Remembering Coco

Saying goodbye to a friend is always hard, especially one you have known almost her entire life.  I first met Coco as a gangly pup some 11 years ago.  Full of wiggles and licks, she was rescued by my dear friend from a situation no dog should be forced to endure.  Once she was no longer a cute, cuddly puppy, her owners went to work and school each day, leaving her in a small backyard with no shelter and often no food or water.  And she did what you would expect, she barked…and barked…and barked.  

No longer able to stand her pitiful cries, my friend began tending to her needs, bringing her water and providing pats and hugs.  After several months, my friend and her husband convinced Coco’s owners to allow her to come and live with them.  And, for the next 10+ years, she was privileged to enjoy affection, comfort and companionship in a loving family with daily walks and good dog friends.  

My dogs and I were frequent companions as well, as we took long, off-leash walks in greenbelts and dog parks.  Coco was never the brightest dog in the pack, but she was certainly the most enthusiastic.  When we heard her coming (a 100-pound Labrador retriever is hard to ignore), we quickly stepped aside.  To fail to do so was to risk having our feet taken out from under us by her charging shoulder or by one of the large sticks she was fond of carrying.  

Coco always had a smile on her face and she loved to be loved.  She gave that love back every day and she will be missed. Rest in peace, Sweet Girl.  I know you will be waiting by the rainbow bridge with lolling tongue and wagging tail, happy to see us.