Sunshine's Adventures

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Animal Adviser
Assistance dog is a ray of sunshine
With his human, he's traveled U.S.

Sunday, January 18, 2009
By Ann Nungesser

How many people do you know who have really experienced the United States from sea to shining sea? Have you ever met a dog who could make that claim? I have. He's Sunshine, an intrepid canine who is always looking for a new adventure.

To date, this 7-year-old has already seen more of America than many human citizens. From the Space Needle in Seattle to New York's Empire State Building, Sunshine has gone where few dogs have walked.

The Jack Russell terrier travels on land, water and air. Road trips, boat rides and train travel are common experiences. He's been seen riding a bull and a 1960 Harley Davidson chopper trike. Sunshine has even floated above the clouds in a hot air balloon during the famous balloon festival in Albuquerque, N.M. -- that's a bird's eye view not many canines will ever see.

Sunshine is the beloved friend, pet, companion and assistant to Vincent Rocx. After a motorcycle accident in 1992, Rocx became a quadriplegic, paralyzed from the neck down. With strong determination and effort, Vincent worked his way up to reliance on just a single-point cane.

In 2001, Rocx drove two hours to look at a litter of Jack Russell pups born in Apple Valley, Calif. Rocx picked up each of the five puppies for a closer look. Sunshine was the only one that licked his face. It was inevitable. Rocx said he "knew then -- he (Sunshine) kind of picked me."

At age 3, Sunshine began service animal training in California. Rocx remembers just about everyone involved in the two-year training course said Sunshine was the most well-behaved Jack Russell terrier they ever met. To graduate, Sunshine had to pass a series of tests with distractions of people, carts, and "the hardest: other animals."

A red vest indicates that Sunshine is working as a service dog. When the vest is removed, Sunshine immediately goes into his off-duty mode, running and playing like any pet dog.

As a service assistance dog, Sunshine helps Rocx keep his balance when walking on stairs and ramps. This terrier recognizes traffic signals, hand signals and voice commands. To make sure his beloved master gets through crowds without a problem, Sunshine has learned to walk backward so he can keep his eyes on Rocx. Sunshine is also trained to go for help in emergencies.

Shortly after the service training, Sunshine and Rocx met a travel nurse named Amy Authement. Rocx said, "We all became best friends. We took on traveling with her exploring the USA. That's where all the adventures began."

Like most dogs, Sunshine revels in the outdoors. He boats in Louisiana and has caught fish in Florida and crabs in Delaware. Perhaps his favorite day at the beach was swimming in the Pacific Ocean at Dog Beach in California. The recent Louisiana snow was nothing new to this canine: He's has been sledding in Michigan snow.

Sunshine is no stuffed shirt, although he does have his own tuxedo for New Year's Eve celebrations. Then again, he can often be found in his birthday suit relaxing poolside. Naturally, this Louisiana dog parties at Mardi Gras. He's also played the slots in Las Vegas, and enjoys hanging out at Irish pubs and hamburger joints.

And after hearing about Sunshine's intelligence and skills, his resume and accomplishments, his travels and adventures, as well as his extensive friendships -- if you aren't a bit jealous of this dog yet, you will be when you hear that Sunshine is also extremely cute and has a great personality. And, not to mention, very popular -- which was obvious from his fans at the recent PetFest in Metairie.

Although the hot desert sun of his birthplace was the inspiration for Sunshine's name, the more poetic connotations of the word are most appropriate for this dog who projects kindness, compassion, energy, and heart. He is a canine ray of sunshine.

In 2009, Sunshine will continue practicing Rocx's philosophy of " living life to the fullest, one adventure after another." More travels await, and there are plans for a children's book. The well-rounded Sunshine will also continue his charitable endeavors. He visits children's hospitals at Christmas and serves as spokesdog and fundraiser for less fortunate critters.


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