Week 2

Last night we marveled with Rocco that two weeks had passed so quickly, and that it feels like he's always been with us. We still have plenty to learn, of course, but he's still our great companion. Karl captured our first day well: http://www.roasterboy.com/2011/01/rocco.html

This week we visited Rocco's new vet, Dr. Downes, who checked him out from head to tail and gave him shots and took his blood -- and he was ever so good about these things. His doctor called us last night to let us know that his blood work is perfect. We stopped on the way home from the vet's to get his dog tag, so he's legal in Holden.

Rocco had a play date with our neighbor dog, Doyle. They ran the trails in the back yard made by the snow blower, then came in the house while their people visited. very nice.

Nicknames: Rocky, Rock Star, Roxy, Rock Meister.

Week 1

Rocco is a really nice dog. Today when strangers (Craigslist buyers and furniture refinishers) were in and out of the house all morning, he stayed in the laundry room watching us quietly through the baby gate. No barking or whining, just interest. He barks appropriately at the neighbor dogs on the other side of our fence. "Yes, I'm new here and I belong."

We received Rocco's medical information this week in the mail, just in time for his vet's appointment next week. Then, with papers in hand, he'll be able to get his dog tag in town. Very exciting. My mother wanted to hear every detail about Rocco and is happy to know that he can visit her at the nursing home.

As suggested, we bought an EZ Walker harness, but we've not tried it yet. The roads are too narrow because of the snow to be safe, so he'll get his exercise in the yard for a day or two. I'll call next week to set up some training for us.

We plan to use this blog as a post-adoption follow-up, and to share our happiness as a dog family.

Archiving Rocco

Here's how NEARR, Rocco's rescue group, described him:


Age: 9 years old
Breed: Labrador
Color: Chocolate
Sex: Neutered male
Size: 70 lbs
Exercise: Moderate
Children: Yes!
Cats: Yes!
Dogs: Yes!
Reason for Surrender: Losing home, unable to afford

Hi, I'm Rocko. I'm an older, gentle, happy dog who just loves everyone. I lived with my family my whole life, but they are having hard times and can't afford to give me the care I need, so I'm looking for a new forever home. I lived with children and loved them, so if you have children or grand-children, no worries there. I love them and they'll love me. I lived with cats, but I'm a little afraid of them. I have a canine foster sister, and we get along just fine. I like to meet new people, and have them pet me and tell me how good and handsome I am. I'm just a really good-natured boy.

My foster mom says I'm a velcro dog: I just want to be near you. I will follow you around and never try to run off. I have excellent house manners and have run of the house. I sleep in her bedroom right beside the bed. I don't have any of those bad habits like chewing or jumping. I do bark when someone comes to the door, but stop right away and greet them appropriately. I pull a little on the leash, but walk well with an EZ walk harness.

I like to go for walks and love car rides.

I have a chronic ear infection that is now being treated, and is looking much better. I also recently had several teeth removed, so my dental problems are taken care of.

Even though I'm 9 years old, I still have a lot of love to give. Please take me home with you.

Day 2 with Rocco

Such a good boy, this new dog of ours. He's 9 years old, and strong (we feel it when he's pulling us along for a walk), and friendly. The rescue agency (NEARR) folks told us that he might be shy for the first couple of weeks, but he seems very affectionate and his tail seems often wagging.
Yesterday we walked at the Alden Labs nearby, and today we walked at the rail trail in West Boylston. When we meet other dogs and people as we walk, Rocco is friendly and interested. We haven't seen him become aggressive, and he doesn't bark at others either (yet anyway). When we first arrived home with him, he barked and bayed as if talking it up or perhaps grieving the loss of his old life. Yesterday, Mike and Lynn and Cassie came to visit and welcome him to the family; he behaved like a gentleman, with just a little pillow humping to reduce stress, not always a crowd pleaser.
We're SO happy to have Rocco in our lives.