Be Rocky's Friend on Facebook

So I have this vision – every time I come home and put my key in the door - of an empty condo. Every time I jiggle the key, I wait and listen for the telltale noise of clinking dogtags before I turn and open. It’s an awful, guilty feeling those few seconds before I hear him. I am not that removed from reality to realize that some people might think my connection to my dog borders on ridiculous. But I do know that everyone out there can connect to a safe harbor. A connection that makes them feel at home, whole, happy, and alive. Maybe it’s a significant other, baby, pet, bottle, stuffed animal, or cell phone – everyone has one, and everyone would be lost without it.

For 36 days I opened a door to something that wasn’t my home. It was a cold, empty place. Every time I walked in my instinct was to walk back outside again. As many will attest to, I actually did walk right back out a lot of the time.

I am not being cute when I say this –my dog Rocky is my rock. He is who has been there for me through everything. And no matter the bad news I get in the world, he’s the one who greets me tail wagging, hurtling around, as if daddy coming home was the best thing that ever happened to him. I only hope I can even approach the happiness he feels and shows every time I come home even one day in my life. Even when I am in a bad mood, he is there with the same jubilant welcoming. Apparently, he either never has a bad day or he is able to put his mood aside when he sees me. I wish I could be the same.

I am a flawed individual. I make mistakes every day of the week and twice as many on weekends. My dog is the same – every day of the week he does something wrong. And on weekends, it gets worse. Yet we still endure with each other. And that’s why when I put my key in the door, I always remember when I came home and didn’t have to check on his mischief. When I didn’t have to fend off a hurtling dog. When I didn’t come home and feel whole, happy, and alive.

My life isn’t perfect today. But today I jiggled my key and came home and realized Rocky didn’t care about any of that. He didn’t care about the past. He didn’t care about the future. He just cared about the then and there – we were together again and that was all he needed to be happy. And when I think about it, I realize maybe I am the one who needs to learn from him.

Why regret the past? Why fret about the future? How about living and appreciating today?
I love today. I love my dog. And I am ready to live again tomorrow.

I am very sorry for not keeping up to date on this blog. A lot of me just wanted to put everything that happened in the past and move forward. I am grateful for everyone that came and visited our blog and helped us during our hard time. It was not our intention to neglect you since then. We just wanted to make sure we learned to appreciate one another. Rocky has set up a facebook page for people who want to keep in contact with him. He will post updates and pictures on his comings, goings, and doings. Add him as a friend: http://www.facebook.com/rockythemunn

For now – this is us signing out. Love you all,
Rocky and Rocky’s Dad

A Ten Munn. Defee Sit! Piss Odor.

I heard Daddy describe my behavior as something called “A ten munn. Defee Sit! Piss Odor.” I’m not sure what that is. I know there isn’t 10 of me - since Daddy calls me “The Munn”, I have to assume I am the only one. I don’t know any dogs named “Defee”, so not sure why Dad would want him or her to sit. And if Defee’s piss odor is anywhere nearby, I’m sure my snout will locate it in no time so I can pee there too. When I told him I was confused, he explained to me that it was a way to describe someone who gets distracted easily.

First, Daddy’s one to talk about being distracted! I can never get his attention when he is barking away on this useless thing he calls the “cell phone”. I pull on the leash if we’re outside. I’ll whine and try to play with him if we are inside. But to no avail! That stupid “cell phone” thing always distracts him from paying attention to me. If I ever get my teeth on that thing!

That being said, Daddy is right to say I get distracted easily. But I’m a dog. From what I understand, I have certain heightened senses that make me more aware of things. So I think that gives me an excuse. Daddy did point out that I was getting distracted from my blog and that wasn’t fair to the readers cause they might think that I ran away again. Let me assure you that is not the case. I am still home with Daddy and very happy. In fact, here’s a picture of me safe at home.

But for future reference, I figured I should point out to people that if I do seem to be away from the blog occasionally, it’s not because I’ve gone missing again (that’ll never happen again!) but because I became distracted by something. Although this is not a full list, it likely is one of these things that distracted me:

1) Loud Noises – I already discussed this one in detail before since it’s what caused me to run off. Although not all loud noises scare me, almost all will distract me. I know it annoys Daddy when I hear noises when I’m trying to poo because, as he claims, “the stars need to align before I poo”. He just doesn’t understand that poo opportunities are limited and so when you have them you need to make sure you have the perfect spot. Not sure why you humans go mostly in the same place all the time. Such a waste! When I have to go, I’ll sniff around as much as I can to try and get a good area. The area needs to be dry, and secluded, and really, really hard for daddy to clean up after me once I go (it’s a game we like to play! Although it amuses me more than him). Once a good area is found, I have to circle the area and make sure I find the perfect spot within the area. Sometimes it helps to shake myself out. The whole process takes about 10 minutes. Anyway, sometimes a noise will distract me while I’m looking for my perfect poo spot and then I have to start the whole process over.

2) Good Smells – Daddy used to take me to agility class when I was a puppy. That was fun, but he stopped taking me because I guess the instructor used to get very frustrated with me. At times I was the best in the class and would zoom through the course no problem. However, more often, something smelled very good on the course and I had to go sniff it. I don’t see what the problem was – good sniffs are hard to come by. But the instructor and Daddy tried everything to get me back on the course. But nothing is better than a good sniff!

3) People I like – Daddy and I have several friends that come visit us often. Most of these people love me as much as I love them. I never know when to expect them, though, and they seem to just randomly show up sometimes. So sometimes if we’re walking along and I see someone who might look like one of these friends, I don’t want to walk any further until I know for sure it’s not them. Also, if a car stops close to us, I always feel we should look inside the car to see if it is one of these friends. Daddy does not agree with this unfortunately. He doesn’t know how many times we may have missed out on getting tummy rubs and rump scratches from the friends that might be in those cars!

Anyway, there are a lot of other things that distract me – like bones, for example. But I think this should assure everyone that if I disappear for a week here and there that I’m just temporarily distracted and not lost again!

I have good news! Two of our Rocky stars have been helped – Mugsey the Bulldog has been found and is home after 35 days, just about the same time I was gone! And also Acura has found a foster and is out of the high kill shelter so he has a second chance at life. I want to wish upon two more Rocky stars that need fosters this week, Amber (http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=13239509) and Murphy (http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=11895494). Please look at these two pals of mine and see if you or anyone you know would like to help them.

Off to find a good sniff!

Rocky the Munn (rockydab@yahoo.com)

The "Box"

Grrrrrr.... That's not directed to you, blog readers. As much as I love my daddy, he occasionally does things that make me upset. And last week was one of those times. First, let me apologize on his behalf for me not being able to post a blog last Friday. On Friday morning, however, daddy took out the "box". I never know when the "box" is going to come out, but I do know what it means when it does come out.

The "box" is this thing that daddy takes out from time to time and puts a bunch of stuff in. Then him and the "box" leave home and go somewhere for a period of time. The "box" doesn't always mean something bad - sometimes daddy takes me with him and the "box". Like when we go see daddy's mommy and daddy. That can be a fun trip since I can try to get the squirrels and rabbits and maybe the occasional duck to play with me by chasing them in the backyard... as of yet, the squirrels, rabbits, and ducks don't want to play. Usually, they run away from me like I ran away from scary people when I lost my daddy. I try to tell them that it's ok, I just want to play. But I guess I can't blame them for ignoring me since I did the same when I was without my daddy. Maybe they would be more willing to play with me if their daddy would meet my daddy first. I'll have to suggest that to daddy next time we go there.

Back to "the box" - other times, daddy leaves with the "box" and leaves me behind. In some cases, someone else will come and stay with me. Other times, I get to spend the time that daddy is gone at daycare. Whenever daddy leaves me behind though, he never tells me where he is going or when he will be back. So I'm left to guess whether or not he will come back. And being this is the first time that he left me since...

