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Rocky

by Alana / ago

On August 3rd, at 10:45 am, my darling Rocky died in my arms. He had been battling a severe illness and was the best little fighter I’ve ever seen. The doctors said he had four months to live. That was over eight months ago. Our home was in chaos both due to reconstruction and a family emergency, so the whole family was not together. When Rocky passed, he was with me and Crepes.

Alana and Rocky recently on one of the first sunny days of spring.

I knew for a long time that this was coming, but I wasn’t sure when. Then I started seeing signs and I had a feeling. I slept with him on the floor that night, and when the time came, we woke me up. He wouldn’t let me take my hands off him, not even to get him water. Instead, he reached for me and held onto me until he was gone.

He was my first cat, my heart cat, one of my very best friends. He was the last part of my teen years – I’d had him since was I was 19. He went with me from apartment to apartment, city to city, peeing on everything he could, stealing my food, knocking down bowls of potato chips at parties, yowling every time I tried to take a nap, and holding onto my neck any time he was scared. He let me vacuum him, he always stood by my side, even when book shelves were falling down on me and the other cats were running fast away. He was my gardening buddy, my little fighter, and the best damned cat actor I have ever seen. I wouldn’t even have this blog if it weren’t for him.

He never listened to me, but the one time he did, it was when he got sick and I asked him to decide when he would go, so that I wouldn’t have to make the choice. He was so brave. I will miss him for the rest of my life.

I will take a break from blogging this week and will resume next week.

Thank you all for the kind words you’ve already sent to me.

Rocky comes to live with us, 1999
Rocky comes to live with us, 1999
Rocky and Niles Snuggling
Rocky and Niles Snuggling
Rocky loved his blankey.
Rocky loved his blankey.
Rocky loved Mrs. P, too.
Rocky loved Mrs. P, too.
Le purrr.
Le purrr.

 

alanarockybalcony

 

 

 

102 Comments

  • I Know He Loved You To You Very Much I Am Sorry For Your loss

  • Crepes, Alana and family..Ive been away so am just reading this today. I am so so sorry for your loss. Though I had never met Rocky I feel like I knew him through this blog. We were watching a Rocky (the boxer Rocky) movie recently and thought of him. I have heard from inside sources that he is happy running free in cat heaven AND running from lady cats who are finding him irresitable ! And who wouldn’t! I would like to send you all a GIGANTIC Pixie hug..Luv, Pixie xx00xx

  • This is my first time I have visted your site. The love that you felt for Rocky could be felt as I read the tribute, so I know with 100% that he could feel your love for him. I hope knowing this will bring you comfort in this difficult time.

  • I´m so sorry to hear about Rocky´s passing. He was such a wonderful fellow and brought joy to so many. I was very touched that he asked to have you with him when he crossed the bridge. You and he had a special connection. My thoughts and prayers and best wishes are with you these days. It´s so hard to lose a friend. And what an honor to have spent time with such a friend. And I am sure Rocky would say the same about you and Crepes.

  • I can only begin to imagine how devastated you must be. I know what it’s like to lose a heart pet; I lost my terrier Rosie when she was only 4. The only thing I can say is that you gave him the best home, and all your love–and he so obviously knew it. You’ll miss him forever, but he’ll always be yours. Sending warm and healing thoughts, purrs and headbonks your way.

    Susan from Life with Dogs and Cats

  • So very very sorry to hear of Rocky going to the Rainbow Bridge. I, like everyone else on this line, fell in love with him from Catalogue–what a great cat!! So chill, so sweet, so obvious in love with you. My two little ones, Dave and Abby send you and Crepes purrs, hugs and kisses. I know that your baby Boy will always be near you and watch over you.

  • I’m so sorry for your loss. Losing a heart cat is devastating, and we never really stop missing them. Be gentle with yourself as you mourn your beautiful boy.

