April 16, 1993 - December 21, 2005
God broke the mold on you, baby gee.
She was a Ruffian out of Tonkawa's Big Tex & Carr's Little Ann of Rounders, but to me she was my little girl and best friend for almost 13 years. Cocoa never met a stranger. Her show career was cut short because her ears weren't. That didn't stop her from endearing herself to many that were skeptical of the breed, that is, until they met Cocoa! Everybody loved Cocoa! Cocoa especially loved children, letting them use her as a bed, blanket and pull toy, while keeping an ever watchful eye for their safety. Cocoa was awarded her CGC (Canine Good Citizen) at the tender age of 6 months.
From the moment Cocoa came home with me, I realized she was an exceptional puppy. She was exuberant and playful, and easily housebroken with only one mishap to learn from. She NEVER chewed anything of mine! Amazingly, she instinctively knew the difference between what was her toys and everything else. I literally had to hand a toy to her, which then signaled it was okay to chew. I had a bunch of stuffed animals around. She would only play with the ones that I gave her. Cocoa was also obedience trained and keen to understand hand signals and verbal/body language. Cocoa was sweet, wise, and self-confident.
Cocoa with her mother:
Cocoa playing with her sister and brother:
Cocoa at dog show in 1994 (she won 3rd Sweeps (6-9 mos)) at 1993 STCA National in Houston
I tried taping her ears, but they started to get infected, so I pulled the tape off and said the heck with it, let'em do what they will. And this is what they did!
Cocoa 1 year old:
Cocoa 12 years old:
Cocoa loved to sun herself.
Cocoa and Sweetpea:
Cocoa got cancer in her 12th year, but she still knew how to beg.
Cocoa at my birthday luau, recovering from her spleenectomy:
Cocoa and daddy watching mommy open her presents:
Cocoa with a "virtual" ear crop:
After the house was finished, Cocoa claimed the dining room as hers. Then the furniture arrived.
Cocoa watched the house being built, knowing all along that everyone was working for her.
Sure is taking you guys long enough to finish my palace:
Hurry up with that cabana, boys:
Thank you:
Where's Daddy goin' with the boat? Cocoa loved to ride in the boat, looking like a masthead in the front, acting like the queen she knew she was.
Cocoa contented, loving to find the window with the most sun:
Sleeping with the Bull. I came into the bedroom and this is how I found her napping with her buddy:
She was all
and has left a permanent
on everyone she touched.
"If it should be"
If it should be, I grow frail and weak,
And pain should wake me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle canŽt be won.
You will be sad, I understand,
DonŽt let grief then stay your hand,
For this day more than all the rest,
Your love and friendship stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
What is to come will hold no fears.
YouŽll not want me to suffer, so,
When the time comes, please let me go,
I know in time you too will see,
It is kindness you do to me,
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering IŽve been saved.
Do not grieve that it should be you,
Who has to decide this thing to do,
WeŽve been so close, for all these years,
DonŽt let your heart hold any tears.
Click Here To See Cocoa's Baby Pictures
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