The Bay Area sports community is mourning the loss of Rocco, Klay Thompson’s 13-year-old English bulldog who recently passed away. Announced by Thompson’s father Mychal Thompson on a local radio show, the news highlights the deep bond between athletes and their furry companions.

Rocco was no ordinary dog - he had amassed an impressive 61,800 Instagram followers and even starred in a Bay Area BMW commercial, stealing the show with his playful orange cone-chewing antics. Despite English bulldogs typically having shorter lifespans due to respiratory challenges, Rocco lived well beyond the average expectancy of eight to ten years.

Mychal Thompson shared the news with a bittersweet sentiment: “We had to put Rocco down over the weekend. We were all sad, but Rocco had a great, long life”. The statement reflects the genuine love and connection the Thompson family shared with their beloved pet.

Dogs of athletes often become beloved figures in their own right, creating connections with fans who feel invested in these four-legged companions. Rocco was no exception, having captured the hearts of Warriors fans and social media followers alike.

While the loss of a pet is always difficult, Rocco’s legacy lives on through the memories he created and the joy he brought to the Thompson family and his many fans. His life serves as a reminder of the profound emotional bonds we share with our animal companions.