Dog of the Month, March 2019: Rocky
Fierce, mighty Rocky, a 10-year-old Miniature Pinscher, has been taking Seattle by storm since he flew in from Wisconsin seven years ago. We are proud to honor him as the Rainier Veterinary Hospital March Dog of the Month.
Rocky found his new forever home as a gift from one family member to another after Rocky’s previous owner had to move and was unable to take him with her. After not finding a home, Rocky’s new family volunteered to give him a new life if they could get him to Seattle. Next stop a plane ride from Beaverdam, Wis., to Seattle, where he landed on St. Patrick’s Day 2012.
“Sometimes we call him Rocky Wisconsin for that very reason,” says Rocky’s mom Susan Galloway. “My husband, who is from Mexico, often calls him Mi Compadre for my friend as well as a couple other colorful names from his home country.”
Rocky has quite the obsessive personality and will not let his squeaky toys very far out of sight, even bringing them to bed with him at night.
“One time he became so attached to a bulldog squeak toy at the pet store that he tried to walk out with it in his mouth without us paying for it!” Susan remembers.
Rocky is also activated by anything that moves fast—he is a terrier after all—like joggers, skateboards, and windshield wipers. He even attacks the pipes in the downstairs bathroom when someone flushes the toilet in the upstairs bathroom.
“I think he believes the water rushing through the pipes is a rat,” laughs Susan.
More than anything, Rocky is fierce and brave. When fireworks go off, he moves toward the noise, barking. No hiding in the corner for this little guy.
His fierceness is balanced with such a sweet disposition. “He likes it on the weekends when I sit in a chair with my coffee wearing my fuzzy bathrobe,” Susan says. “He always curls up in my lap and lets out a big satisfied sigh. We feel so lucky to have gotten this little dog, we love him so!”
Rocky has been visiting Rainier Veterinary Hospital since he arrived in Seattle seven years ago. On his recent visit, Rocky had his teeth cleaned and a small lipoma in his armpit removed. He is now home doing really well and is back to his feisty little self. Here’s to a long, healthy, happy life for little Rocky!
About Our Dog of the Month Program
How our Dog of the Month program works: Each staff member provides a nomination for the distinguished honor, and then we vote. The highest vote wins! Any pup who visits us during the prior month is eligible.