  • So very very sorry for your loss of your beloved Rocky. Your tribute is wonderful. My heart hurts for you and I know your pain. So glad you had your time together and you were together at the end. I am sending my prayer and strength to you in this hard time. Thank you for sharing your wonderful boy.
    Marty’s Mom

  • Everyone, your comments are overwhelming. Thank you so, SO much for reading our post, for leaving a note, and for sending your love and purrs to Rocky and our family. We are blessed to have such a wonderful community to help us through our loss. I have read each one of your words and they are all appreciated. Love, Alana and Crepes.

  • Your tribute to your beloved Rocky is beautiful, just as he is! My heart breaks for you and I will hug my 19 and 17 year old kitties a little tighter tonight in Rocky’s honor! <3 Thank you for sharing Rocky with all of us and for bringing more joy into the world!

  • I just finished reading your beautiful tribute to handsome, amazing Rocky & my tears are still flowing. My heart hurts SO much for you, Alana.

    Every single loss is accompanied by grief. But some losses are a million times more powerful & profound & transcend everything else we’ve ever experienced. I know that searing pain is otherworldly & feels like we can’t possibly live through it. I really don’t know how we do. I actually believe the spirits of our Rocky cats and our Clement dogs/Cloud & Moonbeam cats (my Rocky fuzz faces) remain near us & help hold our pain as we crawl our way back towards the living…yet we never, ever let go of those spirit paws that transformed our hearts and souls for eternity.

    I know we’re all sending you, your Spirit Rocky, & your whole fuzzy & non-fuzzy family massive waves of loving, healing energy & vibes. I know it won’t make it hurt less, but maybe you’ll feel the warmth of our collective arms hugging you. And when the rest of the world doesn’t quite get why you’re so deeply suffering, you’ll know you can come back here where your peeps understand without you having to write one word of explanation.

    Except we love your words. :o) So we’ll be here after your much-needed, much-deserved hiatus to grieve and rest. <3

    Love & Peace,
    Felicity

  • I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dearly loved cat and friend Rocky

  • I am so sorry…I always say that when they leave us, they take a piece of our soul and heart with them and leave us with a piece of theirs. We only become whole when we meet again….do know that they watch over us once they have moved. Words don’t help out ease the pain but they do live on in our hearts. I am so sorry.

  • We’re so sorry to hear that it was Rocky’s time to go but are thankful that you were there with him in the end. Our thoughts and purrs are with you.

  • Alana, I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart is breaking for you. I am so very glad you were able to be with him when he passed and that he was able to choose the time. You were obviously the light of his life and he loved you dearly. I fell in love with your little mancat when I first saw him in “Catalogue”. I got such a big kick out of you using the vacuum on him. He was such a superstar in your other videos and has given so much joy to so many people. He will be sorely missed by all who saw or knew him. Now, he is taking on a new role–I am sure that he is your Guardian Angel–and is by your side. How do I know this? The night after Natasha crossed The Bridge, I could feel a cat jump on the bed and walk up by my head. I reached out to touch the cat to see who it was–and no cat was there. I knew then that it was Natasha coming back to check on me–this has happened each time one of my cats has passed–they have always come back to visit in some form. It may be a purr, a nudge, a paw, walking on the bed, a presence, even a vision. I have read of many such accounts…so I know I am not the only crazy person out there…there has to be a truth in this. Sending love and purrs and hugs to you and your fur family. You were there for me and I am here for you. I am but an email away…

  • We’re so sorry you lost your beloved Rocky. It’s a shame that the price of love and joy is pain at the end, but we hope eventually your memories will give you comfort. Rocky had something very precious that so many deserving animals never have the chance to have, a loving home. Although he isn’t with you physically, he will always be with you in spirit. We’re sending healing purrs to you and all of Rocky’s loved ones. Our deepest condolences.

