Rocky Junior's Dog Training Service

10/23/2026

At about 4am today I awoke to incredibly painful muscle spasms in my right leg. I scrambled out of bed to hit the spasms with my hand and immediately lost my footing and fell to the hardwood floor. I landed directly on my left hip.

It hurt, big time. I was in complete darkness and couldn't get up. I was trying to get up for about 2 hours. Finally I got up and immediately took another dose of my medicine.

I have osteoporosis and my hip bones are weak. I dodged a bullet. I am taking a medication that is supposed to strengthen my bones, but it takes time. I'm so tired and sore, but thankfully uninjured.

Jenny and the kitties could use some support, as we are having a terrible month: https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/3S9M30N5JYFZL?ref_=cm_sw_r_mwn_ggr-subnav-share_8DZRNZP0ZN7XV6K1TH0J&language=en-US

10/22/2026

Rocky Junior may be gone from this earth, but his influence and great accomplishments are with me every day.

From the moment I first met Rocky Junior, on July 31, 2011, I knew he was a special puppy who would grow into a dog who could literally change the world, helping hundreds of dogs recover from their fears and reactivity.

Rocky Junior's life was one of service. He always looked for chances to help and comfort people. I could write a book detailing all the good deeds he did.

Even when Rocky Junior was diagnosed with terminal kidney failure he wasn't ready to go. He actually went into remission from kidney failure, which isn't supposed to happen. Rocky Junior had 8 more wonderful months with me, loving me and helping dogs and their people. He was so amazing!

Yes, Rocky Junior, the life you lived with me and what you taught me are always with me. I will always miss you and be in awe of the incredible dog you were.

Jenny is turning into a great dog and does impressive work, but in all honesty there will always be only one Rocky Junior.

I wish he could have lived forever. The nearly 13 years that Rocky Junior was at my side were the best years of my life. I will always be grateful to have shared life with this incredible dog.

http://rockyjrdogtraining.com

10/21/2026

My good buddy Buford the Rottweiler and his Mom, Cherry, did another RAFT session today. At our last lesson Buford wanted nothing to do with me, but today he was back to being best friends.

Buford is a long term case and we have encountered many challenges and have had to be flexible. Buford's medication was adjusted since last week, resulting in my great buddy emerging again.

Buford will see a veterinary behaviorist in December. I'm so glad Buford's mom is so dedicated to him. Hang on, Buford! We are not giving up on you.

http://rockyjrdogtraining.com

10/21/2026

It's always sad to see clients go, especially when they need more help but cannot afford it. That was the case for Tobie and his Mom, Vicki. I'm hoping they'll be able to start more RAFT sessions soon, as Tobie is reactive to dogs.

Jenny LOVED this session. For the first time, Vicki's 16 year old daughter, Macey, came. Macey had really wanted to meet Jenny, and the two instantly bonded. Jenny gave her tons of kisses!

I left Jenny with Macey so I could spend time with Vicki and Tobie. Jenny was so in love with Macey that she didn't even look around to see where I was!

Good boy, Tobie. We hope to see you again real soon.

http://rockyjrdogtraining.com

10/21/2026

Sunday sure was a rough one. When Jenny and I got home from work I took her to her usual potty place, just across the parking lot from our apartment. When we returned and took the sidewalk towards our apartment Jenny glanced up, so I did too.

On the second floor walkway was a huge dog that looked like a pit bull mix. The dog was looming, posture stiff, and glaring at Jenny. I tried to hurry Jenny along, but the dog barked and growled at her.

As we neared our door we were just below the dog. The dog was still barking and growling, and I could hear the dog's feet scratching the walkway, trying to get to Jenny. Luckily we got inside okay, but we were both pretty scared.

I emailed the office about what happened. Today an employee spoke with the woman who lives there. She said the dog is her son's and would be gone in two weeks. The employee told her to be extra careful with the dog.

If Jenny were attacked one or both of her hips could be fractured, as she has moderate hip dysplasia. Because business is still poor there's no way I could afford hip replacement surgery. Jenny would lose her life.

To make matters worse, my bank notified me of suspicious transactions on my business account. An electric vehicle charging company IN ENGLAND charged me nearly $60. This company only provides services in England. I have never been to England and have never owned an electric vehicle.

My bank's fraud department is investigating, but I was told recovery of funds could take 90 days or more, and that there's no guarantee I will get my money back. Wonderful, huh?

I'm just glad Jenny wasn't hurt. I will be very careful with her walks until that aggressive dog is gone.

http://rockyjrdogtraining.com

10/18/2026

Today Jenny and I did another RAFT (Reactivity And Fear Therapy) session with Sophie and her mom, Julie. Sophie has been one of our more challenging and long term cases, but we are making progress.

After a difficult start because of loose dogs running around in our work area, Jenny and Sophie settled into the lesson. At the end Sophie was within 15 feet of Jenny, with no anxiety or reactivity.

Jenny was doing play bows for Sophie, so she thinks Sophie is nearing recovery. Let's hope so! The last 20 feet in RAFT is often the hardest to conquer.

Great job, Sophie and Jenny! We will see you again next week.

http://rockyjrdogtraining.com

10/18/2026

OMG! Look at my new student!

Apollo is an 11 week old German Shepherd puppy who lives with his human, Jo, in Spanaway. Apollo was shy at first, but it didn't take long for him to ❤️ me.

We got Jo's education done and did some work with Apollo. He is smart and did very well. I am sure Apollo will graduate from his puppy program with Great Honors!

http://rockyjrdogtraining.com

10/16/2026

South Hill Veterinary Hospital, Jenny's vet, has again been voted Best in Pierce County! Check the comments for a photo from Jenny's first visit. Everyone at this hospital is certified in fear free practices.

Thank you SO much to every client who voted for us this year. We won Best Veterinarian of Pierce County for the third consecutive year and you voted for our boarding as well! Our team is grateful for the support and opportunity to continue caring for your pets.

10/16/2026

I ❤️ Apollo!

10/16/2026

My car overheated in very heavy, barely moving traffic in Puyallup at 5:15pm today. I got to the shoulder and had to wait until the radiator cooled enough to check it.

I was looking over my radiator and engine when I heard "Hello, sir. Could you use some help?"

And there was Washington State Patrol Sergeant Doug Simmons. He had parked his patrol vehicle behind me, emergency lights on to protect me and my car. We chatted a bit as the radiator cooled. I told Doug I was a retired Tacoma police officer, which led to the swapping of war stories. What a nice young man!

Doug even got down on the ground so he could look at the underside of my engine and see if there were any visible leaks. There's no way I could have done that myself.

Once the radiator was topped off (it didn't take much) I thanked Sergeant Simmons and was able to drive home with no problems.

Sgt Simmons wanted me to pass on a message: State Troopers will always respond to assist you if you break down or have a flat tire on a state highway or freeway. Call 911 and ask for a trooper to help you.

They want to help keep us safe. Troopers are notorious for changing tires for people with flats.

Lastly, you might notice that Sgt Simmons is wearing a pink badge. Every trooper in the state is wearing a pink badge this month, in honor of breast cancer awareness month.