Bright Idea Outdoors Weblog

Living in Exile

Some of you may remember that my dog Rocky was banished do Camp Cowboy following an ugly incident last November. 

I don't care to relive that difficult episode, so if you want to know more, you'll have to refer to my archives.  In the meantime, Rocky is alive and well, living the good life down on the farm.  In some ways, I think he's happier there, although he still heads straight for the door of my truck every time I pull up, wagging his tail as if to say:  "I'm ready to come home now."

He'll actually be coming to stay with us for a week or so soon, and part of me hopes that the return will be permanent.  This week though, he and I are getting the opportunity to hang out together while I tend to the horses.

 

Rocky Update

It's been more than three weeks since the biting incident that led to the exile of my dog Rocky to Camp Cowboy.  It looks like he won't be coming back here for sure now, and we're still hoping to find him the right home instead of taking him to the pound.

After the incident, in which he bit my seven-year-old son, we felt strongly that Rocky could never return here to live.  My wife and I were starting to become convinced that we could take him back, however, until today when I took Rocky to the vet.

I told the doctor the story, and she observed Rocky for only a short time before telling me that my first instinct was right.  This dog is not meant to live in a house with kids.  As difficult as it might be, Rocky has to go.  If you know anyone who might want the commitment taking Rocky would entail, please let me know right away.  In many ways he is a very good dog and would make a great companion for the right owner.

The loss of Rocky is another painful episode in a year that for my family has been marked by some big disappointments and strokes of bad luck.  I'm thankful for the good times we had with Rocky, and I know that, in general, things could be a lot worse.  Still, I'm ready for 2009 to be over.  I'd like to get to 2010 before anything else bad happens.

Dog Seeking Farm

Remember this guy?  He's a lot bigger now but still a great looking dog.
 

I'm sad to say though, that Rocky--a two-year-old Golden Retriever mix--is looking for a new home.  If you think you might have a place for him or know someone who does, give me a call at (703)431-0182 or email outdoorblogger@verizon.net.

When you contact me, I'll explain why Rocky is no longer living at my house and what kind of place might make him happy.  Meanwhile, I plan to write more about this situation at some point, but for now I am focused on finding Rocky a farm or other suitable situation.

Man's Best Friend

My wife wrote an excellent and touching post today about my beloved dog Rocky.  Please visit her blog to read the post and leave a comment to let her know you stopped by.

I know I'm a little biased, but I must say that, in addition to being a great photographer, she's a damn good writer!

Rocky Update

This coming weekend marks the one-year anniversary of Rocky joining the Bright Idea Outdoors household.

He's nearly full-grown now (I hope) and has proven to be a great addition to the team.  He loves kids,  has lots of energy and faithfully protects his home and family.  Rocky chases deer but will always stop and make sure I haven't run off.  He's at a great dog age, I think, where he's young enough to be a lot of fun but old enough to know how to control most of his destructive dog-tendencies.

The only problem with Rocky is that he won't stop reading Rex's blog and afterward always whines about when I'm going to take him to meet Camo!