  • Oh Weez awe so vewy sowwy fur yous loss. Wiff all da purrawlems weez been havin’ weez not been visitin’ like weez shuld or wuld like tu. But weez miss weadin’ yous bloggy. And weez so vewy sowwy Rocky had tu go tu heaven. Weez know yous will miss hims vewy much. Mommy has been fwu dis vewy fing afur and hers sez dat yous Rocky will always be wiff yous in yous heart and soul. As long as weez member, hims nevew twuly goes away. A pawt of hims will stay wight here wiff us all. Weez will be purrayin’ fur yous whole furmily. And ifin there’s anyfin’ weez can du fur yous then purrlease let us know. Ow purrawlems awe all ’bout tu wrap up so weez will be back to ow normal selves again soon.
    Weez all sendin’ yous Much

    Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

    Dezi, Lexi and mommy Audra

  • So very sorry to read of your loss. Your tribute to Rocky bring tears, It is beautiful and shows how much he meant to you. The loss of a pet that has been with you for so many years it truly devastating. We hope that time will heal your heart and leave only sweet memories of your devoted companion.
    Cat Scout Charles and mom

  • Oh no, oh no. I am so so sorry to hear this and completely feel your pain. It is the hardest loss, especially that last little piece of a time in your life. He was cherished and surely went the only way he could have, right in your arms. I am so sorry and will be thinking of you. xo

  • So sorry for your loss. May memories of the time you had with Rocky continue to warm your heart.

  • I am very sad to read about Rocky. The fact that he wouldn’t let you go at the end shows how much you comforted him. He needed you at the end. God bless you, and Godspeed, Rocky.

  • We heard from the TCC about you losing your sweet Rocky…sadly we all know this pain and know we cannot say anything that would come close to comforting..we never met Rocky here in the bloggie world but know what pain is…sending all our love your way and hugs..Fozziemum and gang xxx <3 <3

  • I am so so sorry to hear that Rocky has left and gone to the bridge. My heart is heavy with sadness. I know you will keep him close to you in your thoughts and heart. Run free sweet Rocky. Until we meet again.

  • We’re so sorry about Rocky. You and he both put up such a valiant fight, and we know the weight of your grief is heavy now. Not many cats can say they have helped as many cats as he is, and his legacy will always include that his film stardom is going to keep helping cats, paying it forward to countless cats who will never know that they had his helping paw in finding homes. Hugs and purrs to you and your family to all of us.

  • Sending you purrs of comfort from all of us here.

    Cory, Ellie, Bennette, Ginger, Cecilia, Madison, Jonesie, Figaro and tail wags from Grete.

  • I am so very sorry that to hear this news, and send a lot of love and purrs to you. Rocky, such a special boy, will be sadly missed by so many.

  • It seems like words are so weak in a time of loss like this…but it’s all we can offer, and they are heartfelt–we are so sorry for your loss. Rocky was a Cat in a Million.
    Godspeed, lil’ Guy.

  • Dear Alana, I am so very sad to hear about your precious Rocky’s passing. Your loving and heart-felt tribute to him moved me tremendously and I am so sorry for your loss. What a special guy he was and you shared a special love, the exchange he had with you before leaving this world was so moving. Sending you lots of light, love and purrs and holding you close in my heart and thoughts.

    Be Well Sweet Rocky (Guy Le purrr)

  • I am so, so, sorry! I love Rocky’s acting, and he was such a fighter. 🙁

  • I am crying again. I did when I saw this announcement on Face Book and again right now. I know that deep deep love and I respect yours and Rocky’s love for one another. I am grateful that you and he were together like that when he chose to fly away, he was holding you– as you were him. Your heart will be and is broken. I have been there too. But in time you will just hold his dear dear precious loving memory close and stop to savor that love.

    All MY love and comforting prayers and purrs tonight. Carole and Katie Isabella.

  • We are so saddened to hear that dear Rocky has gone over the Rainbow Bridge. Please know that we all send our heartfelt prayers and purrs of support. Rocky please watch over us until that day we all meet again.
    Timmy, Dad and Family

  • Dear Alana, We are so sorry to hear about Rocky. We know your heart is breaking right now. The photos you shared today were absolutely purrfect. We are all going to miss Rocky’s sweet face in any upcoming videos. We are sending you all our purrs and prayers as you mourn your lovely boy. XO, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo and Mom Janet

  • So very sorry you have lost your sweet Rocky. He is with you always and never far away – just beyond the veil.

