Rocco and I were partnered together in 2013. Rocco was 10 months old when I was given the task of bonding with him before our training was to begin in the fall. Rocco was full of energy and extremely driven, and I definitely had my hands full with him. We completed training and validated in December 2013. Rocco was not known to be the most obedient dog as his drive and my skills as a new handler definitely needed some refinement.
Rocco loved going to work and quickly established himself as a street dog. The sound of the police radio, alert tone or police sirens would send him into a frenzy as he knew we were heading to a call. He was as intense as they came and loved catching bad guys. Like all handlers, we had some success and growing pains. With the help of my squad mates and trainers, we eventually figured it out and carved out a successful career.
We had many memorable apprehensions over the years: tracking armed jewelry store suspects in Port Moody where he found one of the suspects hiding in a boat in a backyard: apprehending two suspects in a lower mainland manhunt on a crime spree that began in Vancouver and ended in West Van, to finding a missing deceased woman at the old Macaroni Grill in Downtown Vancouver. That was Rocco at work.
At home, he was protective but gentle with my family and extended family. He was so gentle and cuddly. It was hard to believe how different he was at work. He loved my wife and kids. He was an integral part of our family. Rocco loved going to the family cabin in Pemberton. It was the only place where he could roam, swim and be free.
Rocco retired just before the age of 9 and it took him a long time to adjust to retirement. His retirement was mired with skin ailments and eventually a degenerative back disease.
Rocco, it’s been a few days since we had to say goodbye. You knew it was time, too, as I could see and feel your pain. The last ride to the vet through the city we patrolled together was difficult. As I was holding your fragile body through those streets, I reminisced. So many crazy nights and calls that I will never forget. Two knee surgery scars and accidental bites to my legs and hands have entrenched you into my memory. You were an amazing dog, Rocco. You were a brave dog, a hero. You made me so proud. I was lucky to have you. Our family was lucky to have you. The citizens of Vancouver were lucky to have you serve it. Rest well my boy.
A special thank you to Ned’s Wish, Support Retired Legends and to Darlene Poole for the support and generosity. I also want to thank the doctors and staff at the Granville Island Veterinary Hospital for their compassionate care. We are truly grateful.