One thing I should point out is that while I've heard many people say that I was "lost for 36 days" - no one mentions that daddy was lost for 36 days too! I didn't know where he was and he should have been with me. So he was lost too! When daddy leaves with the "box", I always wonder where he is and wonder if I should go try and find him. It's just that I wasn't sure how to do it. But now that daddy has told me all the things he did to find me, when he left with the "box" on Friday, I knew what I needed to do to try and find him and the "box". Unfortunately the daycare didn't have the means for me to print posters, set up a blog, or contact the media. And findtoto.com doesn't have a section for finding a human. And I couldn't find a helpfinddaddy.com. Anyway, long story short, daddy and the "box" prevented me from blogging last week.

Thankfully, just as I was getting really frustrated, I found daddy when he walked into the daycare! It was so good to finally be able to find him! I tried to jump over the fence to see him but it was a little to0 high. Eventually someone opened the door so we can be reunited but not before I barked at daddy for getting lost! Of course, he never explained to me where he had been. Sheesh, the nerve of him sometimes.

I want to wish upon a "Rocky Star", Tasha, who has been missing in Friendship Heights since March 14. She was seen heading towards a Bloomingdale's recently - perhaps because it's a really big place to pee on. Tasha has also been seen hanging snout on the large GEICO property several times at Harrison and Western, but the mean people at GEICO have been unwilling to help assist with bringing Tasha to a safe haven. I always knew that elitist GEICO gecko needed a big smack across his snout. If you know anyone at GEICO who may be able to help, please alert them to Tasha's blog: http://findtasha.blogspot.com/. Otherwise, please do whatever else you can to ensure Tasha finds safety.

Off to go kick dirt! As always, feel free to contact me at rockydab@yahoo.com.
Rocky the Munn

Nice Daddy vs. Evil Daddy

So I have been informed that I have more humans then dogs that read my blog. I guess that makes sense since I would probably much rather read a human blog then a dog blog. I understand why dogs do what they do. Humans on the other hand, I sometimes really don't get them. Even the human that I know best in the world, my Daddy, makes little sense to me.

For example, a few weeks ago shortly after I returned home, Daddy decided to be nice and give me access to all the yummy stuff in the fridge when he left for work. So I went in and helped myself to the spaghetti sauce he made the night before. I was so appreciative of Daddy doing this to me, I licked the entire container clean so he wouldn't have to clean it out for me when he returned home. I also left him one of the containers so he would have some of it when he came home. I did take the bigger of the two containers, but I thought he wouldn't mind cause he knew I had barely eaten for the 36 days I was gone! Still though, you couldn't say I was entirely thoughtless in my behavior.

Anyway, when Daddy returned home, he got mad and started gesturing at the floor. And then he took out a towel and this scary spray bottle and started scrubbing the floor. I mean, I'm a dog. And plus it's not like he left me a plate, fork, and knife when he left the house. I even had to open the container myself - and I'm not like a human! I don't have opposable thumbs! You can imagine how difficult opening it was! So explain how was I supposed to NOT get spaghetti sauce on the floor! If he really wanted me to eat it the right way, he should have just left it in my food bowl before he left. Of course, sometimes I like to dump my food bowl on the floor when he leaves just to show him that I was thinking of him while he was gone (which he also gets mad about sometimes - see you people make no sense! I am just trying to show Daddy I care and he totally takes it the wrong way!) but I certainly wouldn't have had he left me yummy spaghetti sauce.

Since that incident, Evil Daddy has begun to lock the fridge again to prevent me from getting in. And more recently, Evil Daddy has started putting things on his bed to make it more difficult for me to take the sheets off his bed and use them to hide my bones in case someone comes and tries to steal them while he's gone. I mean, I can still pull clothes out of his hamper to hide the bones, but I think we can all agree that sheets provide better cover for bones! So please, all you humans out there that read this - can you tell me how I can get Nice Daddy back that leaves the fridge unlocked and the bed unmade?

I want to wish upon a "Rocky Star" for a dog Acura that needs a foster: http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=13176643. Acura's previous owner starved him, not like how my Daddy doesn't always leave the fridge open when he leaves, but just didn't feed him at all. He has been brought back to health from his starvation, but now Acura is an high kill rural shelter and is desperately hoping for another chance to live. Please, if you can do anything for Acura please contact through the homeward trails link or email maritae@rocketmail.com. If you have questions on being a foster, please visit http://www.homewardtrails.org/fosterprogram.html.

Off to hide a bone in Daddy's clothes!
Rocky the Munn

A To Do List and 2 Rocky Stars

It has come to my attention that a lot of people are curious what I did on a day to day basis for the 36 days that I was trying to get home to Daddy. I’m not sure why this matters to anyone. Daddy leaves me alone and goes to what he calls “work” several days a week. When he comes home, I don’t care what he did there, I’m just glad that he survived this awful “work” thing that takes him away from me and returned back where he belonged safely. I did ask Daddy if I was at “work” when I was gone for 36 days. It was a pretty awful 36 days, so I wanted to know if Daddy has to put up with that same awfulness every time he leaves the house for “work”. He responded by saying that he wasn’t sure – and then he asked me what I did every day! So I guess Daddy was curious just like everyone else. Anyway, he came up with a suggestion for me. He said “Munn . Why don’t you create a To-Do list?” At first I thought he said a “To-Poo list”, so I went to the door waiting for him to take me out. But instead of grabbing my leash, he showed me a piece of paper with a list of things on it and I understood then what he meant. So here is my To-Do list of a typical day when I was at “work”:

1. Wake Up
2. Stretch
3. Find Place to Pee
4. Look for Daddy
5. Sniff Something
6. Scratch myself
7. Find place to Poo
8. Find something to eat
9. Find water
10. Run away from scary people
11. Find place to hide
12. Bark
13. Howl
14. Go to Sleep

I showed this list to Daddy and he said that some of these items were normal things I did even when I was home. But others, like 4, 10, 11, 12, and 13 were not. So these things I apparently could call “work”. Well, those “work” items were the ones that made me sad. So I hope Daddy is not always sad when he is at his “work”. I’m sure he is though since he is not with me. I know it’s sad for me to wait at home for him.

I want to wish upon two “Rocky Stars” this week. First, an English Bulldog named Mugsey has been missing since February 13th. It is believed that Mugsey was dognapped out of his backyard: http://findmugsey.blogspot.com/. Anything you can do to help Mugsey find his way back to his backyard would be appreciated. Second, Sugar needs a place to call home: http://adoptsugar.blogspot.com/ and some resources to help with some health issues that she has. Please visit Sugar’s blog and see if there is anything you can do to help her.

Also, let me say that I was overjoyed to hear that Lucy (http://lostlucydc.blogspot.com/) was found! She seems like a fabulous doggy with very loving people to take care of her. Hopefully Romeo (http://adoptromeo.blogspot.com/) has found equally loving people in his new home. I had the pleasure of sniffing Romeo a few weeks ago and he is a fine smelling fellow!

Gotta go pee on something! Till Next Week,
Rocky The Munn

Lucy has been found!

Hi all - I am stealing Rocky's blog for one post to mention that his Rocky star from last week, Lucy, returned home this morning. Details can be found at http://lostlucydc.blogspot.com/. Lucy returned home ONE MONTH from the day she escaped. Perhaps Rocky and Lucy are soul mates? :)
Rocky's Dad

Loud Noises, Cold Stuff, and A Real "Rocky Star"

I'm scared of loud noises. I know a lot of dogs probably understand this but it has become apparent to me that some of the people Daddy talks too regularly don't. He is always being asked why I am so scared of loud noises. First, let me say that I understand things would be better for me if I wasn't afraid of loud noises. I wouldn't have had to spend all of Sunday evening hiding in the bathroom from what Daddy called "Wind". I wouldn't have taken off looking for a bathroom to hide in on January 3rd if it wasn't for a noise that Daddy's friend called "ridiculously unnecessary car honking". As a dog, I don't understand 1) the need, 2) the source, and 3) the cause of any of these noises. They all seem wholly unneccessary. Kind of like that thing people do that Daddy refers to as "talking". In general, I think you people bark and woof way too much as it is - especially into those little devices that everyone seems to play with all the time. I can't figure out the purpose of these things Dad calls "cell phones" other then helping me figure out when someone is coming over soon.

Back to loud noises. At the dog park, Dad makes a loud noise when he wants to get my attention. So this noise doesn't scare me, cause I know:
1) The Need - Daddy needs me!
2) The Source - Daddy!
3) The Cause - Clapping his hands together!

