True Memoir of a Lion-Dog, Rocco
A PRINCELY GOLDEN PEKINGESE WITH A LION CUT
Listen friend, I didn’t choose the lion life, it chose me. A pint-sized Pekingese with a mighty name and a royal background.
Mom and Dad named me Rocco — a name with weight, with history, with strength! I arrived at my new human’s house like a king about to be throned. I was regal (so I was told), slightly aloof, full of irresistible charm, an adorable face and grandiose pride! I am told, my “kind” are linked to royalty bred to live in a castle (very much like homes in Castle Hills ) and be fanned during warm weather — oh, but NOT fed grapes. THAT’S a NO-NO for dogs, even monarchs like me.
Yes, I entered their lives with my face of an angel, my tongue like that of a rock star (you know who) and the swagger of a mafia Don (not hard to figure that one out either). Now I am not Italian, but I did get that a lot, obviously because of my name, and maybe my love for meatballs and cheese! They told me I was of Chinese descent, but I identify as, well…lion. Golden mane and all that, eye roll, I thought it was obvious!
CONQUEST: Circa 2005
Let’s talk about mom. At first, she wasn’t entirely sure about the adoption. I was 12 weeks old and a fireball full of energy. I was placed into one of those small rooms at the pet store where we meet and greet potential mom and dads for the first time. I gave her (mom) the LOOK — you know the one — that noble, slow blink that says, “You will love me. Resistance is futile!” Then I swaggered across the room and leapt into her arms. I released what I like to call a “bonding conquering snort,” nothing obnoxious, just awwwww-inspiring.
She was HOOKED. Game Over.
Conquest Complete.
By sundown, I was on her lap. By sunrise, she was scrolling Amazon like mad, looking for a bed (a suitable throne for a dignitary like me), my doggy king’s robe, and treats galore!
Life was good. I watched over my castle and kingdom like a conqueror. I ruled the couch (move over dad). And I declared war on the vacuum like it owed me money. I won all those battles.
THE CASTLE WATCH
Behind my castle lived two massive Cane Corsos. We shared a wrought iron fence, and those two bullies would come out every evening. I could swear they were casing our place. I just knew they must be criminals out on bail. As you could expect, you know it, I was going to defend our land. But that was just me being brave, vigilant, courageous, and well, did I already mention my good looks? (Even if I do say so myself. I mean if you hear that your whole life, you tend to believe it! Ha.) You know the kind of good looks, the kind that intimidates others! I know they were scared!
I also guarded mom like she was the last pizza roll on earth. I had my priorities straight!
EASY TRIUMPH
Now Dad, he was already a believer. He fed me cheese and those meatballs when mom wasn’t looking. And Dad once wrote me a song on his piano. He’s really into music, all kinds, most of which I didn’t get. But he did play a lot of classical and jazz, which I lounged to on Sunday mornings with the sweet smell of pancakes and you guessed it… BACON!!! Dad’s an amateur chef and — hold on to your steak knives — Dad is also a former world class champion bodybuilder. He was quite the ‘awesome-ness’ (I just made up that word) specimen. HIS GLORY DAYS! Ha. You can look him up on YouTube — Dan Judge Bodybuilder, Tournament of Champions or The GYM McKinney. (He owns it). Yeah, that’s my dad! Athlete extraordinaire and health and wellness encyclopedia, that’s the old version of Wikipedia.
END OF MY REIGN
I began taking shorter walks and longer naps. One day I was leaping onto the ottoman with my mane blowing like an 80s shampoo commercial, (ask your mom and dad about Farrah, wink) and the next, my knees were clicking like castanets.
Mom of course noticed I slept more and had fewer adventures. She talked to me a lot, she said I was a good listener (used to bug me — but then I kinda liked it). Every night at bedtime, she would sing me “my song” that she made up, she named it, Best Puppy in the World. I heard that song for 15 years, and in my ears right before I fell asleep that last day. I rested my glorious snout on her knee, looked at both mom and dad and said without words, “THANK YOU for everything. Especially the cheese.”
And then… I slept.
But let’s not get weepy…yet!
HEIRS TO THE THRONE
Life without me limped forward as expected. Mom and Dad were broken-hearted, and she vowed she would NEVER love another dog again, which of course meant that a short time later, they had two!
Mom and Dad adopted two Shih-Tzus. Francesca, who tries to catch air, and Vincenzo, who steals and hoards socks under the nightstand. (Vincenzo steals one of the pair of socks, I actually have the other — ah the mystery).
Apparently, Francesca and Vincenzo are also “supposedly” linked to a royal lineage but ended up with those Italian names that everyone has trouble spelling! Ha. As I understand it, something to do with following my paw steps. Not surprising, am I right?
MY LEGACY
Ah, here’s the twist my friend. I never left.
Get this.
A few years ago, Mom and Dad purchased a doggy boarding and daycare business. Named it Boarding Boutique Carrollton (aka BBC). Put my face on the building and logo. Tongue out, mane flying. My new kingdom. My legacy. My immortal superhero-ness (yup, also my word).
You almost always can find Mom and Dad there greeting everyone who comes in, regulars and newbies! Happy to show my kingdom to new friends. Now, Mom and Dad have more than two — there are many more to love.
Know this, sometimes we are born into a family, sometimes we are adopted into a family, and sometimes we just choose our family. I know I would have chosen them and all those who come to my kingdom choose to become BBC family and we LOVE you!
Now, every pup or kitty who walks in that door? They’re under my watch.
The lion never “really sleeps.” I am just waiting for my mom and dad….
I know I will see them again. I love you, Mom and Dad. I love you.
— Your ‘son’, Rocco
BOARDING BOUTIQUE CARROLLTON
The Boarding Boutique Carrollton (a castle in Carrollton) welcomes you to our small boutique and our BBC family. A home away from home, where the walls are covered with silhouettes of our BBC fur babies. BBC includes a grooming spa, a sensational covered outdoor playground and indoor playground for those hot summer days, and a fetching run — and it is all kept pristine clean.
A cozy, intimate setting with only 34 spacious suites, ensuring personalized attention for every guest. Smaller number of suites means greater personal care. It’s where everyone becomes a regular, known to all, and we are truly a family.
We believe all fur babies absolutely deserve the best we can provide in this their short life. Do you want that for your fur babies?
If yes, while you are busy for the day or need to leave town, we are available for your fur babies. Here, they’ll be pampered with affection, cherished
as family, and surrounded by a beautiful, nurturing atmosphere-because they are not just walked and fed, but loved with the love of a lion.
