We said, goodbye to Cocoa ❤️❤️

Hurt, heartbreak and loss is a part of life. Often three unavoidable events that make us strong, create tears, and make our lives have a little more meaning.

Maria and I were rescued in 2016 when we took my mom's advice and adopted a dog who would be “good for travel." Well Cocoa, with his brown little self, jumped up on my lap, sniffed an acceptance, even though the consensus was " he doesn't like men,” was prevalent in the small humane society. He then sprung onto Maria’s lap and despite his 6 year old age, and the small bite marks from other dogs in the bottoms of his ears, resembling ear piercings gone bad, we were in love.

He brought many years of love, loyalty, and was our first dog who travelled everywhere we have ever been. He loved with a love that only dog and pet owners know. He was attached at Maria's hip, “protecting" her, every step of the way. He was a large, small dog. A bigger bark than bite, and his travel days have come to an end this morning.

Even when unable to walk and he wasn't feeling well, he wanted to be by Maria. We kept him comfortable, gave him more kisses than normal and held him while we said goodbye, tears clouding our eyes and our hearts a little more broken as his soul passed. There were many of our pets, including the late Teddy (my parents’ dog who Cocoa was close to) who I’d like to think greeted him as he pattered over the rainbow bridge. Cocoa will forever be in our hearts as all who we have lost in our life is. 

Shattered hearts, stronger minds and tears that don't seem to vanish, are all a part of this sometimes cruel place in life, but we will cherish all the miles we were honored to have Cocoa by our sides.  ❤️ ❤️