This was not true for Sunday night, as the only thing I could figure was:
1) The Need - To be Scary?
2) The Source - Something that is less likely to harm me if I hid in the bathroom?
3) The Cause - Wind! (only cause Daddy told me)

And regarding January 3rd:
1) The Need - To be Scary?
2) The Source - A ridiculously unneccessary car honking!
3) The Cause - To tell me that I should go find Daddy cause he might need me?

If you can't figure out the guidelines of the exercise above, anything that ends with a "?" is my best guess on what the noise what about. Taking this into consideration, wouldn't you be afraid of these noises?

Although Sunday night was very frightening, I was greeted on Monday morning with this cold stuff on the ground that made my paws all wet. It was like dirt, but white. And colder. And Slippier. This "Cold Stuff" was so much fun to run back and forth in. I'm not sure how Daddy was able to get all this white stuff for me to play in, but I was very grateful. And it was nice of him to provide that for me to make up for the scary "Wind" the night before.

As I pointed out in my last blog, I have no concept of time. I've heard a lot of people say that the 36 days I was gone must have been torture for me and for my Dad. If that's true, then this dog Astro and his Dad must have really struggled for the 9 years they were apart: http://www.theleafchronicle.com/article/20090225/COLUMNISTS35/902250322

I mentioned last time that someone said that 1 year to a person is 7 years to a dog. Which means that 9 years to Astro's Dad was 7 years 9 times over to Astro! (Like I said, dogs aren't good at math) That just sounds like a lot! Now that's what I call a "Rocky Star"! We don't know where or who Astro was with for 9 years, but he certainly had to deal with a lot of loud noises during that time that he managed to survive. It's dogs like that make me think maybe I'll be brave and not hide in the bathroom next time I'm faced with "Wind". Instead, maybe I'll hide in Daddy's closet.

Off to wait for Daddy to pick me up!
Rocky The Munn

Rocky Dog's Rocky Blog Rules and the Obamas

As a dog, I have very little concept of time. I heard Daddy once say that 1 year to a person is 7 years to a dog. Which means if I was gone for 36 days, it was.... well, dogs aren't good at math. So really, I have no concept of how long that really is. So when Daddy mentioned I should have somewhat of a posting schedule for the blog, I asked "Should I post whenever I pee? Whenever I eat?" These are the sort of things I do routinely. Daddy thought that might be too much, so we decided I will post whenever Daddy sends me to day care. As a result, expect new posts from me on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Also as a dog, I tend to be territorial. Daddy explained to me that this is a public blog, meaning that other people might come try and pee on it, even though I already peed here first (side note: I don't understand why Daddy was upset with me when I peed on the blog. He told me I could have it. People are so weird sometimes). My only request is that you be respectful to me with your peeing and I in turn will allow you to mark my territory in the comments section. You certainly can mail me your pee to rockydab@yahoo.com - please feel free to send questions, things you want to know about me, or potential "Rocky Stars" and I'll include them in the blog.

Finally, I would like to give a woof-out to the Obamas for agreeing to rescue the next First Dog: http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20090226/LIFESTYLE/90225050/1024

As a rescue myself, I commend the Obamas for choosing to forego an elitist, breeded dog and rescuing one in need. I'm not really into politics, but Daddy is, so I'm not really sure what importance the Obamas have. Daddy says they make decisions. Well, if this is the type of decisions they make, they are very good decision makers. So I guess that's good news. As for the dog, well he or she certainly will have a big lawn to find fun stuff to sniff! I wonder if there is cheese in that big white house.

Daddy also told me that I was gone for the Obamas arrival into Washington DC (he called it an "In dog U Nation" or something, which sounds fascinating if it really involved a nation of dogs). He mentioned that a lot of people descended into the DC area that week. Once he told me that, I realized that was also right about the time that I decided to high tail it out of the Falls Church/Arlington area and find someplace quieter. Huge messes of people scare me. So while Daddy might have thought it was random that I ended up where I did, it seems logical to me. I just headed in the opposite direction that the huge mess of people were heading. And see, you thought my running path was random. Anyway, I'll have more tidbits like this in the weeks to come.

Ok, break time at daycare is over. Time to go sniff something!
Rocky The Munn

A Farewell... and a New Beginning!

Hi all -

Well, it's been an interesting 53 days. I've experienced some of the lowest lows and highest highs I'll probably ever experience during that time. It's been quite a ride. And now I think it's time for me to get off the ride.... before I do, however, I want to thank everyone out there who sent me their support for the first 36 days and their heartfelt congratulations over the last 17. My ability to remain positive over those first few weeks were in part thanks to the overwhelming support I received from the people who have frequented this blog. It brought me to tears on more then one occasion to receive willing helping hands and helping words from those who have never met Rocky nor myself. And to know the amount of people that were praying and keeping their eyes out for Rocky... well, I'm not sure what people (or even I) believe in when it comes to a higher power. But whomever out there is watching out for the good souls certainly heard your voices and made sure my Rocky stayed out of harms way during that time. The purpose of starting this blog was for me to help spread the word about Rocky and bring him home safely. That purpose having been fulfilled - it's time for me, Rocky's Dad, to bid adieu from this blog. Farewell - I have nothing but love for you all.

That being said, I have discussed this blog with Rocky. Although unaware of the support from the readers of the blog while he was a "Munn on the Run", he has quickly learned about that support through the welcome GALA and the good wishes he has received during that time. He was severely disappointed when I informed him of my decision to leave the blog and has offered his services to keep the blog running at least for the time being (he's a dog - so he doesn't make long term promises. You never know where there's going to be a better spot to sniff.) So I have decided to turn this blog over to Rocky himself (which makes sense since the author of all the blog posts is listed as him anyway). Over the next few weeks, months, years, or whatever he decides, Rocky will give his own musings on his time on the run, on life with a crazy owner, advice for other dogs out there, and other thoughts that only a Munn could have. Also, periodically he will profile "Rocky Stars" - other dogs that may need your help because they are lost or need new homes. And so without further adieu, I will now turn things over to Rocky.

wougasldajfuahgdskjnvzaslkjdfnvlkndksjnkgkj,abakhlasainnvaalkganslkgalngafdsfkjsdnkjnkanf

WOOF! Ok, that's better. Hard to type with paws instead of hands. I suggest you all glue your fingers together and see how you do in front of a keyboard before you judge me. First off, I want to point everyone to the sighting map Daddy put together for me on the right side of the page. Interesting work - but he makes it seem as if I had no rhyme or reason for what I was doing with that mishmash of different colors that go back and forth. Believe you me, I did. Over the next few weeks I will attempt to explain my thoughts and actions over those long, cold 36 days.

Also, a lot of people have asked why Daddy calls me "The Munn". The answer is... I really have no idea. The man has come up with more nicknames for me that make no sense then blocks of cheese I have stolen from the fridge. He claims it's cause he used to call me "Stockyman". Which eventually became "Stockomunn" when he decided I was Irish and not quite a man (hence, a Munn). Which eventually became "The Munn" I guess when he decided I wasn't Irish anymore (I'm not sure if I'm allowed to be Australian again at this point). So there you have it. He also calls me "Stupid" occassionally. To which my only reply is "who's the one who picks up the other's poop, Dad?". Right. I'm the Stupid One.

I'm looking forward to taking over the blog from Daddy now that I'm finally home. It'll give me something to do during the day while Daddy is at work. But I do hope to keep the original purpose of this blog alive by helping other dogs in need. With that in mind, I want to wish upon my first "Rocky Star", Lucy an Australian Shepherd lost around Rock Creek Park in Washington, DC. Lucy's blog can be visited here: http://www.lostlucy.com/Home. Please help Lucy in any way you can.

