Monday, January 4, 2010

~My Coconut Boy~1994-2009~

Dear Dad,

I know that you were there when Coconut crossed the Rainbow Bridge on New Year's Eve. You had such a special relationship with him. I know you loved each other.

He was such a special dog for the 15 years we were blessed to have him. As Jim always said, "He has such gentle eyes. You can see clear through to his soul".

We got him from a 'puppy mill' on Christmas Eve. When we first laid eyes on him, he was a strangly, dirty, 'gray' poodle (so we thought!) in a pen by himself. I didn't care about the dozens of 'new' puppies there. He looked up at me, our eyes locked, and I knew God was telling me to take him home. I told Jim to give the man whatever he wanted for him, because I wasn't leaving without him. (he was a year old...and they were going to use him for breeding) Poor Jim really thought I'd lost my mind.

The day after Christmas I took him to the vet, to find out he was a pure white poodle who had obviously been abused. We washed him til he turned white. The boys named him, 'Coconut', because he looked like mounds of coconut sticking out every which way. Much to the boys' chagrin, he bonded to me....never to leave my side. He was a wonderful dog.

He spent his last day on this earth quietly napping in his bed.....only to get up to follow me into the studio at times. He passed into heaven on New Year's Eve....in my arms. Safe and sound. At home. Exactly where he should have taken his last breaths.

Dad...I kissed him for the last time, and told him to wait for me on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge....with you. I know you will look after him.

Thank you, Dad. I love you. And I miss you terribly.

xoxoxoxoxox To Heaven and Back~

Carol

P.S. Fawn's having a bad time. He is moping around the house. He's loving the extra hugs and kisses, but will be obese if we continue feeding him all these extra treats!!

P.S.S. We had the 'puppy mill' closed down shortly after buying Coconut. The man who was running it was prosecuted and sent to jail.

18 comments:

Sniffles and Smiles said...

Oh, dearest Carol...Tears have welled up in my eyes...We lost our dog 7 years ago...and just as Coconut was your constant companion, Groucho was mine...and your words to your dad...oh...my heart aches...I love you...and I'm so sorry...but I am glad that Coconut died peacefully in your arms...right where he should have been...this is simply beautiful...written from your heart...Thank you! Love you! Janine XO

Darlene said...

Oh Carol I am bawling away. RIP Coconut. You know I have poodles and my little white lady, Chelsea is 15 1/2 so I know she doesn't have a lot of years left. Thank goodness you found him at the puppy mill and gave him a new, bright future. They are the most loyal dogs and so loving. It is so hard when our little animals pass but you will always remember those wonderful times with Coconut by your side.♥

rosecreekcottage-carol.blogspot.com said...

Janine...Thank you so much for your kind words. Anyone who has never been loved by a pet has no idea what it's like to lose one. I had tried to prepare myself for this...but having never lost a pet before, I had no idea how empty my heart would be. I love you, too~xoxoxoxox

rosecreekcottage-carol.blogspot.com said...

Oh, Darlene...my fellow poodle-lover....this is so hard. I've told Jim, "no more pets"....but we'll see if I really stick to it!! If I was a millionaire....I'd have oodles of poodles. I know you would, too!!!

Ballerina Girl said...

I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Coconut...
Maybe Coconut is playing with my Osha!!

Happy 2010
BG

rosecreekcottage-carol.blogspot.com said...

I wouldn't be at all surprised, BG!!

Beth in NC said...

I'm so sorry about your dear Coconut. I once had a poodle that looked very similar. (((hugs)))

rosecreekcottage-carol.blogspot.com said...

Thank you, Beth. Poodles are so dear, aren't they?!

Mel said...

No words my friend...just sharing your tears and sending extra hugs and love...

Marci said...

Carol, I know the hurt of losing a dog-child and I know the love of that relationship. You have too much love in your heart to not share it again .... Your words tore at my heart and make me want to send lots of hugs your way. It hurts, but I can only imagine the peace and love your Coconut felt passing in your arms.... just the way it should be.
Love,
Marci

rosecreekcottage-carol.blogspot.com said...

Mel and Marci...I know you both know the pain of losing beloved pets. Thank you for your sweet words~

Margie and Edna said...

Well, that just tore my heart out. I bet Coconut has already met my Abby on Rainbow Bridge.
Thank you.

My Casa Bella said...

What a sad and touching story, I'm sorry for your loss. I lost a dear pet as well, it'll be 3 years in March and I still miss him terribly. Sounds like he passed away peacefully. Glad to hear the breeders were prosecuted, justice!!
Thanks for stopping by and saying hi, your blog name sounded so familiar and I realized you are under my "favorites" in Etsy. Love your stuff, thanks for the compliments on my handmade goodies.
Arlene

Hilary said...

I'm sorry for the loss of your beloved Coconut. It's so incredibly difficult to lose a pet. I'm sorry you're hurting.

Amy said...

You will bw comforted by your many happy memories!!
Amy

Jude said...

I'm so sorry for your loss and am sending virtual hugs your way. Today is a month my Shadow has been gone physically and it really doesn't get any easier, but at least having the 4 month old Westie keeps the total desolation away and keeps us all from bawling every waking moment. I'm quite sure losing Shadow is the reason Sadie got so sick, she hasn't had time to be depressed with the little pup keeping her mind occupied. I wish you all the best and hope the hurt lessens with all the good memories you have of Coconut.

cleobytheseao said...

Such a sad time but also a celebration of a wonderful little life and the pleasure he gave you all those years.

I made this one of my 'Posts Of The Week' at http://alittleprecious.wordpress.com it deserved sharing.

God Bless.

Tanna said...

Carol, I am so sorry for your loss. I'm glad your Dad was watching for Coconut and welcomed him home. We lost our Tess in December. Blessings to you.