Cocoa, or Baron Herbert von Cocoa Bean, as his tag was engraved, was of ‘interesting’ stature. Basset Hound legs, Lab body and coat, Rottweiller markings, Shar-pei wrinkles and half Shar-pei/half Lab ears. On an average walk, we’d have people falling over themselves to ask what on earth he was made of. A lot of times I’d have people guess. Guesses ranged from Blue Heeler, Corgi, and Pit Bull. All are as possible as any other, even my guesses.
As we lived and grew together, I was (almost) always lucky enough to work from home. Our daily schedules and needs were so tightly intertwined, and I know we are both so blessed to be able to spend so much time with one another. Cocoa lived for his people, his carrots, his ‘squishie’, walks (or ‘double-u’s), and his bedtime cuddles.
Since he’s been gone, the toughest things are realizing I can’t just throw food scraps on the floor for him to delightfully snap up; that I don’t have to be quiet and sneaky when in the kitchen to not arouse his ‘you’re making food, I want some’ suspicions; that there’s no one in the house who’s afraid of the shower anymore; that getting dressed is a challenge when I don’t have a dog to walk first thing.
Cocoa is love, there are many many people who loved him. We thank you for your condolences, gifts, gifts of time and love. We miss him tremendously, the hurt is deep, but I’d do it again in a second.
Tags: adoption, compassion, design, dog, grief, grieve, loss, love, self employed, SPCA, Veterinary, victoria
Aww, this was such a sweet entry to your dog. I’ve always been intrigued by this guy from the pictures you posted of him, because he’s the most unique looking dog I’ve ever seen! So cute!
I’m glad he got to experience a great and loving owner in his last years. I’m sure he’d feel that it was the best years he ever had with the bestest friend. Keep your head up! Always remember the good things.
I’m sure he had a wonderful life with you. I agree, you must always remember the good things.
This is a wonderful tribute. I remember when you first got Coco, and remarking not only at his adorable, sweet nature but his almost supernatural ability of peacekeeping. It’s tragic to have said goodbye, but without a doubt fortunate to have experienced each other’s friendship.
Totally agreed – Coco is love, and better to have loved than never to have loved at all! Thank you so much Coco!
What a lovely post and my heart goes out to you. My pets are my babies, my family…and I know the sense of loss you feel. He was a beautifully handsome fellow and to know he lived out the rest of his life in loving hands must feel great…animals bring such a sense of love and compassion to our lives. I do believe nobody else in our lives, truly loves as unconditionally as our pets…
Wow.
A beautiful post by a beautiful person for a beautiful pet/friend/garbage-disposal/model.
I’m truly sorry for your loss of The Baron, Margaret. If it’s any consolation, Cocoa’s memory will live on in one of the best darn photos ever taken – we both know the one of which I speak.
He was so lucky to have you, Margaret. And you him. This was a thoughtful and touching piece that is, in my humble opinion, as unforgettable as Cocoa himself.
All the best to you, mon ami.
Much love,
John
A lovely tribute. Thanks for sharing.
So sorry for your loss Margaret. I know how you must have felt having lost my rescue Zack, a deaf Dalmatian in August of 2009.
Zack and ‘the Baron’ will be with us always in memory.