And with that, it's time for me to go pee on something. Feel free to write to me at rockydab@yahoo.com about any questions you might have for me that I can answer here, nominations for "Rocky Stars", or about anything else you might want to say. Awroo!
Rocky The Munn

Rocky Map Updated and Blog Future

So - I sat down with our map expert, Jen Norris, yesterday and we put our heads together and tried to make our best guess at Rocky's full route from January 3rd to February 8. At this point, it was very clear which potential Rocky sightings were false and which ones weren't - so we deleted all those that we not him and then connected dots using the places and dates of the other sightings. What we ended up with was quite a funny set of lines of Rocky going back forth between the two Falls Church Metros for awhile until he finally decided to head off towards Annandale for his final pick up location. Of course, we had to make some assumptions on where he crossed over 50 and how he may have gotten around Lake Barcroft, but I think what we ended up with is probably a pretty good guess on how he travelled. You can see the final map here: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=114974815979925284183.00045fd8e936d2b5e374b&ll=38.883684,-77.127113&spn=0.07924,0.181961&z=13 or use the map link on the right hand side of this page. Jen added in some great commentary on what our thoughts are on Rocky's route and why we made certain assumptions about his travel behavior. Click on the lines to read them!

Also, within the next couple days, I'll be figuring out what I want to do with this blog ongoing. I have received some thoughts and ideas for uses although part of me thinks it might be better just to shut it down entirely. I'm not sure if anyone is still clicking here or plans too ongoing. I'm very happy Rocky is home and I've been overwhelmed by the support he's received through this blog. If you have continued to check it and would like to see it continue, please comment below on what sort of content you would like to see (or write Rocky an email to rockydab@yahoo.com).

Rocky in the Washington Post!

So the Munn's article appeared in the Washington Post!! http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/18/AR2009021800035.html

For anyone coming to this blog for the first time today, there are other missing dogs out there that can use your help. Please do what you can to help Lucy: http://www.lostlucy.com/Home

Also anyone looking for a dog of their own to adopt, Romeo is a real sweety: http://www.adoptromeo.blogspot.com/

Romeo will be at an adoption event at:
Wylie Wagg
Sat Feb 21, 12-2pm
7505 Leesburg PikeFalls Church, VA
(703) 748-0022

Rocky will be stopping by to lend his support!!

More pics from the GALA

Now that's what I call a Lost and Found!


Many dogs in all shapes and sizes came to see Rocky.



Rocky was at times overwhelmed. But he always kept himself near the center of attention!



"I would just like to thank - all the volunteers who believed in me... when the going got tough - the Rock got going."



OK - you have my attention. You must be holding cheese.


Hey - you know it was a little girl just like you who helped me get home! (Unfortunately, Maddie was unable to attend)

Close up of the one blemish Rocky came home with - the scratch on his snout.

Rocky meets Elliott from the ET movie.

What's up Dog?

It's the Little Things...

Like Solid Poo that sometimes can make your day. Rocky's digestion has returned to normal. He's put on about half the weight he lost in a week. And the scar on his nose is almost healed. So he's almost gotten to the point where he's no worse for wear a week after his return home. And honestly, he is basically the same dog personality wise now that he was before he left. It's almost like he really did just take a 36 day sabbatical. He even systematically pulled my clothes out of the hamper over the weekend to make himself a bed of my t-shirts and pajama pants. So that's my Munn - back to Munn like status! Here's another GALA pic guaranteed to make you smile.

The Munn on the Run

A lot of people have asked me over the last couple days what I thought Rocky did on a day to day basis while he was out on the run for 36 days. After the first couple times, I came up with a novel way to get the answer to this question – to ask him myself! Unfortunately, he was sleeping most of the time for the first few days of his return. When he was awake and I tried to query him, he at times gave me the silent treatment. On other occasions he told me he would talk when the time was right and now wasn’t because he was still processing through everything. He then explained to me that dogs don’t have complex thought processes so therefore I was putting those words into his mouth and I should apologize to him for that. We went back and forth debating this point for awhile. Anyway, I guess after 5 days, Rocky was finally able to speak about what happened to him over the last 36 days to a reporter from the “Poochie Press” (Editor’s Note: Not a title of an actual publication). Here is the transcript.

Poochie Press: Thank you for agreeing to meet with us Rocky. We know you are a busy Munn.

Rocky the Munn: They told me I would get cheese.

PP: You just returned from a remarkable journey of 36 days in which you travelled at least 10 miles in a straight line, probably many more in your whole route – during which you dealt with extreme cold, ice, rain, snow, and even hail. How are you feeling right now?

RTM: ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

PP: Mr. The Munn? Is that your way of saying you’re tired?

RTM: Oh no, I’m just found your initial question boring to your readers. You should be more considerate.

PP: Point taken. Can you tell us why you chose to go towards Annandale after you were lost in Falls Church?

RTM: That way smelled better. More places to pee. Less scary people.

PP: Interesting. Were you scared during your travels?

RTM: Well, I ran away from everyone who saw me. Plus, I was all alone in the cold, rain, and whatever else you said without my Daddy. So no, I wasn’t scared at all.

PP: You weren’t? My aren’t you a brave dog.

RTM: That was sarcasm, you twit.

PP: Your dad mentioned that you were very intelligent and athletic. Were these qualities things that helped you survive during your journey?

RTM: I think I survived mostly cause of my charm and good looks.

PP: Wow – that is intere…. Wait, more sarcasm, right?

RTM: I am wagging my tail in approval of your newfound intelligence.

PP: What did you eat during your journey, Mr. The Munn?

RTM: Steak, Filet Mignon, Blocks of Cheese, Broiled Scallops, Fig Newtons, Tomato Paste, Caviar, Pineapple Glazed Chicken…

PP: Wow – that’s quite a spread!

RTM: I lost 10 lbs. You can be assured I had none of the above. Although I may have dreamt about some of them. By the way, when do I get that cheese?

PP: One more question – and then you’ll get all the cheese you want. Do you miss being out on the run or are you happy to be back home where you belong?

RTM: My daddy and I will never be separated like that again. It was a tough 36 days for me and I know it was for him as well. I’m sure versions of these same questions could legitimately be asked of him too. I’m going to do everything in my power to ensure I am never in the same situation again and I’m sure my daddy will do the same.

Henry David Thoreau wrote “We should come home from adventures, and perils, and discoveries every day with new experience and character”. The last 36 days have changed me profoundly. Even though I may not be different outwardly, inwardly I know that I have experienced the worst and have overcome. I wanted to get home so bad, so I did what I could to ensure I survived and made it there. I stayed positive even in the coldest nights and stayed strong even when it looked like there was no hope. Having gotten through this makes me feel like I can do anything.

To quote someone else, Sarah Ban Breathnach wrote “Be grateful for the home you have, knowing that at this moment, all you have is all you need”. I know there were things in my life I took for granted before. Food , water, and shelter perhaps being the most obvious. But a loving dad who sends me to daycare twice a week is a whole lot more then what most pooches are afforded. Having that taken away from me for 36 days made me realize that I should stop thinking about what I don’t have and appreciate what I do have. Cause what I do have is pretty good.

So yes, you can be sure that I am extremely happy to be back home where I belong. And I plan on staying here for as long as I live. And knowing that dogs don’t have complex thoughts, quote authors, or actually speak – you should also know that it is not me, Rocky The Munn, who is sharing these sentiments. I hope that answers all your questions.

Please note that no Munns or fake reporters were harmed in away during this blog

Rocky Sighting! Sunday in Georgetown from noon - 2

Hi all - one of Rocky's buddies, Romeo will be at an adoption fair on Sunday. Rocky is going to lend his support. Come see Rocky and Romeo and other wonderful pooches at:
Sunday, Feb 15, 12-2pm
The Dog Shop
1625 Wisconsin Ave NW(Georgetown)
Washington, DC 20007
(www.thedogshopdc.com)
202-337-3647

Rocky will be there from approximately 12:30-1:30. For more info on Romeo, please visit http://www.adoptromeo.blogspot.com/.

Pics from the GALA

Hi all - it's been a busy 24 hours, but I wanted to get some pictures from the GALA up while I could. We had a great turnout - at least 150 people. A lot of people purchased things from Dogma too, which means homeward trails will get 10% of all purchases. We had 2 papers there, the Washington Post and the Falls Church News Press, both of whom will be doing stories on Rocky's amazing journey - I believe both of which will run NEXT Thursday, so I will keep everyone posted. Enjoy the pictures below! Will have more later hopefully....





Dogma Bakery were fabulous hosts! Thank you Sheila, Liza, Mary, and everyone else!




