As I sift through the memories, both on my hard drive and in my heart, I realize how difficult it can be to write something that encompasses all that our Mr Coco and the 12 years, 1 month and 2 days we got to share with him, truly means.
It’s taken me a whole month, in fact.
Mr Coco came into our lives as a smelly, ragged, little 3 year old medical foster who’d just had his left eye removed. Our mission, which we chose to accept, was to help him heal until he was ready to be adopted. But it soon became quite clear that he fit — in our life, in our home, with our other dog, even on my chest as I lay on the couch with the flu – so we adopted this magical little gremlin who we then got to watch grow and settle into a confident little man who allowed us to adore him and shower him with all our love… and the odd tater tot.
His origin story was heartbreaking but with the help of our dog-centric family and friends, he learned about love, trust, and 8sies (8pm treat time!), about regular walkies, sniffaris, runs on the beach and meeting horses. He loved trundling along, exploring in his own little world, sunning himself on the grass and then chilling in the “Coco Cabana”, laying on the driveway before dinner watching people and their dogs walk by, going unnoticed himself. He blended into his surroundings, and our life, seamlessly. His bursts of playfulness, were short, but oh, so sweet. He was eternally patient, though had the most polite little gentle squeak when he wanted something.
He lived life on his own terms, and we did our best to follow his lead.
Mr Coco was also a part of the Resting Paws family, being my support as I helped other families as they navigated the same heartbreaking decision, we had to make. And though my work didn’t make it any easier to make that call to Dr Vanessa, when it was time, I am eternally grateful we were able to say goodbye to our best friend at home, while he fell asleep on my chest… one last time.
Rest in peace and love little WonderBubbins – we will miss you more than you’ll ever know. xo
“Everyone thinks they have the best dog, and none of them are wrong.” ~W.R. Purche