do is sleep. Any place. Any Time. And it’s just the cutest thing. I have a collection of photos throughout the years of places he likes to sleep in. Please enjoy them!

Rocket has lots of nicknames as well, here are some of our favorites and what he responds to:

• Allen
• Cheeba
• Cheebee
• Chonka
• Grubby
• RaRa
• Ronnet
• Roxanne
• Roxetta
• Ronald

and so many others…

Toxic traits:

• Smelly breathe
• Will snatch your food off the plate

This dog was my best friend. He’s no longer here with us anymore as it was his time to cross over the rainbow bridge.

The pain of losing a pet who you just absolutely love is crippling. I know it sounds a bit pathetic, but I really loved my dog. The whole family did.

It was a hard day for the family when it was his time. It was also the first time my son was experiencing the loss of a loved one.

I spent the last final moments of Rocket’s life with him and holding his paws.

I wish there was something I could do to reverse time, give him more doggie years, but unfortunately he was old.

Now, our home is empty with no pets. The pain is still unbearable and I still call for my Cheeba every now and then hoping to hear him walk out from a closet.

Someday, our family will rescue another animal but not right now. It’s been months since he’s left but I am still in the process of accepting this.

Right now, I’m just going to appreciate the time we had with out dog.

Rocket, a good boy –