He was a very good dog.
One of the most endearing things about Golden State Warriors legend Klay Thompson was his affection for his pet English bulldog, Rocco. The two were inseparable since Thompson adopted Rocco during his rookie season with the Warriors. Rocco accompanied Klay on long hikes, to workouts, even on boat rides out on San Francisco Bay. A few years ago, Thompson told GQ Sports that “Sir Rocco Von Thompson” was his number one essential.
This weekend, Thompson had to say goodbye to Rocco, perhaps the greatest pet in Bay Area sports history. His father, Lakers broadcaster Mychel Thompson, announced on the “Mason and Ireland” show on Wednesday that they had to put Rocco down, adding, “We were all sad, but Rocco had a great, long life.”
Rocco accompanied Thompson all over the place. Klay is an avowed lover of nature, which meant that he and Rocco explored parks all over the Bay Area, from the Presidio to Marin
County to the Oakland Hills. Thompson’s game day routine always involved taking a lot of jump shots in the morning, getting stretched, ice baths — and playing with Rocco in his backyard before taking a pre-game nap. Thompson acknowledged Rocco was “kind of a pest sometimes,” but that he loved him unconditionally.
He told Inside Stuff about his relationship with Rocco back in 2016.
“All he asks from me is my companionship,” Thompson explained. “So I just try to give him a healthy, fun lifestyle.”
Based on what we can glean from Klay’s Instagram, he lived a very nice lifestyle. Was he perhaps a little spoiled? You try not spoiling a dog with a face like that!
Klay had only wonderful things to say about his pooch. “He’s a loyal steed. He’s the first pet I’ve ever owned,” Thompson told GQ. Addressing the dog, Thompson said, “Rocco, you will always hold a special place in my heart, buddy.”
And in the hearts of Warriors fans. Rest in peace to a very good dog.