Coco

Heartbreaking incident has happened in our little world. After a two year battle with kidney complications, our sweet, wise Coco had to be euthanize. You may have remembered Coco in a long ago post regarding my art studio. Well, unfortunately a few days ago, he was suddenly having difficulty breathing. Very worried, my husband and I rushed him to the vet. When we arrived around 7:00 p.m., Coco was placed in an oxygen tank. About half hour later, we were given the bad news that it would be best to put him to sleep. Otherwise, it was only a matter of hours before Coco would undergo horrible brain seizures. It would be a very slow and agonizing death. No way did we want him to suffer and die that way! So while my husband stayed in the exam room, I went to the room where they were keeping Coco in the tank. It would be our last time together. It was a shock seeing him in this metal boxed contraption. The smell of the oxygen had a peculiar odor. No matter, I tried my best to comfort Coco for several minutes. The oxygen seemed to have helped him a little. He managed to look up at me a few times. But he was very weak. Then the vet's assistant told me it was time to leave his side. Just before the door to the room was closed behind me, I'd turned to look at Coco for the last time. He was looking straight at me. He was scared. I wanted to go back and comfort him more. I was too upset to be there for him when the drug of sleep was given. I can't help but feel a lot of guilt.

Afterward, Coco's lifeless body was brought home in a white box that the vet had supplied. On the drive home my husband and I barely spoke to one another. What was there to say? Tears were incessantly running down our cheeks and we were busily blowing our noses.

Once home, we placed the box on the kitchen floor and opened it. Seeing Coco's lifeless body, we both started to cry even more. Now I suppose I need to say this... my husband has a genuine soft spot for animals. And whenever we lose a pet, he is never ashamed to express his sadness. He loves animals as much as I do. And Coco was thus far, his favorite pet and mine!

As I have always done with our other cats who had died, I snipped a locket of hair from Coco and then we closed the box. Because it was so late and dark outside, we decided to bury him in the morning. All night, Coco was lying in the cold garage. All night I couldn't sleep knowing that in the morning he would be buried in the cold ground. Previously, realizing that the inevitable would happen someday, I'd already chosen a particular spot where Coco would be buried.

When morning came, my husband started digging a hole nearby some pine trees. I could see him doing the task from my kitchen window. Eventually, when he'd dug sufficiently deep, he returned indoors and nodded that it was time. So I carried the box with Coco out to the grave site. Following the gravel path leading towards it, the sun was peaking behind a cloud. Sunlight began touching blossoming buds on tree branches. Everywhere, birds were chirping. I thought how wonderful it would be if Coco were alive to experience the first signs of spring.

Arriving, the box was opened again. My husband gently lifted Coco's body wrapped in a blanket and placed him into the hole. Just before Coco was covered with soil, I placed one of his favorite sock toys beside his paw. Several rocks were then stacked over his grave. Soon, I'll plant some flowers nearby. 

Coco is now at peace.

June  

Comments

[Dawn @ The Feathered Nest]

Oh sweet June...I'm so very sorry for the loss of your precious Coco ~ these sweet animals are a part of our families and we love them so ~ hugs and love, Dawn

[June Parrish Cookson]

Dawn,

Thank you for your kind words. Hugs to you too. Have a great week.

June

[Kay Flynn-The Wrought Iron Gate]

My heart goes out to you and your husband, at the loss of your beautiful friend. I can't imagine trying to fill such a void. The love that we feel for our pets, pales in comparison to the selfless devotion that they show us. I'm sure that you have many wonderful memories of Coco.

Best Wishes,
Kay

[June Parrish Cookson]

Hi Kay,

Thank you so much for your thoughts. Yes, I'll always have fond memories of Coco. He was a very special cat who brought much joy into our lives. We're missing him very much.

This morning as I sit here writing at my computer, I expect him at any moment to jump up on my lap like he used to. Having him not here is difficult to adjust to right now. But time will hopefully heal.

Best regards,
June

[Vickie]

My heart goes out to you. I just lost my little poodle to cancer last week. It's always hard to lose a family member!

[Todd Smith]

Hi June,

Sorry to hear about Coco. I know he will be missed. I loved your description and sentiments of how Coco would have enjoyed the spring morning when you buried him. Thanks for sharing.

Todd