The Munn posing for the camera. The instruction on this one was "Look pathetically cute".



Happy Dog - lots of treats and lots of love!



And Scratches from many wonderful people!



And sometimes we just need quiet time.



This doesn't taste like anything I've chewed in the last 5 weeks. Yum!




Dogma baked Rocky a welcome home treat. There was no shortage of yummys for Rocky last night.

Un-finding, Other Dogs, and Tomorow's GALA

A few topics to discuss. Now that Rocky has been found, we need to un-find him. All I need is someone on the street harassing me cause they think Rocky is a lost dog and not my Munn. :) I know unpostering efforts have already begun, but if you see any posters up in your neighborhood or otherwise, please take them down. If you have some time free and want to pull down posters (much more fun then putting them up I think!), contact testerdesp@aol.com and she can tell who what areas need un-postering. Also, I know many of you have posted Rocky on websites, shelters, vets, etc. - if you can call or write any that you may have done to let them know Rocky has been found (a very fun phone call by the way!), that would be appreciated. Rocky's celebrity status and having my phone number plastered around NoVa was fun while it lasted, but now it's time for both of us to return to our normal recluse lifestyle. ;)

A few people have reached out to me to post stories of other lost dogs on this blog. I hope all these dogs complete their journey home much like my baby did:
Lucy - http://www.lostlucy.com/Home
Queenie - http://helpfindqueenie.blogspot.com/
Alli - http://findmydogalli.blogspot.com/

And last, tomorrow's GALA is scheduled to go on as planned. It appears as if the Washington Post will be there with a reporter and a photographer (so much for Rocky's recluse life!). Either way though, I hope to see everyone there. The Munn has been resting up almost non-stop for 2 days just for the GALA! There was even rumbles of him getting dressed up for the event... but that might have just been his tummy.

Rocky's Dad

Rocky at Home

Posting a couple pictures of Rocky back at home. He's basically been sleeping non-stop with occasional food and water and nature breaks. So unfortunately no Munn "in-action" shots yet. But he's still doing very well and has become quite adjusted already to being back home. He even has gotten into some typical Munn-like behavior already as he unmade my bed earlier this evening.

Getting the Munn back to Munn-like Status

Wanted to type up a quick update. Rocky went to the vet this morning. First, he is 10 pounds lighter - his last listed weight was 56 and he's currently at 46. He has digestive issues - but that is to be expected. He's always had a sensitive stomach, so may be a few days before that is back to normal. The vet got him his boosters even though there was still a couple months to wait. Aside from the scrape on his nose, there was no other major signs of any scuffles or hardships he may have endured - no swellings, bruises, etc. He did have one tick that we found.

The vet asked me about his eating and drinking and I told him that Rocky has been eating and drinking normally. He has continued to do so today. All in all, the vet was amazed that this dog that spent 5 weeks out in the cold returned home mostly intact. I was surprised that Rocky still acted like a little baby when the needles came out. I thought 5 weeks running in the wild and dealing with the cold might have toughened him up a bit. :)

From there, Rocky got clipped and bathed - so the smell issue is gone. His pads are a bit worn but it doesn't look like he is in pain by them. He's still sleeping most of the day, but he still has been playful when he's been awake. And he spent some time this morning staring out my sunroom window perhaps wistfully recalling his adventures of the weeks past.

I'm sure he'll be back to his Munn-like shenanigans in no time. Might be time to put the lock back on the fridge. :) Thanks everyone for the amazing show of support and love for Rocky. Hope to see everyone at Dogma on Wednesday.

Welcome Home Rocky Gala - Wednesday, February 11th

WHAT: WELCOME HOME ROCKY GALA
WHEN: Wednesday, February 11
TIME: 6 - 8:30 pm
WHERE: Dogma Bakery, 2445 N. Harrison St., Arlington, VA, 22207
SPECIAL GUEST: CELEBRITY SENSATION ROCKY "THE MUNN"

The Dogma Bakery will be sponsoring a Welcome Home Rocky Gala. Please attend and meet the famous Rocky himself - limited pictures will be allowed. Feel free to give him a scratch behind the ears, a rub on his rump, or bring him treats, bones, or toys. Snacks and Refreshments will be provided. Dogma Bakery will donate 10% of all purchases made during the party to Homeward trails. Rocky hopes to see you all there so he can thank you personally for your support over the last 36+ days.

View the event on Facebook

Some pictures from the reunion

Yay! Daddy! YAY! TREATS!


Never let me go Daddy!


RUMP SCRATCHES! MY FAVORITE!

OK Daddy, I'll never run away again. I promise. Now can I have more cheese?

Can we go home now please?

What's up with all these lost dog posters daddy?

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

I better pay attention so I know exactly how to get home!

Giving up on the Rocky Search....

.... ONLY BECAUSE I AM WATCHING HIM PRANCE AROUND WITH HIS BONE ALL MUNN-LIKE HERE AT HOME WHERE HE BELONGS!!!

Yes, this would be the blog post I'm sure you all have been waiting for.

After 36 days and 12 hours, Rocky has finally completed his journey and returned home to me. First off, I want to thank the entire Shinstock family who were the ones who notified me of Rocky's whereabouts today while I was flyering at Petco. The irony is not lost on me of the Stockomunn being found by the Shinstock family. Beth Shinstock called me today and notified me that Rocky had been hanging out near her and a few neighbors houses in Annandale for about a week. He wouldn't go allow anyone to go near him, but Rocky had made himself quite welcome in their neighborhood apparently. Her daughter, Maddie, was finally able to get Rocky to come close enough to her to give him food and over time, this obviously brilliant young girl was able to get Rocky's phone number off of his collar. I drove over to their address where I found Chris and future Steelers WR Hunter Shinstock enjoying a father son football toss and catch. I got out of the car and asked them if Rocky was still nearby. Chris pointed at his neighbor's driveway and said "Yes - he's sleeping on that driveway over there."

This dog, on the run for so long - that so many have spent countless hours trying to find was SLEEPING ON A DRIVEWAY IN ANNANDALE!!! I walked to the driveway with a leash, cheese, and treats... turned out I probably didn't need any of it. I called his name, and he lifted up his head and got up. He was a little disoriented at first and barked a couple times. I then said "Rocky, come here baby..." and he looked at me, let it register for a second, then put his ears back and came right to me. He was full of kisses for his daddy - as was I for him. I put the leash on him and about a minute later he walked over to my car to get in like we were just at the park or something. We got home about an hour ago, and he's eaten a bit, drank some water, played chase with me with his bone, and now is passed out sleeping on my couch.

He is very thin. But besides a few scratches on his nose and face, he looks very healthy. He doesn't smell very good, but I'm OK with that. He has been whimpering a bit, but from what I can tell, it just seems that's because he's happy to be home or perhaps he is trying to tell me of the adventures of the last 5+ weeks. I'll post some pictures of him a little later today.

I'm going to try and thank everyone. Please forgive me if I missed your name. Know that I appreciate the efforts that everyone has given to helping Rocky find his way home since January 3rd:
Kate
Sonia
Mac
Trish
Jenny
Josh
Kirsten
Eugenia
Jason
Leslie
Nancy
Daphne
Becky
Brad
Erika
Neena
Katie
Shana
Donna
Suzanne
Natalia
Linda
Alexa
Jennifer
Liza
Mike
Jeff
Charlie
Lisa
Laura
Debbie
Edith
Jo
Darci
Annie
Elizabeth
Melissa
Alex
Tara
Ellen
David
Ashley
Erin
Jim
Paula
Robin
Cary
Christina
Irene
Dallas
Anna
Jay
Lindsay
Erika
Mary Ann
Gail

Thanks to everyone who offered their support to me. Without your support and love for Rocky and the time the above people took to help find him, I'm certain I would not have made it through one week, let alone 5 weeks without him.

But he's here. He's Home. My baby is home. Finally.

Special thanks to Jessika for coming out last week while I could not be available.

And an extra special thanks to the Shinstock family - Rocky and I will be forever in your debt for reuniting us. This is the happiest day of my life. Thank You. Oh and Rocky says "WOOF!" and wants to give a "barkout" to Maddie.

