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Bayard

(24,165 posts)
Sat Oct 12, 2024, 06:32 PM Oct 2024

We have lost Rocket, the mini-doxie

A few nights ago at 18 years old.

I got him at an ASPCA function at a Calif. Petsmart when I lived out there. He was a year old then, and had been turned in by an older man who didn't feel like he could care for him properly. I remember having him in the shopping cart while he barked excitedly all through the store.

We definitely had our ups and downs between Calif and KY, but he came through like a champ. He attached himself to Mr. Bayard like velcro when we got to KY. They went everywhere together, watched TV together, and he always slept in our bed with us.

He really slowed down in the past year, and had to start wearing diapers. He went deaf and nearly blind, and was having trouble walking. He didn't want to eat lately. I thought we should put him down a few months ago. Mr. Bayard didn't want to. He buried him with one of his squeaky balls, with his squeaky cow on top.

We both catch ourselves looking and listening for him. He was a much loved little boy, and is sorely missed.


48 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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We have lost Rocket, the mini-doxie (Original Post) Bayard Oct 2024 OP
I'm so sorry for your loss of Rocket. He looks so sweet. livetohike Oct 2024 #1
Aw, what a precious little boy. Such unique coloring. I am so sorry for your loss. LoisB Oct 2024 #2
That is a tragic loss for your family. nocoincidences Oct 2024 #3
what a little cutie pie he was Skittles Oct 2024 #4
Oh, that's so hard chowmama Oct 2024 #5
I'm so sorry. Gentle hugs to you and your husband. I understand your sorrow. AnotherMother4Peace Oct 2024 #6
It is hard to say goodbye to a family member LetMyPeopleVote Oct 2024 #7
RIP, Rocket. Ocelot II Oct 2024 #8
Deeply sorry for your loss. AltairIV Oct 2024 #9
He was so loved. Dear_Prudence Oct 2024 #10
I'm sorry for your loss. RIP Rocket. brer cat Oct 2024 #11
I am always consoled by the thought of how lucky we were to find each other. JoetheShow Oct 2024 #12
I try to remember the joy they gave us. The loss of Polly Hennessey Oct 2024 #13
I am sorry Lulu KC Oct 2024 #14
I am so sorry birdographer Oct 2024 #15
It can take a while to remember theyre not around.... Karadeniz Oct 2024 #16
I'm so sorry cate94 Oct 2024 #17
I am so very sorry. StarryNite Oct 2024 #18
I am so sorry. Diamond_Dog Oct 2024 #19
Soooooooooo sorry..... a kennedy Oct 2024 #20
So sorry for you and Mr. Bayard. ... littlemissmartypants Oct 2024 #21
I am so sorry MerrilyMerrily Oct 2024 #22
Truly sorry for your loss of Rocket..... Butterflylady Oct 2024 #23
18 years is incredible for that sweet ol' dog Blue Owl Oct 2024 #24
I'm so sorry LA Blue Bengal Oct 2024 #25
I'm deeply sorry for your loss. Mousetoescamper Oct 2024 #26
He gave you guys everything. Botany Oct 2024 #27
My favorite breed. BonnieJW Oct 2024 #28
What a cute little guy. Elessar Zappa Oct 2024 #29
He had a good long life with you montanacowboy Oct 2024 #30
I'm so sorry. onecaliberal Oct 2024 #31
I am so sorry for your loss. BlueKota Oct 2024 #32
Just the photos make me want to hug him. Hermit-The-Prog Oct 2024 #33
Im so sorry....what a sweetie. These losses never get any easier. samnsara Oct 2024 #34
so very sorry jtb653 Oct 2024 #35
So sorry! 70sEraVet Oct 2024 #36
My heart goes out to you... Trueblue Texan Oct 2024 #37
Deepest condolences to you both SheltieLover Oct 2024 #38
My deepest condolences to you and your husband. HeartsCanHope Oct 2024 #39
I am so sorry, Bayard UpInArms Oct 2024 #40
🥲 thinkingagain Oct 2024 #41
Oh man, I am SO sorry for losing your little furry baby boy. Please accept my deepest sympathies for his passing.... The_REAL_Ecumenist Oct 2024 #42
Beautiful pup..so sorry for your loss 😔 louslobbs Oct 2024 #43
I'm so very sorry, my dear friend. Duppers Oct 2024 #44
My deepest condolences. sinkingfeeling Oct 2024 #45
Lady of the Beasts, please take Your little Rocket gently home in Your loving niyad Oct 2024 #46
Thanks to all my DU friends for your kindness and understanding Bayard Oct 2024 #47
Hes adorable Figarosmom Oct 2024 #48

livetohike

(23,153 posts)
1. I'm so sorry for your loss of Rocket. He looks so sweet.
Sat Oct 12, 2024, 06:36 PM
Oct 2024

