Rockie became the bright light in Ginger Edmunds' life and her business after her husband was given the 5-week-old puppy, who was suffering from worms.

Rockie grew into a rare beauty, a mix of Australian cattle dog and border collie. Her coat was a beautiful speckled black, gray and white. "She was very photogenic. My husband, a photographer, loved to take photos of her. She was very accommodating and seemed to know she was getting her picture taken. Not only was she a model for my blankets, but she also modeled for a Maui Jim sunglasses brochure, wearing sunglasses, and her photo graced calendars and cards for Hallmark," Edmunds said proudly.

Every day was an exciting adventure for Rockie. She loved chasing water sprayed from the hose. At the beach, she would dig holes in the sand so deep that only her tail would be showing, much to the delight of Japanese tourists. She chased sand crabs on the beach and hunted lizards around the house.

Rockie was a barker, a very loud one. "She always had a lot to say and wanted attention when visitors came," said Edmunds. Hence, Edmunds named her business Barking Dog Blankets, after Rockie.

Rockie did her part to help the community, too. With Ginger, they educated people about the Hawaiian Humane Society's Pet Visitation program. A Girl Scout named Lauraly created a program called PALS (Pets are Loving and Safe) for her service project. At the Vancouver House, a crisis shelter for women and children, Ginger and Rockie helped Lauraly teach these children how to treat animals. Even the shyest children were drawn to Rockie's sweet personality. In her own gentle way, Rockie would teach them to love and respect animals.

As Rockie got older, Edmunds observed that the sand holes got shallower and the daily runs turned into slow walks at their favorite beach.

Last month, Rockie was diagnosed with kidney failure at age 15. "We were told she would survive but a few days. We started the raw diet and subcutaneous liquid injections and supplements," Edmunds said.

She had arranged that when it was time to put Rockie down, a vet would come to the house.

With all that special care, Rockie's health seemed to get better. For several weeks, she regained her strength and her appetite increased. Edmunds said, "She was barking and bossing us around again."

The night before she passed away, Rockie's symptoms returned. She constantly threw up. In the morning, she went for one last walk on the beach. At home, she had a seizure and Edmunds knew it was time to call the vet.

That day, Rockie passed away at home with her family around her.

Rockie was not only the model for Barking Dog Blankets, she was the inspiration. Edmunds said, "Rockie would get sand, dirt and fur on the couch and car seat. I was tired of using sheets and heavy furniture blankets. Beach towels never stayed up.

"If it weren't for Rockie I would not have made my first blanket for her to use in the car and at home. I named my business after her because she was my 'Barking Dog.' "

Edmunds' handmade blankets are sold at Crazy Canine, 55 Pawsh Place and Global Village on Oahu as well as online at 1000mar kets.com. The floral fabrics are perfect for the Island home or car. The blanket can be used two ways: as a covering for furniture or inverted to fit the car seat snugly.

Edmunds donates a portion of her sales to help other animals. "I designate an animal welfare organization every month. My dream is to one day sell enough blankets to really be able to make a difference. All my donations now will be made in memory of Rockie, my original 'Barking Dog.' "

Animal lover Leslie Kawamoto has been with The Advertiser for 19 years, or 133 in dog years.