Time to get reacquainted with my best friend. And maybe figure out a way to get these tears to stop falling from my eyes. We love you all,
Rocky's Dad and Rocky :)

Update for tomorrow

Hi all - we had a very highly probable sighting of Rocky yesterday in the North Arlington area. As a result of this, I am going to change the flyering destinations for tomorrows event. The meetup location I am keeping the same in case people who were planning on showing up do not read the blog between now and then. However, please be aware that I may be sending you a small distance from that location to flyer. If you have quarter flyers of your own that you want to use and just want to call for a location suggestion, please feel free to do so at 703-593-1040. Thanks - Rocky's Dad.

Flyering Efforts this weekend

Hi there - I hear the weather is supposed to be nice this weekend. Thought it would be nice to take advantage of the 62 degree weather and see if we can get some Rocky flyers out on Sunday.

Let's meet at 1:30-2:30 pm on Sunday at the Trader Joe's at 5847 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA‎ to hand out flyers. I would like to send people to some of the following areas -

Bailey's Crossroad
Seven Corners
East Falls Church Metro
Ballston
West Falls Church Metro

If you decide to take an area at another time or on your own during that time (meaning without meeting up at the Trade Joe's), please contact me at 703-593-1040 or at rockydab@yahoo.com. Please copy testerdesp@aol.com.

I am flying home in a few hours - thankful, hopeful, and ready to bring Rocky home where he belongs.

Returning tomorrow night

Hi there - my work trip ends tomorrow and I will be home early Saturday morning. Jess did a lot this week and I think we made some good progress towards bringing Rocky home. I spoke with her briefly and she said she will be posting some suggested weekend activities that we could use volunteers for. Any help you can give will be appreciated.

This was a very hard week for me to be away. Just for a little insight - the work responsibility I had for this week was the largest professional undertaking I personally have had to manage. It went well, but hard to take too much satisfaction while the largest undertaking I've ever had to manage period is still at large... unresolved.

Thanks for all who kept the search going this week. Your time and energy was much appreciated three time zones away.

Success with a tracking Dog... and Feeding Station Volunteers Needed

I had a busy day today, but it was all worth it.
I spent the morning checking out what turned out to be a false Rocky sighting, but was able to corral a little guy until animal control could come and take him out of harms way.
After a quick lunch, I hit all the shelters in the area. There was lots of good news there... first, they are mostly empty, which means that most doggies are safe and sound at home and second, they all instantly recognized Rocky's name and said they were very on the look out for him.
The evening was spent with a tracking dog/handler in the location of the latest sighting, by JEB Stuart Park. The dog was able to quickly pick up a scent and tracked down to Lake Barcroft.
Which leads me to our big need right now - we REALLY need to place a feeding station on the shore of Lake Barcroft and/or the edge of JEB Stuart park. I knocked on some doors, but no one was home. The one family I talked to seemed hesitant, but they seemed like great folks, so I hope they come through for us.

Alright, I'm heading out in another 30mins to look around the area. It's trash night in the area, and I'm thinking Rocky might come out looking for a morsel.

Update - Posters up in the Lake Barcroft/JEB Stuart High School Area

Thanks to everyone who helped posted the area around the sighting from this weekend. We were able to get signs up in a good radius. Lake Barcroft is a potentially good hiding place and I could see him riding out the next couple of cold days there (if that's really where he is.) Hopefully one of the residents in the area will see him and give us a call.
One of the folks out tonight asked is Rocky likes the water. Which is a great question... he was at least eighteen months old before he even saw water. We were on vacation out in Tahoe and went to play in the river. We literally had to pick him up and put him in the water and first, and it was only up to his little knees. We got him to the point that he'd at least run in and out of it, but he didn't seem impressed. In later life though, I think Rocky's been more for the water... but he is definitely not a 'water dog'. If I had my dog with me tonight, I'm pretty sure I would have ended up getting dragged into the lake trying to keep him out of it. I'll have to keep that in mind when I go out to scan the woods in the area tomorrow.

How the Munn was Won

So - let me start by saying that everything I have said about my Rocky Dog has been 100% true. He is and always has been an extraordinary dog. His intelligence, persistence, and athleticism has driven me crazy over the years. Those same things are keeping him safe right now.

My heart breaks every time I think about Rocky right now when I am 3000 miles away. Jess and I together rescued Rocky 7 years ago. Even though she and him have not been together for several years now - I know their love for each other endures. Please do what you can to help her during this week while I attempt to do what I can from afar. All the help and support I have got has been amazing. And in case you haven't realized it yet - I'm not giving up hope. I still believe my baby will come home. And I really hope you all will do what you can to help him complete his journey back home. Hope there is a big turnout tomorrow at Jeb Stuart.

Postering Tuesday -Meet at Jeb Stuart High School

The latest sighting is right near Jeb Stuart Park and High School. The park is wooded and has lots of great hiding spots.
We'll be meeting in the parking lot of the high school (close to the park, which is right across the street) at 7pm to poster the surrounding area, since I only saw one sign out there tonight. The weather may not be ideal, so I thank you in advance for your dedication.
If you want to help; call or text 412 759 7400, so I know to expect you.

Sighting last night, and the beginning of a new week...

Hi, all... this is Jess.
Gizmo and I have arrived safe and sound in the DC area and went out on foot to get the lay of the land. I didn't see as many posters as I thought I would, but to be honest, they were everywhere I would have put them.
I plan, tonight or tomorrow to investigate a sighting from last night with a tracker.
Also on tap for tomorrow: checking in with the library and community center and calling all shelters, etc. SIGHTING LOCATION: Beechway and Mansfield. This is on Beachway Dr at the southeast corner of Mansfield Rd.
I also have a new idea of calling/talking to contractors doing work in the area; I've seen enough Disney movies to know that lost animals all hang out in abandoned or low trafficked buildings.

Continue to call in sightings, or if you want to help... send us an email to testerdesp@aol.com and copy rockydab@yahoo.com with the Subject "Rocky volunteer". Please include your name and phone number in the message.

Thankful on the West Coast

Hi all - just wanted to thank everyone who was out there today while I am out here on the West Coast for work. It's tough to be so far away - actually this girl behind me on the plane started singing the theme song to American Tail and I was pretty close to losing it on the plane. Not sure where that random song came from. Anyway - no Rocky calls today.... will keep you posted about tomorrow.

Rocky Activities This Weekend

As I mentioned - I have to leave town for business tomorrow. For this weekend, there are still volunteer activities that we could use people for. If you have questions or will be running late but want to attend, please call Sonia at 703-587-7655. Here is the scoop:

"Meet at East Falls Church metro in the parking lot on Saturday around 1100 and again on Sunday. The goal on Sat is to paper the area south of Lee from EFC to Ballston. On Sunday, we will pick up where we left off north of Lee and move east over Glebe. On both days, we will tackle the strip mall parking lots in the west Arlington/EFC area."

Starting on Monday, one of the people Rocky is closest too in the world will be managing the blog and the search for me until either Rocky or me returns home - her name is Jessika. She will be posting her contact info.

For any of my friends that know Rocky - let me know if you want me to put you on the sighting call list for response while I am away.

25 Things About Rocky

There is this thing going around Facebook right now of people writing notes of 25 Random Things about themselves and then sending it to other people so they can do the same thing. I couldn't think of 25 things about myself since, well, I'm just not that interesting... But I communicated telepathically with Rocky last night and he wanted to do one. So here are the 25 random things he came up with while hanging (sn)out somewhere between home and Falls Church (not quite the moon and New York City - but sure feels that way)

1. My name when adopted was Tirith.

2. Daddy changed my name to Rocky after a Pittsburgh Steeler player, Rocky Bleier.

3. My full name is Rocky Dawg Bleier

4. Rocky Bleier wore #20 for the Steelers. My Steelers jersey is a #10. So I'm a half sized Rocky Bleier.

5. Daddy also calls me Schtockomunn, The Munn, Little Guy, Baby Dog, and Stupid. All out of love.

6. I love cheese. And I can sense the opening of a cheese package from across the apartment while completely asleep. It takes me .3 seconds to appear in the kitchen next to Daddy when he is opening cheese.