    “While we are mourning the loss of our friend, others are rejoicing to meet him behind the veil.” – J Taylor

    Sending lots of kitty purrs of deepest sympathy.

  • I am so very sorry for the loss of Rocky, Alana. There are really no words that can express the heartbreak. He wanted you with him though, and that is wonderful! We send you our love and purrs, Austin and Caro xox

  • Alana, I am so sorry for how heart rending this is for you. You and Rocky were obviously joined at the heart and the pain of the loss must be dreadful. It is wonderful that he trusted and loved you enough to share his passing and it must be of some comfort to have been able to be there for your friend. I read true trust in your post and partnership with you and your beloved Rocky. My condolences.
    RedSetter

  • We are so sorry that Rocky has crossed over. Many hugs and purrs and purrayers to you at this difficult time.

    Luf, Us and Maw

  • What a truly special boy. We are so sorry to read about sweet angel Rocky.We send you lots of purrs and prayers. Take care
    x

  • Alana, my heart breaks for you and your family. I am so so very sorry for your loss. When I lost my Phoebe (she was my first cat, that I had had since I was a kid), I didn’t think I would ever get over it. It’s so devastating. Take comfort in knowing that Rocky will always be with you and that you both loved each other so very deeply. How special that you were able to be with him in his final moments. That story makes me cry. All of us are sending you and your family SO much love and SO many purrs of comfort and healing. Take as much time to grieve as you need.
    Love,
    Delilah, Sampson, Sophie, Sassy, Caster, and Mom Emily

  • We are so sorry for your parting with Rocky. We never had the pleasure but hope to get to know Crepes in the future. Eventually only the happy moments will shine through….we pray for that day to come quickly.

    Shoko and Kali

  • Rocky was such a special ManCat and he will live on forever in your heart and in the hearts of those who knew him. We know what you’ve gone through together and it’s a tribute to your love that Rocky listened and went, on his own terms, and in your arms.

    We’re sending soft, loving hugs to you at this sad time. Fly free Rocky.

    The Florida Furkids and Mom Sharon

  • My heart is breaking for you, Alana, for the loss of your Rocky. I know my boy ‘Kaika, who left us three weeks ago, will be there to greet him. Fly free across the Bridge, handsome Rocky …

  • Alana, words cannot express my deep sorrow for the loss of your dear Rocky. Thank you for sharing him with us, and I pray that Crepes and the rest of your family will comfort you, along with the peace of God. My heart hurts with yours. With love, Trece

  • I am so sorry for your loss. He was a beautiful boy! He will be missed.

  • I am so sorry for your loss.
    He looks so much like my Ashton Rosevelt.
    Know that he had a marvelous life with you.

    Hugs to you,
    JC and The Purr and Fur Gang

  • I am so sorry to read of Rocky’s passing. Losing any pet is heartbreaking but when it’s a soul kitty I just cannot imagine how difficult that is. I also have a cat named Rocky. We send you many purrs for healing your heart.

  • We are so very sorry to hear about your dear Rocky. We send you lots of hugs and all our love.

  • We are so very very sorry for your loss. Such a beautiful, handsome boy. My heart is breaking for you. Big HUGS for his human.

  • I’m so sorry, Alana. Rocky was a special guy to us too, and we’ll never forget him in the CHATastrophes video. Watching him really showed us the depth of his sweet nature, and why he was such a treasure. You know, the best cats are not always the easiest cats – in fact, they are rarely the easiest cats. My human’s soul cat (the cat before me) was difficult in her own way, but it only made her time with my human more unique. I’m sure it was the same way with you and Rocky. Purrs to you, and to the rest of your family.

  • I am so sorry that Rocky had to go to the Rainbow Bridge. I am glad that he woke you up when the time came so you could hold him till he went. I send hugs and the kitties send comforting purrs.

  • Oh Alana and family, I am so sorry! I have sent word to my beloved, departed Junior to look for Rocky on the other side and show him the ropes. Take good care of yourself . . .Love, Barbara and Peanut

  • We are so very sorry that Rocky has gone to the Bridge. We know how much he meant to you. Gentle headbutts, comforting purrs and hugs for you.

