Rocky's Hope
Hope was what we had throughout Rocky's cancer journey - hope that it wasn't aggressive, hope that he'd survive the surgery, hope that he'd learn life as a tripawd, hope that he'd still find such joy in life and hope that he'd survive forever. As he now lives in our hearts, Rocky's Hope is to find a cure for canine cancer so that no other family has to hope that their fur babies can survive the disease.
We honor Rocky's memory by supporting local families going through a canine cancer diagnosis, raising funds for canine cancer research, and providing a platform for those who share his story.
Together, we can make a difference.
The Journey of Rocky
2016
Rocky was more than just a dog; he came into our lives as a 10-week-old baby with a personality as big as his size. His pure joy to be included in everything we did was contagious and we were instantly in love.
2016-2025
For almost nine years, he traveled nearly everywhere we went, became an epic hiker, backyard freight-train playmate, EAGLES fan, dog-park celebrity who was only there for the humans, back-yard deer chaser, lap-sitting bruh, and amazingly loving "older" brother to our COVID foster fail, Sissy. He was 8.5 but acted like he was 2. We had just said in early 2025 that we didn't doubt he'd outlive a typical Dane life expectancy by years.
Spring 2025
One beautiful spring day, Rocky went chasing deer in the backyard like he did earlier in the morning. This time, he was limping. Out of nowhere. A limp we didn't know was going to steal our heart from us.
When we got his diagnosis, we were presented with essentially two options: keep him comfortable with pain medicine with a very short life expectancy or amputate, which gave him a tough couple of weeks but a hopeful and longer life expectancy. The estimate for amputation was choking but we were lucky enough to be able to manage it so we went ahead because we were not ready to let him go and his zest for life was still as giant as his breed.
The surgery was tough but moreso for us, and Rocky was back to running within a month. Chemotherapy followed with the hope to rid or slow any progression that was occurring despite nothing showing on scans. Unfortunately, the cancer spread to his lungs and we lost him on July 12, 2025, only three short months later. We will never be the same after losing our gentle giant. The pain of how cancer ripped away our, otherwise, young, playful, AMAZING pup is what makes it that much harder.
Though Rocky's battle was hard, his spirit remained bright. He taught us the importance of resilience and the profound impact that a single pet can have on the lives of those around them.
Support Our Cause
We are dedicated to honoring Rocky's legacy by providing essential supplies for local families going through canine cancer treatment and supporting efforts to find a cure through cancer research. Your contribution directly supports our mission to ensure no other pet companion has to face the same struggle.
You can support our cause in one-of-four ways:
1. Amazon Wishlist - purchase supplies for care packages
2. GoFundMe (link below) - provide funds to be used to purchase items to make care packages
3. Donating Items - if you have new or gently used items similar to those on the Wishlist and are local to Malvern, PA, please contact us at the email below so that we can pick them up.
4. Cancer Research - help fund research to find a cure for canine cancer.
Your generosity is so appreciated!
"Rocky’s legacy is a reminder that love never fades, and every story shared helps us fight for a healthier future for all our furry friends."
Rocky: 2016-2025