7. Daddy put a padlock on his fridge to stop me from eating what was inside. I have taken deli meat, cheese, Thanksgiving turkey, leftover pizza, Indian food, and a bottle of grated parmesan cheese out of the fridge in the past for my enjoyment.

8. Daddy tried to give me beer once and I didn't like it. We aren't completely alike me and him.

9. My speak commands are "Holla Back Poochie", "Here we Go Steelers here we go" (2 barks), and "Do you want Sexy Girl Dogs".

10. Daddy can hold a treat above his head while standing and I can jump up and take it from his fingers.

11. I took agility class as a puppy and I was either the best in the class or the worst in the class depending on how you looked at it. When I wanted too, I was the fastest dog through the course. When there was something fun to sniff, I would veer off the course with no hope of getting back on.

12. I love finding fun stuff to sniff.

13. If you come into our house, the first thing I will do is grab my done and show it to you. Cause it's the best bone ever.

14. Fetch only works for me for the first throw. After that, it's more fun for you to chase me all over god's creation then for me to bring it back to you. What's the challenge in that? Retrievers are so dumb sometimes.

15. The first time I saw my reflection in a pool, I fell in. That was also the first time I went in water. Now I love going swimming.

16. I have escaped from 4 different apartments that Daddy has lived in.

17. I also have escaped from 6 different crates.

18. Daddy bought this collapsible crate that had no inner opening mechanism in his last attempt to put me in a crate so he could fly me cross country when we moved in 2006. I figured out how to collapse the crate and wriggle myself out anyway. Daddy is so stupid.

19. As a result of the above, Daddy traded in his convertible for an SUV and we drove cross country together. I peed on 11 different states- but none was more fun then peeing on the Salt flats in Utah!

20. Daddy probably should have named me Houdini.

21. My favorite thing to do when being scratched is to stick my face in the ground and put my rump in the air and then bend in half like a rubber band. It's a good thing I'm mostly muscle cause otherwise I'm sure that would hurt.

22. Daddy has sent me to 6 different daycares.

23. I don't like Falls Church very much and I want to return home.

24. My Daddy Misses me very much.

25. Please help me get home in any way you can.

Jan. 28 Update - Potential Sighting

Around 4:30 pm today a woman saw a 50 lb. black dog with a white tip on it's tail running down the street from her living room window. Because she only caught a quick glimpse of the dog she was unable to confidently confirm any other of the dog's characteristics either positively or negatively as they regard to Rocky. We did put food in her yard to see if the dog returned. The sighting was at Jefferson and 22nd st - not too far from the 2 weekend sightings. While none of these have been confirmed Rocky sightings, it is obvious that some dog that looks somewhat like Rocky is hanging (sn)out in that area. So let's do what we can to get that dog, whether it is Rocky or not, to a safe place.

A few people were able to put some posters up in that area this evening - but I do think we need to have several people out to flyer that area between Lee Highway and Washington Boulevard. From Patrick Henry to Washington Boulevard I noticed it was heavily residential with a lot of space between houses - meaning lots of space for a pooch to roam.

The weather remains blechful (translation: full of blech) but the precipitation is so little that Rocky might be on the hunt for food and water. If you have time to volunteer for postering tomorrow during the day or evening please feel free to email rockydab@yahoo.com or testerdesp@yahoo.com to get thoughts on where to go.

I do want to reiterate for those people searching to conduct their searches in silence and act as non-threatening as possible if they see Rocky. Calling him, chasing him, or engaging him in any manner will very likely spook him and drive him out of the area.

Hope to have some more news tomorrow. Thanks again everyone.

Poster in Spanish available

Please go to www.helpfindrocky.com to find. There are also several other versions of flyers, business cards, and posters available for whatever purpose you could use them for.

Jan. 27 Update - Let's Go Home Rocky

I can't believe the calender is getting close to February which means it'll soon be 1 month since I've last seen my baby. It may well have been the longest month of my life - and it's probably good I haven't really given myself time yet to breath it all in. I have this constant nagging feeling that I am forgetting something - but in reality the nagging thing is that I'm always remembering. With the weather today I was reminded how Rocky was always so confused when snow fell. He would typically hide in my closet and would stay far away from where he could see outside.

His reaction when the snow was done falling was quite different. I was very curious how he would react to snow when we moved cross country in 2006. Rocky had never seen snow until that winter (he was 5) - and the first time I took him out in it, he started sniffing and pawing at the snow. After about 2 minutes of this, he looked at me and got into his play "stance". And after that it was just on... he would frolic around, running amuck, zig zagging with no real destination in mind... and really the only that would eventually slow him down was the "Let's Go Home" command that he knew meant it was time to leave or go inside. I really hope he'll be outside somewhere once the snow stops falling since it gave him such joy.

There were no new sightings today - not surprising considering I don't think he would have been out much on day like this. Please continue the volunteer efforts for all those that have taken the time to contact me or Nancy (testerdesp@aol.com). Thanks for all that have given their time or donated (and I do promise to thank you all personally very soon).

Let's Go Home Rocky. Let's Go Home...

Snowy Day Assignments

Hi there -

We have a number of snowy day things we need people to do if you even have a half hour to spare. Most of them involve research, list compilation, or other things you just need a computer to do. Contact Nancy at testerdesp@aol.com if you can with your contact info. Thanks,

Rocky's Dad

Jan. 26 Update

We had two sighting calls today - one at the intersection of Hillwood and Annandale near 7 corners. After a little follow up on the sighting, we have determined the dog seen was likely not Rocky since the guy calling in believed the dog he saw was "long haired".

The second call was from midnight last night (Sunday) - which means the woman did not get a good view of the dog. She did visit this blog after seeing Rocky's poster in the post office today and did think there were some basic characteristics of what she saw being a match for Rocky after looking at the pictures on the site. This sighting was at the corner of Lee Highway and George Mason, which isn't too far from the Saturday sighting. This would put Rocky in that area 2 nights in a row.

A few things we need:
- Postering/Flyering at the shaded areas on the map
- Posters/Flyers in Spanish. Anyone who speaks Spanish willing to do this?
- Calls to radio stations - if you are willing to help with this, please write daphne.levitas@gmail.com

Also, we are currently creating a volunteer list to help when we need to make calls for volunteers for searches or other activities. In addition, I also have the unfortunate circumstance of having to go out of town for one week for work starting this Saturday. As a result, it would be good to have as many possible hands on deck if Rocky is still missing by then. If you would like to be on this list, please send a note to testerdesp@aol.com and copy rockydab@yahoo.com with the Subject "Rocky volunteer". Please include your name and phone number in the message.

An amusing Rocky anecdote before I head off to bed: it hasn't surprised me in the slightest that Rocky has been running full speed in most of his sightings. Rocky actually really only has two speeds - stop and torpedo... based on the fact that he's like a little torpedo when he's running full speed towards things. One time when the Munn was a puppy, he was playing with a bunch of people in the common area of the housing complex with we lived in. One girl had on these fuzzy slippers that Rocky kept going after. Finally, she lost one and Rocky wasted no time in picking it up and racing around the common area full speed with it. One of the exits to this common area was a sliding glass door that led out to the courtyard - well, not realizing the door was closed Rocky torpedo'd himself full speed into the glass door. He immediately dropped the slipper, put his ears back, looked at me and started wagging his tail like he was in trouble. He wasn't dazed or hurt in the slightest. And that's my Rocky: resilient, resourceful, and durable... all things he's proven as much as ever over the last 3 + weeks.

Jan. 25 - Weather and Under the Weather

We had a good group of volunteers today that managed to heavily poster the surrounding areas to where Rocky was potentially seen on Saturday night. I didn't get any further sighting calls today. I just was out in that area tonight with a flashlight checking out some parks and a schoolground, and like many of the other areas where he has been sighted, there are just a lot of places for a Munn to hide, stay warm, and perhaps even get food and water.

I managed to catch a little cold myself somehow - probably not unrelated to the amount of time I've spent outside in the cold recently. I looked at the weather over the next couple days and it does seem that it could potentially snow throughout the course of the week - until Thursday. Tomorrow evening there are "flurries" in the forecast, but it may be our only day before late in the week to get out and stay mostly dry. If you have the time tomorrow - please send me an email at rockydab@yahoo.com or text 703-593-1040 and I'll give you thoughts on where we could use people. Thanks - Rocky's Dad.

