09/06/2026
Recently we had to say said goodbye to a very special member of The Three Horseshoes family when Rocco crossed the Rainbow Bridge after a brief illness. I've wanted to write this tribute for days, but every time I sat down to do it, the words just wouldn't come. Some losses reach further than we expect and this is one of them.
Back in November 2021, when we first opened our doors, Bill and Rocco were the very first customers to walk through them. And so they became part of our story from the very beginning. Rocco made himself at home immediately. He greeted us with his trademark goofy grin, those soulful eyes, and welcomed our cuddles and attention. He knew exactly where the treat jars were kept and every visit came with a hopeful glance, a wagging tail and the certainty that somebody would eventually give in. Bill, on the other hand, took a little longer to warm up to us. But over the months and years that followed, I think we managed to win him over. The pub became a familiar part of their routine and they became a cherished part of ours.
People sometimes find it hard to understand how attached you can become to someone else's dog. Those of us lucky enough to work in a dog-friendly pub know exactly how it happens. We watch them grow older. We look forward to their visits. We sneak them treats. We greet them by name before their owners have even reached the bar. Without meaning to, they become family.
We have a little tribe of favourite dogs who have wandered into our hearts over the years. Beautiful souls who make every day brighter simply by walking through the door.
Rocco was one of those dogs. In fact, he was the first of that tribe that we've had to say goodbye to. I was honoured to spend some time with him and say my own farewell before he left us. It is a privilege I will never forget, although one I wish had not come so soon.
Today, while our hearts ache for Rocco, we know that Bill, with lead in hand, was there to meet him when he crossed over and we like to think the two of them together again, enjoying gentle strolls through the fields.
Dogs may only walk with us for part of our journey, but the pawprints they leave on our hearts never fade.
Thank you, Rocco, for every wag, every hopeful stare at the biscuit jar, every muddy pawprint, and every smile you brought through our doors. You were a very good boy and were loved more than you'll ever know. ❤️🐾
