National Dog Day: 15 NBA players who really love their dogs

14. Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors + Rocco

Before the rings, before the Olympics, before all the good that has come to Klay Thompson, came Rocco. Rocco is a beefy English Bulldog and he became a staple in Klay’s life nearly eight years ago. Like most athletes, they eat, sleep, breathe, and live the sport they play. And, understandably, that can be daunting. Being a dog dad to Rocco has offered Klay an escape from that. He noted this fact in a 2014 interview with the SFGate, “this [time spent with Rocco at the Cesar Chavez dog park] gives me a chance to clear my mind of everything or a chance to think about life — anything but basketball.”

The two truly are best friends. From long walks on the beach at Fort Funston to posing for publicity photos for hip socks or sports drinks, Rocco and Klay are a duo we absolutely adore.

Unconditional love is important, and Klay knows that. And alluded to his appreciate for it in that same SFGate interview saying, “He didn’t know what it mean [of signing his new contract]t,” Thompson said. “That’s why I love him, though. He didn’t care the day before I signed the contract or the day of. He just loved me for me.”

Rocco probably doesn’t know that Klay is a two-time NBA champion and boasts an Olympic gold medal, and that’s why their friendship makes my heart so full. Happy National Dog Day, Rocco & Klay!