May the memories of your good times always make you smile.

nocoincidences

(2,364 posts)
3. That is a tragic loss for your family.
Sat Oct 12, 2024, 06:41 PM
Oct 2024

18 years is a long time to share your life with a pet. Losing them is so very sad after that long family membership.

Skittles

(161,204 posts)
4. what a little cutie pie he was
Sat Oct 12, 2024, 06:42 PM
Oct 2024

Grieve not
nor speak of me with tears
but laugh and talk of me
as if I were beside you
I loved you so
’twas Heaven here with you

- Isla Paschal Richardson

chowmama

(586 posts)
5. Oh, that's so hard
Sat Oct 12, 2024, 06:43 PM
Oct 2024

They should live forever, or at least as long as we do. But 18 years shows good care, and it sounds like he had a great life. Don't forget to celebrate your adventures together.

AltairIV

(713 posts)
9. Deeply sorry for your loss.
Sat Oct 12, 2024, 06:57 PM
Oct 2024

Very sorry for your loss. They give, and add so much to our lives. Hold onto those memories, may they bring a smile to your face in the years ahead.

JoetheShow

(97 posts)
12. I am always consoled by the thought of how lucky we were to find each other.
Sat Oct 12, 2024, 07:04 PM
Oct 2024

It's not enough, but it's the best I can come up with.

Polly Hennessey

(7,610 posts)
13. I try to remember the joy they gave us. The loss of
Sat Oct 12, 2024, 07:09 PM
Oct 2024

our sweet creatures is almost too difficult. He looks like he was a true “whippersnapper”. Guess that is why his name was Rocket. ❤️

birdographer

(2,598 posts)
15. I am so sorry
Sat Oct 12, 2024, 07:27 PM
Oct 2024

Based on the pictures, he looks like he was happy! I always say that if our babies could give us some last words, they would be "Thanks for everything! I had a great time!" That's what matters. I know what you are going through.

Diamond_Dog

(35,634 posts)
19. I am so sorry.
Sat Oct 12, 2024, 08:05 PM
Oct 2024

They are never with us long enough

RIP little one. You brought so much joy and love to your humans.

a kennedy

(32,618 posts)
20. Soooooooooo sorry.....
Sat Oct 12, 2024, 08:10 PM
Oct 2024

Have loved, loved all my wieners.....I have had 3.....and miss them all. But I do know they will be waiting for us over that rainbow bridge........hope I and may-be you if you’d like, to meet them all.

littlemissmartypants

(26,363 posts)
21. So sorry for you and Mr. Bayard. ...
Sat Oct 12, 2024, 08:10 PM
Oct 2024

Doxies are really special. I know the void is deafening. Hugs to you both. I hope you find comfort in your happy memories.

MerrilyMerrily

(199 posts)
22. I am so sorry
Sat Oct 12, 2024, 08:19 PM
Oct 2024

Even when they've lived a long and love-filled life, it's always so hard when it's over.

Butterflylady

(4,094 posts)
23. Truly sorry for your loss of Rocket.....
Sat Oct 12, 2024, 08:22 PM
Oct 2024

Thanks to you and your family he received the best life a fur baby could have.

Blue Owl

(55,096 posts)
24. 18 years is incredible for that sweet ol' dog
Sat Oct 12, 2024, 08:23 PM
Oct 2024

I am sure you had many happy times together and wishing you peace and gratitude for giving him a good life….

Botany

(72,923 posts)
27. He gave you guys everything.
Sat Oct 12, 2024, 08:35 PM
Oct 2024

18 years is a great run however that doesn’t take the hurt away. The more you loved
him and the more he loved you guys the more you will hurt but in the long run you guys
are so lucky to have had each other.

