Haven’t talked about little Rocky the Spinning Pomeranian lately, and it’s about time. We’ve always called him Rocky II The Sequel, as our first Rocky was a feisty Pekingese, who met his fate in a fight with a raccoon when we lived on Madrona Drive off Dogwood Lane. We had Rocky the First around 14 years, and acquired Rocky the Second maybe 10 years ago.

When we lived out Caves Hwy. on Reagor Lane, doggie Rocky II nearly got picked off one time by a rather large hawk. We looked outside while the lightweight guy was meandering around the property totally unaware of the circling bird of prey. I mean, he must have looked like fast food, what with being small and oblivious.

Another time on Reagor, deer were in the orchard, which was fenced separately from the rest of the place. Bingo the Dingo (no, he’s not really a dingo, and we also don’t have a black panther -- they’re just pet names, so to speak) … anyway, Bingo went after the deer. Meanwhile, brave, barking Rocky was guarding the gate. Unfortunately, the deer, with Bingo in pursuit, headed right for the gate-keeper.

Actually, Rocky, with eyes bulging, faced the stampede and was run over by at least one of the deer as the herd fled full of fruit, and were faced by this small pup with a sometimes pugnacious attitude. The collision resulted in a hoof laceration to Rocky’s chest, which required stitches. Quite an adventure.

Spinning around like a cutting horse came naturally to Rocky to advise us that he wanted to go out. Or come back in. His only trick, by the way.

Sweet dog, but one of little brain. A very comforting and cuddling critter on the couch. Cute as a button too. My general comment: He’s really a cat wearing a dog suit. That’s because of his feline-like mannerisms such as washing himself with his paws.

Well, Rocky II, whom we nicknamed “Rocket,” hadn’t been feeling well lately. We’ve been watching his condition, including vet visits, and could tell he was mostly miserable. Last week he stopped eating and couldn’t stand on his own. He stopped barking. His eyes were lackluster, and he seemed exhausted and in pain. He no longer spun around.

Jan and I had talked about The Decision That Comes to pet owners. And so, reluctantly, we had him put down.

It was done without pain, while he slept peacefully from being tranquilized. I held him close and spoke softly as he went to sleep. At his passing my tears fell shamelessly ‘cuz we all love the tiny guy. But we didn’t want to selfishly keep him too long, when it was time to go.

So adios, little amigo: See you on the other side where there’s no pain. And no fear of being run over by vicious rampaging deer or carried off by large hawks.