  • Beautiful tribute Alana. Rocky was a great cat and such a fighter. I’ll miss reading about him. Sending all our thoughts and prayers.

    Ruby & Me, You and Zu

  • So very sorry to read of Rocky’s passing. We wish you peace in this difficult time. <3 CatScout Obi

  • Oh Alana, I am so sad for your loss. Rocky was an amazing boy, and I am glad that you two were together right to the end. He will be missed, but will live on through his good works and your inspiring words, and he will be waiting for you with love in his eyes on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge. May you find infinite peace in this time of sadness. My heart and my thoughts are with you.

  • Alana, I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of Rocky. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I was 19 when my heart cat came into my life, and he lived with me until I was 37. It was an amazing life and no other pet will ever fill my soul in the same way.

  • Awww Alana, Crepes, and family, I had leaky eyes as I began to read this- my heart goes out to you with sympathy and love. Rocky was such a wonderful part of the blog and just as you said, an amazing CATctor in all your movies. I loved how he rode around in his little red wagon and even his pawesome performance popping in the stroller- he was applauded by cats everywhere for that one!
    I understand how difficult it is even when you know they are not well and your time is limited, yet when the time comes it doesn’t make it any easier. The bond you shared is a special one, your first cat love affair is one you will always cherish. My first cat Duchess was my Rocky- I was thirteen when she adopted me as a stray and she too would pass away 14 years later in my arms, having lived four years longer than the vet said she would after being diagnosed with cardio myopathy.
    Thank you for sharing Rocky with the world, his remarkable character, sweet nature, and of course movie star handsomeness and skill brought happiness to many of us. He will be missed, but never forgotten as his spirit will continue to inspire CATastrophe films, which are his legacy to help raise awareness about cats in need using fun entertainment and social media as a forum. Fly free Rocky Le Purr, your star will always shine bright.
    Please know we are here if you need anything, I will always be grateful for your friendship and support during my time of loss and your many lovely tributes to my Ms. Phoebe.
    Purrs,
    Beth, Sophie the woofie, Kaspars, and Clove

  • So very sorry about Rocky. You are in our thoughts and purrayers during this very sad time.
    XOXO
    Maggie May and the Creek Cats

  • Oh Alana, I am crying. Rocky was to you, what my Angel Bobo was to me, (I had him 18 years). I know how hard this is….I am happy you were with him though in his final moments, take some comfort in that. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, if there is anything at all that you need, I am only an email away. Rocky will be deeply deeply missed by ALL of us. xoxoxo Caren and Cody

  • Mom and I are so sorry to read of Rocky’s passing. What a blessing you were to each other.
    Run free Rocky
    Hugs madi and mom

  • I’m so very, very sorry, Alana. My heart aches for you and and your little guy. You’re right, you’ll remember him for the rest of your life. And your life will be even more beautiful because of that. (((love)))

  • Oh Rocky, we are so so sorry you had to go. Like we said, just know that you were well loved by your Mom for a long time. So glad that she stayed home with you. She will never regret that. You and your Mom are sure in our thoughts and prayers.

  • Love is full of joy, and full of sorrow. I share the joy of your memories, and the sadness you now feel. With love, Ann

  • and St Francis said, “Come little one, there is nothing more I can do for you here, don’t be afraid”……and St Francis gently picked up Rocky and carried him into the kingdom of heaven…..when the little cat looked around, he realized everything St Francis told him on his journey was true….heaven was beautiful beyond what mere words could express…..

    and Rocky saw there was no pain, suffering, fear, sickness, hunger, thirst or sorrow, until he looked down and saw the family and friends he had left behind. ……and for a very brief moment, the little cat too, was filled with sorrow.

    then St Francis bestowed Rocky with a set of gossamer wings and said, “Use them to return to your family, when their need is the greatest, as nothing can separate your bond of love. Hold each other in your hearts and your memories, until you are reunited again at heaven’s door.”

