Tom Antonio and his family live in Georgia but often visit Virginia Beach. They would take their beloved Chesapeake Bay Retriever named Cocoa to the shore and it became one of the dog’s favorite places to go.
However, as the years passed the once energetic dog started to slow down, and at the age of 16 was unable to walk. But the family continued to care for her and ensured she had the best quality of life.
Antonio and his wife, Lauren, created a mobile bed by putting a plush dog bed on wheels and attached a rope so they could still take Cocoa for walks.
I posted a couple of weeks ago about this amazing story & it blew up. Over 52,000 shares. I received a ton of messages from people - how it made them smile, they shared stories about their own dogs ... it’s a beautiful story that traveled around the globe warming hearts : much needed respite from our current environment
When I posted this, I had no idea who this man was. It was just a moment in time I wanted to immortalize... in retrospect I’m so grateful I did. Someone shared this post with Tom’s wife, Lauren Slepin & his daughter... consequently we’ve exchanged some messages & Ive made a wonderful new connection.
Lauren, Tom & Cocoa were very humbled by all the attention. They’ve been contacted by our local media & hopefully you’ll get to hear more of Cocoa’s story.
Last week Lauren reached out to me with this message
“Here is Cocoa, our Chesapeake Bay Retriever, looking out on Rudee's Inlet at the end of the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. She peacefully went to sleep last Friday. We spent over 16 sweet years together and the last 6 months without her ability to stand brought us even closer. She has left a large void in our heart and our home. She wasn't able to greet people or dogs anymore on her own, but she loved it when people came up to her. Thank you for stopping to greet her and for sharing her with your friends on Facebook.
Cocoa had not walked since last August, but she still was living a meaningful, quality life with us. She brought us such joy and hopefully we did the same for her. We miss her and will treasure our memories of her forever. She will always be with us in our hearts.”
Thank you to everyone that shared this post. I love that Cocoa’s last gift was spreading a gift of love around the globe.
A dog’s single fault is the fact that they do not live long enough.
Safe travels, Cocoa🌈🐾
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