Lessons From Hot Rod — November Gratitude
Because of You, I Learned My Purpose
Hot Rod at a Nashville conference during the early days of his service dog training.
Because of you, I learned my purpose.
I am thankful today and always for your loving paws that shaped my heart and my future—living your legacy and creating my own in the process, while helping other hearts and homes of dogs and their people.
I do not need a special day, a theme, or a time of year to stop and reflect on the life, love, and adventure I shared with Hot Rod, and how profoundly he changed me.
I’ve known since my teenage years that my love of dogs runs deep and wide.
Through struggles in my youth, it was often the family dog I confided in—other than my mom. Even though I didn’t grow up with a pet consistently as a military child, something inside me always felt called to animals at a soul level.
My first adopted dog—Hot Rod’s older sister, Angel—began teaching me lessons I didn’t yet understand.
And then, in the wake of grief and pain, came the dog who would change everything.
My beloved Hot Rod.
The Beginning of a Lifelong Purpose
From the moment his picture appeared on my laptop screen, something shifted. His eyes spoke to me before we ever met. I could feel his soul—steady, loving, familiar.
The second he entered my home, the connection deepened into something sacred and timeless.
Just as a specific tennis ball will always bring warmth and memories, I still find little moments each day where I pause and feel gratitude for all he taught me—and all the unconditional love he gave me, even on my hardest days.
He never gave up on me.
He showed up—steady, loyal, present—again and again.
He taught me true soul-level connection: when you love that deeply, you grow into someone you never imagined you could become.
From 2011 to now, I’ve grown into the version of myself he always believed I could be.
Shaped by his love, his acceptance, his belief in me.
How He Shaped My Work, My Heart, and My Calling
Hot Rod enjoying ball time during a conference trip in California.
Hot Rod taught me the very beginning of “progress over perfection.”
Our early training years laid the foundation for the trainer I am today.
We learned together.
We sought help.
We grew side by side.
He became my knight in shining armor—saving my heart, shaping my soul, guiding me with a love that changed my life.
Hot Rod practicing service dog travel skills during airport training
As we stepped into service dog training, that’s when I truly knew.
Working beside him, navigating the world, trusting each other—it was a love story beyond words.
All the while, he was preparing me for the future:
for this path,
for my purpose,
for the work I do now.
He shaped me into someone who could help others find the same connection and trust—the same transformation and healing—that he gave me.
I wasn’t ready then.
Life wasn’t ready then.
But Hot Rod kept teaching me.
Even in retirement.
Even in his final months.
Even now—from the Rainbow Bridge.
He taught me how to carry his wisdom forward.
How to share his lessons.
How to live his legacy.
His Legacy Lives Through My Work
His legacy didn’t end—it transformed.
Now I get to help others transform their relationships because of everything he gave me.
And as a trained and experienced service dog handler myself, I bring empathy and understanding that comes only from living this life, from walking these steps, from loving a dog who saved me in every way a dog can save a human.
Hot Rod changed my life during our years together—and he continues to change it as I carry his love forward.
I am forever thankful for his love, his lessons, his companionship.
He became the soulmate I needed to survive, to heal, and to discover my purpose in this world.
Hot Rod will forever be my WHY.
Our souls will always be connected.
And I will cherish our bond for the rest of my life.
💛🐾
💛 Reflection Prompt
Which dog taught you a lesson that changed your life forever?
I’d love to hear your stories below, or in the comments on my Facebook page.
Hot Rod’s pawprint, honoring his lasting legacy and love.
With Heart,
💛Tracy💛
✨ About the Author
Tracy Rosenberg is the founder of Legacy of Love Professional Dog Training & Pet Services.
Her journey as a trainer began with her beloved soul dog, Hot Rod, whose love and partnership shaped both her heart and her life’s purpose. Tracy now carries his legacy forward by helping families build deeper, calmer, and more connected relationships with their dogs through compassion, understanding, and relationship-centered training.