    and when the little cat tried on his wings, he knew nothing was impossible…… when there is….love

    God’s speed ~~~~~

    and love to you as well Rocky; Greg; Guy …from Boomer, Dai$y, Tuna…..and Dude & Sauce too…

    ♥♥♥♥♥

  • Alana, Crepes and family we are so sorry for your loss. We are sending hugs, purrs and prayers. Love, Cali, Andy, Tater and Shelly (C.A.T.S.) and mom Judy

  • Alana I’m so glad you got such wonderful years with Rocky. My heart is broken for your loss. Big hugs. We love you guys. Tribe Atherton

  • I am so sorry. God has a new Angel now who will be waiting for you.

  • Alana
    I am so very sorry for your deep deep loss of Rocky. Our loved ones never truly leaves us. They live on in the kindness they showed,the comfort they shared,&the love they brought into our lives I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers as I understand how your journey with Rocky will continue and transform. Be gentle with yourself and know that you gave him the home, the comfort and the love to sustain him, and he turn tried to return all of that to you to sustain you on this next phase of the journey. He held on until you told him he could fly safely to be at the Rainbow Bridge. Blessings to you Rocky. I’m sure my Abby and Gracie welcomed you when you walked across that Bridge.
    ♥

  • Oh Alana and Crepes I just don’t have enoughs to tell you how sorry I am! Rocky will always be with you in your heart! He was very loved and you can be sure he knew it. Lots of love and hugs! Bialy sends kitty kisses to Crepes!

  • Sending purrs of comfort and healing as you deal with the difficult transition to life after Rocky being with you physically. You take all the time you need, we are here for you.

  • nnoooooooooo…… Rocky, star of stage and screen. I loved him as Guy le Furr, that’s pronouced Gee……I have a thing fur older tabby mancats, they are sooo hansum………my heart breaks fur yoo

  • So very sorry to hear of the loss of your sweet Rocky. It brought tears to my eyes. I know this is a very difficult time for you. Sending healing purrs and hugs your way.
    In deepest sympathy,
    Angel Normie, Mika, Sasha & Grady Lewis

  • I’m so sorry for your loss Alana.. thanks so much for sharing him with us this past year. We’ll miss him but always keep him in our hearts… hugs and purrs from me and my 4 kitties – Phinneus, Felicia, Bailey and Harley..

  • My heart is breaking for you. I am sorry for the loss of Rocky. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
    Sue B

  • I am so so sorry for your loss. Rocky is OTRB and waiting for you, watching you and urging you to continue what you started when the time is right. We send healing purrs and hugs from Crepes’ RWB. Lucky, Squeaker (refrigerator cat), & myself XOXOXO

  • So sorry about your handsome boy. We are sending purrs of comfort for you and the other kittehz.
    ((hugs)) and we nose kisses from all of us.

  • Alana I’m just almost speechless……sometimes the words just don’t come but Sammy and I are sending love….and hugs….and strength to get through the coming days. His end time sounds so VERY special – with you and Crepes and him holding on to you to let you know he loved you so very deeply as you did him. I’ll be holding you in my heart………

    Love, Pam (and Sam)

  • We are so very sorry for the loss of your beloved Rocky. You had many years together and lots of great memories, but we know the pain of missing a family member. A warm hug, purrs and tail wags to comfort you.

  • I am devastated to read your news. I loved Rocky as Guy LaFurr and enjoyed reading about him on your blog. The one saving grace, I guess, is that he picked his own time to go and you were there with him. He will now be your guardian angel watching over you and your family forever. I’m going to go now and give my kitty a big hug and some extra treats. Sending you hugs and purrs from my kitty and me.

  • Losing a pet is one of the most devastating things we will ever go through. Rocky will live in your heart forever, and you will be reunited one day. Give yourself time to grieve. We are holding you in our hearts and sending gentle purrs of comfort and healing.

  • My heart weeps for you. I so know the connection you had (and still have) with Rocky. He will always be in your heart. Sending love.

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