Most dogs run wild at the “bark park.” Even the most docile puppies tap into their primal nature and exhaust themselves when they meet furry friends in an open, safe, green space. 

But not Rocky.  

When we took him to the neighborhood dog park, our toy poodle strolled around the walkway the entire time. He was happy, but he carefully completed his steps on the sidewalk. My daughter – a teenager at the time – joked that Rocky looked like he was walking to the nearest Starbucks to grab a latte and newspaper. He was dignified and determined. Almost two decades later, that dignity and determination would mark his death.

This past February, when he was 18 years old, Rocky went on to paradise. Like millions of other people, I loved and lost a treasured family member. Losing Rocky was incredibly hard, but having him in our lives changed us all. 

But not everyone understands the value of caring for a companion animal once the novelty of getting an animal has worn off.  

National Dog Day is Monday. It is a reminder of the benefits and challenges of caring for dogs, who bring amazing rewards and serious responsibilities.

Almost 87 million homes – 66% of U.S. households – have pets, and 65.1 million U.S. households have a dog. Yet each year, 3.1 million companion dogs enter community shelters – and many of those animals are “surrendered” or abandoned.

Rocky was one of those dogs returned by someone who was supposed to love him. I will never understand why someone would give him up. But it was their loss.  

When he was eight months old, we brought Rocky home after he had been discarded and hurt. Rocky was afraid of anything that looked like a stick. We took extra care when we were sweeping, mopping or even wrapping presents with a long tube of wrapping paper. Important responsibilities but with huge rewards. As I soon found out, the poodle was a favorite breed for a reason: Rocky was smart, adorable, curious and affectionate. We could keep him safe.  

When my son was diagnosed with autism, he was nervous about engaging with dogs because they could be unpredictable, loud and messy. But Rocky’s reserved attention made it easy for anyone to bond with him.

Rocky was a calming presence who could help people feel more connected.

As I struggled with depression during the COVID-19 pandemic, Rocky was the steady balm I needed. He was always available for a “make out” snuggle. This helped me feel better; dogs can lower blood pressure and lift people’s moods.

It is no wonder that they became the “heroes” of the pandemic. 

The greatest gift Rocky gave to us came toward the end of his life. Like many senior dogs, Rocky showed signs of physical and mental decline over the last few years. He was deaf, almost blind, a cancer survivor, and weakened by a stroke. But he was still determined and dignified.

It was truly our turn to meet the responsibility of caring for him. I felt a new, deepening love for my little companion who needed us more than ever.

Older companion animals face significant risks. According to one study, "The chance of a dog or cat getting adopted significantly decrease with age of the animal due to high kennel competition against animals that have more 'desirable' traits. Furthermore, older animals are also more likely to be returned following adoption. The result of these factors is that older cats and dogs are amongst those with the greatest risk for euthanasia in a shelter."

The people who surrendered Rocky almost 20 years ago lost the opportunity to experience the great gift of offering another living being unconditional love. Through Rocky, I could see the immediate impact of the care I offered. In real time that meant guiding him out the back door, pretending to put seasoning on his prescription dog food and carrying him to bed when he was too tired to get up from his little couch.

I am thankful I had the chance to act on these responsibilities.  

White Rock Dog Rescue: A Legacy of Love and Second Chances

Rescuing, Rehabbing, and Rehoming Deserted Dogs

While many people might think about adopting a dog on National Dog Day, White Rock Dog Rescue in Dallas, Texas, is a prime example of the tireless efforts of organizations dedicated to saving animals in need. Founded over two decades ago by Lilia and Clay Hollis, White Rock Dog Rescue has been a beacon of hope for abandoned dogs in the area.

The rescue's origins are heartwarming. The Hollis's moved to a new home and were greeted by a heartbreaking sound. A basset hound, named Blue, howled plaintively, refusing to go inside with his new owners. He was, in fact, drawn to a small Shih Tzu puppy, Presley, who was hiding in the brush near White Rock Lake, desperately ill with mange and staph infections. The Hollis's, touched by the sight, adopted both dogs and spent thousands of dollars restoring Presley to health.

This act of kindness sparked the creation of White Rock Dog Rescue. Lilia, a licensed electrical engineer, has dedicated herself to the rescue's mission. White Rock Dog Rescue operates entirely on volunteers and relies on donations to provide food and low-cost vet care for the dogs they rescue. Their dedication is evident in their efforts to raise funds through various activities, from aluminum can drives and puppy parties to adoption events and online donations. The rescue's commitment is not limited to simply rescuing dogs. Lilia, honoring her Hispanic heritage, actively educates the Spanish-speaking community about the importance of spaying and neutering their dogs and the dangers of dog fighting. She also tackles the difficult reality of dog abandonment in the Lakewood and Lake Highlands neighborhoods. The beauty of White Rock Lake often masks a darker side – many unwanted dogs are abandoned there, especially litters of newborns. White Rock Dog Rescue is determined to carry on the legacy that Blue, the basset hound, began 20 years ago. Their motto is simple: "Rescue, rehab and rehome deserted dogs into their forever families." The rescue is truly a hands-on operation. Every volunteer fosters and works directly with the dogs. There are no kennels or dog boarders. White Rock Dog Rescue is committed to making every dollar count. They have received substantial donations in past years from North Texas Giving Day, a local initiative that has pumped millions into the community, supporting local nonprofits. This year, the rescue hopes to secure a matching partner for North Texas Giving Day to further enhance their impact.

National Dog Day: A Call to Action

While stories like that of Rocky and the dedication of White Rock Dog Rescue offer heartwarming examples of the bond between humans and dogs, National Dog Day serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with pet ownership. The decision to adopt a dog is a commitment to care for a living being. It's a commitment that requires time, love, and resources. Many animals in shelters deserve a second chance at a loving home. If you are considering adopting, National Dog Day is a perfect time to visit your local animal shelter and meet the many dogs who are looking for their forever homes. If you cannot adopt, consider supporting local animal rescues through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading awareness about their mission. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, can make a difference in the life of an animal in need. Ultimately, National Dog Day is a celebration of the unique and unbreakable bond between humans and dogs, a bond that brings joy, love, and companionship to our lives. It's a day to recognize the countless ways dogs enrich our lives and a call to action to ensure they are treated with respect and kindness.