Postering/Search Efforts Continue

If you have time today, please call me at 703-593-1040 or Sonia at 703-587-7655.

Possible Sighting and Weekend Update

Hi there - I just returned from investigating a possible sighting of Rocky on Florida St and 26th road. The woman said she encountered the dog and tried to get his attention. She threw a treat in the direction of the dog. The dog grabbed the treat and then ran down Florida towards Lee Highway. The woman's son said that the dog looked like the one he had seen on a poster - so the woman went and found the poster and called me. I gave her the link to the site and pointed out the pictures of Rocky - she seemed very confident that it was him, and it was definitely a match in color (tri-colored), size, and a white tip on the tail. One thing she also said was that she didn't think this dog was wearing a collar - which means if it was him, Rocky may have lost his collar.

If you look on a map, you'll notice this possible sighting is in Arlington, actually not to far from Rocky's home. This would be the first sighting that is actually back towards home for him. So perhaps he has a better understanding of his bearings.

Thanks to the 14 people who came out yesterday and 15 people who came today to help with the postering and searching effort. Rocky's cute mug is plastered everywhere it seems. Although there is nothing organized, I know there will be people out postering and searching tomorrow - including around this new possible sighting area. Call or text me at 703-593-1040 if you have the time to join them.

Updated Slide Show

My baby was 54 pounds when he began his trip. The slide show (scroll down) has more pictures now. I haven't seen many dogs ever that have looked much like the Munn - so hopefully will help clarify ongoing "probable" sigthings.

My Baby Dog

Hi all - thanks to everyone who put in time and effort yesterday. I know because of your time I will get a call today. Will be at 6804 Walnut St, the corner of Walnut and N. Oak at noon today. Feel free to call if you can get out at other times today or if you will be late.

No new Rocky sightings from yesterday. He is being incognito apparently. See the slide show (scroll to bottom) for the menace my love can be.

Possible Sighting and Weekend Activities

Hi there -

So I received a call yesterday from a woman who believes she saw Rocky in her backyard on Tuesday morning at 9:30 am. Although this sighting was in Falls Church, it is about 2-3 miles from his previous sightings - however being that it's been a week since he was definitively seen, it is possible he moved that far out of the area. I still think he'll eventually circle back to the other areas, but we will likely focus some of our attention today and tomorrow in that area. The address of the sighting was 6110 Aura Court which is off of Route 7 (this new sighting is indicated on the sighting map). Rocky was heading towards a St. Anthony's Church apparently. No word if he took communion.

We will still meet tonight between 6 and 7 pm at the Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School. I have a lot of posters and will bring tape and other supplies. Please bring any extra flashlights, leashes, tape, staple guns, thumbtacks, or plastic sleeves you might have. If you are the searching type, you may want to bring cheese, deli meat, or something other yummy to dogs.

Tomorrow at noon we can meet at one of our volunteers house which is at the corner of N. Oak and Walnut closer to the West Falls Church metro. Sonia - I don't have your exact address so if you want to post it below that would be helpful.

We also could use some volunteers to help canvass the metro parking lots and pass out flyers at rush hour. Are there any high school or college students reading this blog that would be willing to help out for this? Contact me at rockydab@yahoo.com or text 703-593-1040 if interested. I can compensate you for your time.

Looking forward to seeing a lot of people out tonight and tomorrow. Hope is in the beautiful air right now - please help Rocky complete his journey home.

Rocky Activities over the next few days

So a few Rocky things for Friday and Saturday:

Friday noon - ???: Flyering in Falls Church Area - please contact Nancy and TesterDesp@aol.com for details.

Friday 6 pm - 9 pm: Postering/Searching for Rocky. Meet between 6-7 pm at the parking lot at Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School (7130 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22043). Please call or text me at 703-593-1040 if you will attend or show up between the scheduled time. If you will be late, please let me know.

Saturday noon - 4pm: Searching in Falls Church Area - meeting location TBD. I will send an update on this tomorrow.

I haven't received any new sightings based on the last couple days activities, which has me disappointed by not disheartened. He still is out there somewhere. And it is possible he moved out of the area, but as all breed experts have explained, he likely will circle back and return at some point. Hopefully soon since the weather has turned for the better.

Please continue to post suggestions and ideas. I read them all and just don't have time to respond to all. But just know that every option is under consideration. And thanks to all who have sent along there support for Rocky and me. It is much appreciated and it is what keeps me strong and hopeful that this will have a happy ending.

Jan 21 - Rocky Come Home Please

For a variety of reasons, I expected myself to be happier this week. For one reason and one reason only - my feelings and emotions have been tempered. Every moment seems a little surreal and any sort of extreme happiness is just not an option. Putting my keys in my front door, I still wait to hear the jingling of a collar and the sniff of a snout. Walking past my bedroom, I still peek in to see whether Rocky has pulled my sheets of my bed, my clothes out of my hamper, or some other Munn like mischeif. I still fill and clean his water bowl every couple days out of habit. I can't believe that I haven't seen my best friend in 18 days... It's been way to long since we have hung (sn)out.

With the weather turning better in the next couple days, I hope Rocky will become visible and he can finally come home to where he belongs. At this point, the next organized search will be on Friday evening - we can meet between 6-7 pm at a location TBD (only because I want to see if we get a sighting over the next couple days). Please feel free to search on your own using the sightings map as a guide. Later today, I will have the map updated with shaded areas that still could use some postering. Also later today, I will be initiating a third "findtoto" (http://www.findtoto.com/) calling that will originate from the area where he was potentially seen on Sunday night.

We still could use volunteers during the day to poster the soon to be shaded areas on the map and also to hand out business cards and flyers to foot traffic at the metros. Also, please continue to distribute the business cards to local businesses, dog walkers, and other places where they may be put to use. If getting out of your house or work is not an option - please check the top 10 list of ways you can help spread the word from heated comfort that has been posted a couple times. And last, if you can't give your hands or time, you can donate to the Help Find Rocky fund by using the button on your right. Every little bit that I get allows me to make quicker and better decisions on what to do next in the search.

I remain hopeful and confident that my baby is still out there somewhere looking for home. I know he needs whatever help he can get to complete his journey. Please help him in any way you can.

Rocky Slide Show

Scroll to the bottom of the page. Thank you Jessika for putting this together... I know you miss him almost as much as I do.

Jan 19 Update and today, Inauguration Day

Hi all - yesterday I had numerous potential sightings of Rocky, several of which turned out to be 2 other dogs that had gotten loose last night (but are now safely at home). I did get one possible sighting of a dog that might have been Rocky seen on Sunday night (not last night) around 7 pm near the intersection of Arthur and Woodley (which is near West St. and Route 7). One of our volunteers, Sonia, went to that area and in her flyering and search efforts spoke with dog walkers who confirmed sightings of a dog on Sunday night in the area that may have been Rocky.

A couple things: this area is actually a little further out then Rocky has been seen in. However, being that we haven't had a definitive sighting of Rocky in several days, it is completely possible that he was pushed out of the area and it wouldn't be at all out of the realm of possibility for him to travel that distance - maybe a mile south from some of his sightings. We do not have that area postered heavily (I postered some of the intersections myself over a week ago but that and what Sonia did last night are the only posters in that area).

So taking all that into consideration, here are the steps I would like to take today:
1) If you have time to get out and poster/search/business card during the day, that would be a great area to start in.
2) There should be some traffic at the metros today cause of inauguration - it would be great for volunteers to be near the 2 metro stations handing out business cards to the foot traffic.
3) Organized canvass/search tonight starting in the area of the possible sighting on Sunday night and extending up towards his other sightings.

If you are able to help out with any or all of the above, please contact me at rockydab@yahoo.com or call 703-593-1040. I, unlike many folks, do have to work today - so you can also email Nancy at testerdesp@aol.com if you are able to volunteer, especially for tonight's search. I know Rocky is still out there but he needs your help to get home. I'm obviously borrowing a phrase from someone here, but today seems like an appropriate day to put it to use - let's bring Rocky home... YES WE CAN! Please help today....