BonnieJW

(2,699 posts)
28. My favorite breed.
Sat Oct 12, 2024, 08:37 PM
Oct 2024

I am on my third doxie. Louis is my constant companion. He's only 4 and just had back surgery.
I'm so sorry for your loss, but how lucky Rocket was to have you. I can tell he had a great time.

montanacowboy

(6,384 posts)
30. He had a good long life with you
Sat Oct 12, 2024, 08:42 PM
Oct 2024

and happy times will be remembered always. So hard to lose them, so sorry.

samnsara

(18,354 posts)
34. Im so sorry....what a sweetie. These losses never get any easier.
Sat Oct 12, 2024, 08:58 PM
Oct 2024

I have had my grand dog for the last 5 years. Hes 14 we think. Anyway hes hospice right now. A little pound puppy rat terrier-ish. We do what we..as mere mortals... can do and they leave us much better than we were.

(((hugs)))

70sEraVet

(4,308 posts)
36. So sorry!
Sat Oct 12, 2024, 09:02 PM
Oct 2024

Its been five or six years since I lost my old buddy. Sometimes when i get up in the middle of the night, I watch where I put my foot as I get out of bed -- he used to sleep on the floor right next to me.

Trueblue Texan

(3,123 posts)
37. My heart goes out to you...
Sat Oct 12, 2024, 09:03 PM
Oct 2024

There is nothing but time for that pain, the grief is as deep as any human loss. They are so much a part of our lives, they are truly our family. Healing to you both.

The_REAL_Ecumenist

(891 posts)
42. Oh man, I am SO sorry for losing your little furry baby boy. Please accept my deepest sympathies for his passing....
Sat Oct 12, 2024, 09:44 PM
Oct 2024

he looks like a sweetest baby. I know that your hubs is going through sadness but I pray that soon both of your hearts are healed to the point where you can have a smile return when you remember the laughter you had when he did certain things, the love you have, (NOT had but HAVE) for one another & especially his "GOTCHA DAY". I honestly believe that animals, especially our furkids reincarnate to come back to us and I pray that when you're ready, he'll be back on a body that works, healthy & happy to be back with you and Mr Bayard again. He's so beautiful. Was he a Dapple? Love, Peace & Comfort to you & yours.

Duppers

(28,264 posts)
44. I'm so very sorry, my dear friend.
Sat Oct 12, 2024, 10:30 PM
Oct 2024

A piece of your heart has been torn away. I'm crying with you because I know exactly how you're feeling.

Remember this:
"And there were nights when I'd feel him
Climb upon our bed
And lie between us,
And I'd pat his head.

And there were nights when I'd feel this stare
And I'd wake up and he'd be sitting there
And I reach out my hand and stroke his hair.
And sometimes I'd feel him sigh
And I think I know the reason why.

He would wake up at night
And he would have this fear
Of the dark, of life, of lots of things,
And he'd be glad to have me near.

And now he's dead.
And there are nights when I think I feel him
Climb upon our bed and lie between us,
And I pat his head.

And there are nights when I think
I feel that stare
And I reach out my hand to stroke his hair,
But he's not there.

Oh, how I wish that wasn't so,
I'll always love a dog named Beau.*
- Jimmy Stewart

I'm crying with you and am sending love & gentle cyber hugs.

Rocket will be remembered.
💔🚀-man❤️

niyad

(121,586 posts)
46. Lady of the Beasts, please take Your little Rocket gently home in Your loving
Sun Oct 13, 2024, 10:40 AM
Oct 2024

arms, and send peace and comfort to his grieving loved ones.

I am so very sorry for the loss of your precious boy.

Bayard

(24,165 posts)
47. Thanks to all my DU friends for your kindness and understanding
Sun Oct 13, 2024, 11:20 AM
Oct 2024

Rocket would be wagging his little tail.

Figarosmom

(3,967 posts)
48. Hes adorable
Sun Oct 13, 2024, 11:43 PM
Oct 2024

Rocket was a cool name.

Sounds like his had a wonderful life of 18 years with family he loved. Can't ask for anything better rather you are a human or dog. I always felt it better to let them die at home instead of scared in a strange place if pain can be mitigated.

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