Rocco Boy

This dog filled a gap.

And he did it so well.

I was ready for a companion, but not a relationship.

I was ready for company, but wasn’t interested in opinions on how to decorate my house or having any conversations that would challenge me.

Newly divorced, for the third time, I was lonely and scared.

Enter … my new guy, Rocco.

On my kid-free nights and weekends, he and I would Netflix and chill. Only not that kind. ;) I would pour a glass of wine, put on a show and say:

Alright, dude,

assume the position.

… which meant he would hop up on the couch next to me

and snore louder than any husband I’ve ever had.

His sleeping sounds were oddly comforting - similar to a husband but without the talking & arguing. He would just snuggle ... but only if I insisted. Otherwise, he would just be content to sleep on the other end of the couch while I lost myself in another romantic comedy or drama.

This dog has officially passed the torch, but I didn’t realize this until it was time to say goodbye.

Quite literally, he filled the gap until I was ready to have a man in my life. Those of you who are newly single know what I mean about this phase of life after divorce, where you are tender and need to retreat. But you are confused and filled with fear, so time alone can be so hard.

I have had a few men come into my life briefly over the past few years and Rocco would tolerate each one - but still expect his place on the couch. He gave off this Ok, you’re here now, but this is my spot kind of a vibe.

When Dan first met Rocco, this dog sat at his feet. He finally gave up his spot on the couch as if he knew - my work here is done. Rocco looked at him with the sentiment:

I’m tapping out dude. You got this? I’m so tired.

He has been so much more than my most favorite dog. I have loved this dog more than any other in my entire life and it’s a painful goodbye, but filled with SO MUCH gratitude and love that my heart almost can’t contain it.

Except God, Universe and Angels are so good. Of course my heart has expanded to have the capacity for this much gratitude & love.

God is good.

The Universe is kind.

This human life is beautiful.

We are so lucky to have these fur babies come into our lives and in such a short time teach us about our capacity to love.

Goodbye my sweet Rocco. Job well done. Rest well, my friend.