My Little Man
Rocco was my “Little Man,” my soul dog, my world. A tiny Porkie — part Pomeranian, part Yorkshire Terrier — he looked just like a little fox. He had black and tan fur, delicate paws, and bright ears that would prick up the moment something caught his attention. He was only 3.7 kg, but inside that little body was the biggest heart I have ever known.
I first met Rocco after losing another puppy to puppy farming. I hadn’t planned on falling in love that day, but fate had other ideas. As I crouched down to see the puppies, Rocco climbed onto my knee and stayed there. Ten minutes passed, and when I asked the lady where the little one was that she had mentioned over the phone, she looked around and said,
“He’s been sat on your knee this whole time.”
That was the moment he chose me, and I knew it was meant to be. I went back a week or so later and brought him home.
From that day forward, Rocco was my shadow. Loyal, loving, and protective, he guarded the house from the postman, visitors, and even our larger Romanian rescues. Yet as fierce as he thought he was, at night he would curl up against me, pressing his tiny body into mine, showering me with unconditional love.
He had a playful side, too. As a puppy, I taught him to dance. I’d put music on, and he would rise on his hind legs, tail wagging, dancing across the room. He also learned to spin around for treats, wagging his little tail with so much excitement that he could make anyone smile.
A Life Filled with Love
Our days were filled with simple joys: walking in Snibston woods, strolling across the fields, or exploring the country lanes near the windmill after we moved. He adored his ball, carrying it proudly in his mouth on our walks, so sweetly that passersby would stop and smile. At home, he would curl up on his cushion on the sofa or snuggle into my bed at night. When it was bedtime, he would wait at the door until I was ready, always wanting to be close.
Rocco was more than a pet; he was my source of comfort through some of the most challenging times in my life. He was there when I was in a difficult and abusive relationship, always by my side, giving me the strength to carry on. Last year, when I finally found the courage to walk away and reconnect with an old friend who had also survived similar pain, Rocco was there to witness my new beginning. In his short eight years, he carried me through so much.
He had so many names — “Little Man,” “Rocco T. Rockington” — each one a reflection of the joy and pride he brought to my life. He had the biggest personality packed into his tiny frame, and he made our house feel alive. My sons, Sebastian and Connor, adored him too. Even the Amazon parcel man couldn’t arrive unnoticed with Rocco’s sharp little bark sounding the alarm.
Forever in My Heart
When he became poorly, my heart broke. His illness came suddenly, and I wish more than anything that I could have saved him. He passed far too soon, and there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t wish for more time with him, more cuddles, more dances, more walks with his ball.
If I could tell him one more thing, it would be this:
“I love you, and I have always tried my best. You were my world, my loyal friend, my happiness.”
There will never be another Rocco. He was one of a kind: so loving, so clever, so brave. He taught me patience, courage, and what it truly means to be loved unconditionally. Though his body is gone, his spirit and his memory remain forever with me.
Rocco, I hope you are at peace, running free with Roxie, Luckie, and Rolo. My heart broke the day you left, but I hold onto the hope that one day we will be together again. Until then, you live on in every memory, every story, and every beat of my heart.
Thank you for reading this tribute…
🐾 Closing Reflection
Sharing or reading a tribute to a beloved pet is a powerful way to honour our deep bond with our animal companions. Stories like this remind us that their love continues to live in our hearts even when they’re no longer by our side.
If you’re grieving the loss of a pet, please know you’re not alone. You can explore more tributes in our Pet Tribute Gallery, or join our Facebook community for comfort and connection.
If you feel called to receive one-to-one support, you’re welcome to contact me to explore gentle pet loss support coaching.
✍️ Author Acknowledgement
This tribute was lovingly shared by Rocco’s mummy.
© 2025 Rocco’s Mummy | Published on Tails of Tribute. All rights reserved.
