VMCVM Pet Spotlight: Rocky

What’s your name, and do you think it’s as awesome as you are?
Rocky. My name is fitting for me, my mom says my noggin is solid as a rock! She should know, since I like to gently nudge her with my head sometimes!

Who is your human and what is their role at the veterinary college?
My mom is Paula Hernandez, she's a Community Practice Technician at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

What kind of critter are you, and what makes your breed (or mix) totally pawsome?
I'm an American Staffordshire Terrier. I'm blue and white, and full of energy. My mom says we're on a mission to change the reputation of my breed. We sometimes get a bad name for being 'mean' or 'aggressive', but I only aggressively love everyone and truly have the biggest heart! If I'm at the VTH for an appointment and you see me in the halls, get ready for some LOVE!

How many candles are on your birthday cake this year—or are you keeping that a secret?
I just turned 5 years old on March 15th!

Where did you find your human, and what made you pick them?
My mom has a veterinarian friend whose care I ended up in after a bad situation found my first human. I was supposed to be a foster with my current mom for a while, but 4 years later, I'm a true momma's boy and won't be going anywhere!

How would you describe yourself: a snugglebug, a wild child, or the boss of the house?
I would describe myself as a snugglebug and a wild child. But a perfect mix of both! I also run the house, just so everyone knows.

What’s your signature move to get attention—puppy eyes, zoomies, or something else?
When I want attention, I curl up next to my mom and rest my head on her shoulder. Works every time!

Do you have a favorite toy that you’d fight a dragon to keep?
No toy I'd fight to keep, but I'd take a dragon on for my (tiny) morning dollop of whipped cream when my mom makes her coffee!

What’s your go-to snack, and how do you convince your human to hand it over? (Do you have a secret trick?)
A tried and true milk bone, my mom can't resist when I stand at the counter and longingly gaze at my treat container for one.

What’s the most epic adventure you’ve had with your human?
Our most epic adventure yet, is when we moved to Blacksburg for my mom to work at the VTH!

What’s something you did that left your human totally speechless—good or bad?
I recently learned that when my mom is watching TikTok on her phone, I can swipe up to the next one with my nose. 😂

What’s your best “I’m too cute to handle” pose for the camera?
When I sploot, my mom can't resist.

Describe a day in your fabulous life. Do you work hard or hardly work?
I work hard by guarding our home. I sleep all day, and then when mom gets home, we spend time outside and then I get to sleep more!

Do you have any rituals with your human, like belly rub o’clock or snack time at sundown?
When it's almost bedtime, we have the best pre-bedtime cuddles on the couch watching TV.

What’s your relationship status with other animals? BFFs, frenemies, or “it’s complicated”?
I'm BFFs with everyone I meet!

Do you have any party tricks that wow the crowd?
I'm not a real party animal, but I'm bilingual! I'm trained in Spanish and English, so I can show off my commands in two languages!

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
To have X-ray vision, so I could see through walls while I'm in bed. It's a lot of work to get out of bed to investigate a noise I hear in the other room.

What’s one thing your human should learn from you?
To not take life so seriously sometimes.

What’s the best thing about being your human’s sidekick?
My mom treats me like a king, I have the best life with a million blankets, all the food and treats I could want, and the best vet care. 😉