As Rocky got older, he started having more and more “senior moments” – you could see it in his eyes. It was as if “the lights were on but nobody was home.” I never really understood that expression until I experienced it with Rocky. When “nobody was home,” he was always friendly (he never met a stranger!) but would often just look through you. But when the “lights were on”… I don’t know how to describe it. It was just so wonderful and filled my heart with joy to know in that moment he was right there – really there – with me. His light was shining so bright.
I’ve been missing Rocky quite a bit lately. These are two memories from the not-too-distant past that really make me smile, so I thought I would share.
One morning, Rocky and Jacques were outside. I went to call them inside and found them on the far side of our backyard. I watched them as I called their names. Rocky looked up and saw me, and – I swear – he smiled from ear to ear then started galloping towards me with his tail wagging and jowls flapping the entire time. Once he reached me he started circling me (like a cat does when they’re rubbing up against you) and smiling. In that moment when he first saw me, he genuinely looked so happy to see me. It made my heart melt. And watching him circle me while “smiling”… brought me sheer happiness.
Rocky… circling and smiling (while getting his butt scratched, of course)
A few weeks before Rocky crossed the Rainbow Bridge we had to confine him to the carpeted portions of our house because his legs weren’t strong enough to walk on the tile floors, meaning he could no longer greet us at the door when we came home. One afternoon I came home and saw Rocky behind the makeshift barrier that kept him off the tile. He spotted me and started barking like crazy. As I moved closer to him I could see that he was really there, really in the moment. And at that moment he was so happy to see me and I was thrilled to see him. I stepped over the barrier and was almost knocked over by his exuberance. He was so happy to see me – he whimpered and kissed my face as though I had been gone for years. His tail wagged – something I hadn’t seen in a while. I hugged him and told him how happy I was he was there and he continued to whine and kiss me in return. It was an absolutely beautiful moment. I wish that moment could’ve lasted a lot longer… but I guess that’s what makes it so special. His light was shining so bright in that moment. I am incredibly thankful that I was there for it.
My handsome boy.
Live in the moment and let your light shine. Life is doog!!!
Jacques' Dog Blog 
Yup, it’s important to treasure those moments.
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