At the dog park, most dogs run free, embracing their wild instincts. Even the calmest puppies indulge in their natural behaviors, expending energy as they play with their fellow furry pals in a safe, open grassy area.

But Rocky wasn’t one to fit that mold.

During our visits to the local dog park, our toy poodle preferred to take a slow stroll around the paved path. He seemed content but remained intentional in his steps on the concrete. My teenage daughter once joked that Rocky appeared as if he was heading to a nearby Starbucks for a latte and a newspaper. His walk exuded dignity and purpose. Almost two decades later, those traits would resonate during his passing.

This past February, at the age of 18, Rocky crossed over to doggy paradise. Like many others, I experienced the profound grief of losing a beloved family member. Losing Rocky was an immense challenge, but having him in our lives profoundly transformed us.

Unfortunately, not everyone appreciates the true value of caring for a dog once the initial excitement begins to fade.

Dogs: Our Most Loyal Friends, Yet We Often Fall Short

National Dog Day is observed on Monday, serving as a reminder of the joy and challenges that come with dog ownership, which involves both rewarding experiences and significant responsibilities.

Nearly 87 million households in the U.S. (66%) have pets, with 65.1 million of those households owning a dog. Despite this, approximately 3.1 million companion dogs are placed in shelters every year, with many being surrendered or abandoned.

Rocky was one of those dogs who had previously been returned by someone who should have loved him. I will never grasp why anyone would make that choice; it was undeniably their loss.

When we adopted Rocky at eight months old, he had already endured abandonment and trauma. He was fearful of anything resembling a stick. We took great care with tasks like sweeping, mopping, or even using long wrapping paper tubes. These were crucial responsibilities, but they brought immense joy. It didn’t take long to understand why poodles are popular: Rocky was intelligent, charming, curious, and affectionate. We knew we could ensure his safety.

When my son was diagnosed with autism, he felt uneasy around dogs, worried that they could act unexpectedly, make loud noises, or create messes. But Rocky’s calm demeanor made it easy for everyone to connect with him.

Rocky provided a soothing presence, fostering deeper connections among family members.

During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, while I faced my own struggles with depression, Rocky was a constant source of comfort. His warm cuddles were always there when I needed them, helping me feel better; studies show that dogs can reduce stress and improve mood.

It’s no surprise that dogs became the “heroes” for many during the pandemic.

Elderly Dogs Are at Greater Risk of Abandonment

The biggest gift Rocky offered us came as his life approached its end. Like many older dogs, he began to show signs of physical and mental decline in his later years. He grew deaf, nearly blind, survived cancer, and was weakened from a stroke. Yet, he remained dignified and resilient.

It was truly a time for us to embrace the responsibilities of caring for him. I found myself loving my little companion on a deeper level, as he depended on us more than ever before.

Senior pets face significant abandonment risks. A study indicates that “the likelihood of a dog or cat being adopted decreases as they age due to the intense competition from younger animals with more appealing characteristics. Additionally, older pets are also more frequently returned after adoption, leading to them being at a greater risk of euthanasia in shelters.”

The individuals who let Rocky go nearly two decades ago missed out on the incredible experience of providing a living being with unconditional love. Through Rocky, I witnessed firsthand the immediate effect of the care I provided. This included guiding him outside, pretending to flavor his prescription dog food, and carrying him to bed when he was too weary to climb from his small couch.

I feel grateful that I had the opportunity to fulfill these responsibilities.

Olympia Duhart is the associate dean for academic affairs and strategic initiatives and a law professor at Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad College of Law.