Background:
I have recently moved to Barcelona, Spain, and eventually moved to a new suburb named Viladecans.
As someone who is struggling with some back pain, among other things, one of the first things I typically look for when I move to a new suburb is finding a good Physical therapist who can help me recover and get better.
I was very very lucky to find Aleth's practice that is only walking distance from my new home, but even more so, as Aleth is someone who is very patient, knowledgeable, kind, and experienced.
Over a few visits, and through our chats (I like to talk and ask questions), I've learned that Aleth has a beautiful dog named Rocky.
Luckily, after hearing of my new project, she kindly volunteered to be my first subject.
This is a transcript of our interview that day; some was in English, and some was translated from Spanish.
The interview took place at Parc De Marina on 20th of September 2026.
Aleth Lopez and Rocky Lopez, Parc De Marina, 20th of September 2026
Without realizing it, that unconditional love has become a two-way street. I’ve always been very independent and never imagined I’d sacrifice certain things - like travel, hobbies, or personal shopping - for a pet.
With Rocky, I’ve learned to accept - accepting him, with all his good and bad traits - and to share in ways I never thought I was capable of.
Ahmed: Please state your name
Aleth: I am Aleth Lopez, and this is Rocky
Ahmed: Does he go by Rocky, or Rocky Lopez?
Aleth: Rocky Lopez
Ahmed: Not Rocky Balboa?
Aleth: No
Ahmed: How old is Rocky?
Aleth: He is almost 9 years old
Ahmed: When is his birthday?
Aleth: December
Ahmed: How long have you lived in Viladecans?
Aleth: Since I was 1 year old, Rocky has been here his whole life.
Ahmed: What is his favorite food?
Aleth: He likes everything. Horse meat, burgers, fuet (cured meat), and cheese.
Ahmed: Any favorite desserts?
Aleth: Cheesecake.
Ahmed: Favorite activity?
Aleth: Chase the ball and go to the beach.
Ahmed: Does he like other dogs?
Aleth: No, he thinks he is a human being and only likes smaller dogs.
Ahmed: What is your favorite memory from when he was a puppy?
Aleth: He destroyed everything in my home – pillows, couch, everything…
Ahmed: What about something you did not expect Rocky to bring to your life but did?
Aleth: I didn’t previously understand why people loved their dogs so much, how they can get up on couches, but now that he has lived with me, I see dogs differently, and now he sleeps with me in the same bed.
Ahmed: Something that Rocky does that makes you laugh?
Aleth: I like it when he lies on his back and when he has his tongue out. I love it when we go to the beach, and he runs around, barking at the water and the wind.
Aleth: I am Aleth Lopez, and this is Rocky
Ahmed: Does he go by Rocky, or Rocky Lopez?
Aleth: Rocky Lopez
Ahmed: Not Rocky Balboa?
Aleth: No
Ahmed: How old is Rocky?
Aleth: He is almost 9 years old
Ahmed: When is his birthday?
Aleth: December
Ahmed: How long have you lived in Viladecans?
Aleth: Since I was 1 year old, Rocky has been here his whole life.
Ahmed: What is his favorite food?
Aleth: He likes everything. Horse meat, burgers, fuet (cured meat), and cheese.
Ahmed: Any favorite desserts?
Aleth: Cheesecake.
Ahmed: Favorite activity?
Aleth: Chase the ball and go to the beach.
Ahmed: Does he like other dogs?
Aleth: No, he thinks he is a human being and only likes smaller dogs.
Ahmed: What is your favorite memory from when he was a puppy?
Aleth: He destroyed everything in my home – pillows, couch, everything…
Ahmed: What about something you did not expect Rocky to bring to your life but did?
Aleth: I didn’t previously understand why people loved their dogs so much, how they can get up on couches, but now that he has lived with me, I see dogs differently, and now he sleeps with me in the same bed.
Ahmed: Something that Rocky does that makes you laugh?
Aleth: I like it when he lies on his back and when he has his tongue out. I love it when we go to the beach, and he runs around, barking at the water and the wind.
Ahmed: What is your favorite thing about Viladecans?
Aleth: It is close to Barcelona; we have the train, taxi, bus,… but not too close to the heart of the city. Viladecans is a quiet part of Barcelona, but not sure what it will be like in a few more years. It has grown a lot in the last few years. It is an accessible and comfortable part of the city with a lot of accessible services.
Aleth: It is close to Barcelona; we have the train, taxi, bus,… but not too close to the heart of the city. Viladecans is a quiet part of Barcelona, but not sure what it will be like in a few more years. It has grown a lot in the last few years. It is an accessible and comfortable part of the city with a lot of accessible services.
Ahmed: As someone new to Viladecans, what are the top three spots to eat in Viladecans?
Aleth: Can Pepe, Alegría bar, and Vilateca.
Aleth: Can Pepe, Alegría bar, and Vilateca.
Ahmed: Is Viladecans Dog-Friendly?
Aleth: The town hall is taking steps in the right direction, but not nearly enough. For example, putting barriers around trees, but not enough ‘pipicans’ (designated spots for dogs to ‘do their business’). Those barriers around trees are unfortunately needed, as some people will remove plants if they are not properly protected. This is gradually reducing the places where dogs can go for walks. For example, in La Ramba, it is not possible to ‘pee’ anywhere. Those things might not have been done intentionally, but they are affecting dogs and their owners. Around the city center, there seems to be a fair bit of ‘hate’ towards dogs, due to some owners letting their dogs roam around without a leash, or ‘pee’ where they shouldn’t.
Ahmed: What are the things you are missing around Viladecans?
Aleth: A swimming pool and a cinema. Viladecans had a public swimming pool, but unfortunately it was closed in 2009 because of a ‘windy day’ that destroyed significant parts of it. It reopened again and was changed from being ‘public’ to being partially privately managed, which increased the prices significantly.
There were Lauren cinemas near the public library, but unfortunately it was a bit more expensive than other cheaper cinemas and ended up closing back in 2013.
Ahmed: What about public parks?
Aleth: This (Vilamarina) is my favorite and best park in Viladecans, in my opinion, Torre Roja, near the cemetery, which is very nice, and the one in Torrente Ballester, which has a major slope, which I don’t like so much.
Ahmed: Viladecans must have changed a lot?
Aleth: Yes, Viladecans has sixty-seven thousand people, but ten to fifteen years ago, there were only fifty-five thousand.
Town hall is also putting in a lot of effort towards sustainability and being environmentally conscious.
Ahmed: What is something that Rocky has taught you about yourself or about life?
Aleth: Patience when he destroyed things as a puppy. He has sometimes brought me to the limit, and I learned how to control my anger and also to control my worry about him.
Aleth: Rocky has taught me the meaning of unconditional love. It doesn't matter if I'm having a good day or a bad one; he always chooses me. If he sees me happy, he comes over to play and get belly rubs, but if he sees me sad, he comes and lies down beside me just to keep me company.
He doesn't understand "what" is wrong, but he understands "what I need".
This is something all dogs do; emotionally, they are more intelligent than many people.
Without realizing it, that unconditional love has become a two-way street. I’ve always been very independent and never imagined I’d sacrifice certain things - like travel, hobbies, or personal shopping - for a pet.
With Rocky, I’ve learned to accept - accepting him, with all his good and bad traits - and to share in ways I never thought I was capable of.
