Cocoa is in Doggy Heaven.

Cocoa

Age 16, ~1998 - May 09, 2014

Cocoa - you gave us so much joy and love which now are memories deeply embedded in our souls xxx

Cocoa, you came into our family when I was just two years old and I have thought of you as my brother whilst I've been growing up. You have grown up with me, just a couple of short years apart.

You were the most amazing fluffy, cuddly, gentle and lovable dog and have been a huge part of the family. We have only said goodbye to you a few days ago, and it already feels like it's been months... Being without you is just so empty and the house doesn't feel the same without you greeting us, and woofing when we are down the road, eagerly waiting our return. Now when I come home, I still have that tiny bit of hope that you will be there, but I know your not.

Watching you deteriate the last few months has been so sad to see, and I have no doubt that letting you go was the kindest thing to do - we saw a change in you and your tail had stopped wagging, that gorgeous smile in your eyes had gone and you were in pain, unable to properly stand and walk. It was time. None of us wanted to say goodbye but Daddy said when they put you to sleep, that was the most relaxed he has seen you in quite some time. Which made me feel relieved as I now know how much your body was suffering and just wanted to rest and be at peace. We wanted to keep you forever, but we just had to let you go in the end.

You are now up in doggie heaven which I visualise being a beautiful haven of green, surrounded with toys, food, and everything you have loved so much in your life. You will be making tons of friends and having the best time ever. You will have your old legs back (before they started to agonise you) and you will be able to run, dance, play and jump just like in the old days.

Every day we will think about you, miss you, and properly cry a little bit (at least I know I will!) but this is not always out of sadness - just today I watched a video of you from a few years ago of you jumping and playing, and it made me cry of happiness seeing you in your prime, enjoying playing and being teased! However now whilst I'm writing this sobbing because I miss you terribly. But I know it will get better in time.

Yesterday I made an album of photos of you on Facebook and so many people commented on the photos, saying how much they have loved knowing you. Cocoa - everybody just loved you so much! Even people who only met you once!

Tomorrow I am going to make a collage of photos of you and us together to put in the kitchen, just above where your basket used to be. I hope that looking at these pictures will help us to remember all the happy times and lovely memories you have given us.

I love you so so much, and we all do. I hope you are having the best time up in heaven, and have every faith that we will be reunited as a family again - somehow, maybe in a dream... But just for one more day we will hold you and cuddle you one last time.

Rest in peace.

Love tanz xxx (and tashy, mummy and daddy)