Klay Thompson, the renowned guard for the Dallas Mavericks, recently took to Instagram to honor his beloved English bulldog, Rocco, who passed away after 13 years of companionship. Thompson shared a heartfelt message, reflecting on their time together and expressing his deep sorrow.

A Tribute to Rocco

In his Instagram post, Thompson wrote, "I'm gonna miss Rocco a lot, 13 glorious years with my boy. I know he's in doggy heaven poppin somebody's ball. A great dynasty dog he was. Thank you for all the sweet messages! All dogs go to Heaven!" This post resonated with fans and fellow athletes alike, who flooded the comments with their condolences and memories of Rocco.

Rocco's Rise to Fame

Rocco became a well-known figure during Thompson's tenure with the Golden State Warriors, where he was part of the iconic Splash Brothers duo. The bulldog's presence at games and on social media endeared him to fans, making him a beloved mascot of sorts for the team.

Thompson's Personal Connection

In a 2019 interview with GQ Sports, Thompson referred to Rocco as his "No. 1 essential," highlighting the bulldog's loyalty and the special place he held in Thompson's heart. "He's a loyal steed," Thompson said. "And he's the first pet I've ever owned, so Rocco you'll forever hold a special place in my heart buddy."

A Community in Mourning

The loss of Rocco was felt by many, including Mavericks center Dereck Lively II, Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Enrique Hernandez, and rapper G-Eazy, who all paid tribute in the comments of Thompson's post. The Golden State Warriors also honored Rocco with a dedicated post, celebrating his legacy.

Rocco's Instagram page, which featured numerous photos of him with Thompson, boasted over 60,000 followers, a testament to the impact he had on the basketball community and beyond.

A Legacy of Love

Rocco's passing marks the end of an era for Thompson, but the memories and the bond they shared will undoubtedly continue to inspire. As Thompson navigates this loss, the outpouring of support from fans and the sports community serves as a reminder of the profound impact Rocco had on so many lives.