One Memory
Maeghan Hackett
The best family dog, and the best friend a little girl wants to have when growing up, gone too soon. Over the last five months, we never knew which day would be your last. But the day when we found out that your spleen had ruptured was the day that permanently changed our lives’.
We thought you were just becoming sick, but then you would be back to normal the next day. After a month of this strange on/off behavior, we began to notice that one side was becoming bloated. Preparing for the worst but hoping for the best, we made the dreaded call to the vet. Cocoa received an immediate appointment followed by an emergent surgery. They said that you have a very likely chance of not living through surgery, however you did and you lived for another two and a half months.
June, 2017; the hardest month I have ever experienced. Everyday felt as though there was a timer ticking, counting down, like a bomb going to detonate at any time. June 18th, I thought was the end, walking through the front door and not being greeted with your smiling face accompanied by your happy cry and whine. My voice quivered as I shouted your name queasily, “Cocoa, Cocoa!!” No tail thump, no bark, not even a yelp.
I bolt up the stairs with blurry vision and a broken heart. You tried to thump your tail but you struggle, then attempt to lift your head but the strength needed was the strength you no longer had. I sat down next you, grasped your limp body in a hug, and then lay down next to you making sure to support your head as you fall asleep. Everyday, for the next three days, the same roller coaster.
Thursday, June 21; Hardest day I have experienced. I came home from school, and you were a little slower than the days previous. I remember having that feeling that this would be the day that I would have to say goodbye to my best friend forever... I was studying for my last round of finals when I glanced over and noticed that you began shaking. Dropping everything, I bolted to your side. You shakily stood up and tried walking and collapsed, right in your tracks. I wrap you in a hug and knew that your last breaths were approaching. My Dad called the vet and all he could get out was “It’s Time”. For the next three hours I had your body in a hug with a puddle of tears gathering next to me.
The last memory I have is your face looking in pain as you were carried wrapped in a blanket into the car. I scattered your favorite toys around you and whispered in your ear “I love you so much baby, Thank you for the best 13 years of my life. I miss you already” One last kiss and the car door shuts and then you were gone forever.
Maeghan Hackett
The best family dog, and the best friend a little girl wants to have when growing up, gone too soon. Over the last five months, we never knew which day would be your last. But the day when we found out that your spleen had ruptured was the day that permanently changed our lives’.
We thought you were just becoming sick, but then you would be back to normal the next day. After a month of this strange on/off behavior, we began to notice that one side was becoming bloated. Preparing for the worst but hoping for the best, we made the dreaded call to the vet. Cocoa received an immediate appointment followed by an emergent surgery. They said that you have a very likely chance of not living through surgery, however you did and you lived for another two and a half months.
June, 2017; the hardest month I have ever experienced. Everyday felt as though there was a timer ticking, counting down, like a bomb going to detonate at any time. June 18th, I thought was the end, walking through the front door and not being greeted with your smiling face accompanied by your happy cry and whine. My voice quivered as I shouted your name queasily, “Cocoa, Cocoa!!” No tail thump, no bark, not even a yelp.
I bolt up the stairs with blurry vision and a broken heart. You tried to thump your tail but you struggle, then attempt to lift your head but the strength needed was the strength you no longer had. I sat down next you, grasped your limp body in a hug, and then lay down next to you making sure to support your head as you fall asleep. Everyday, for the next three days, the same roller coaster.
Thursday, June 21; Hardest day I have experienced. I came home from school, and you were a little slower than the days previous. I remember having that feeling that this would be the day that I would have to say goodbye to my best friend forever... I was studying for my last round of finals when I glanced over and noticed that you began shaking. Dropping everything, I bolted to your side. You shakily stood up and tried walking and collapsed, right in your tracks. I wrap you in a hug and knew that your last breaths were approaching. My Dad called the vet and all he could get out was “It’s Time”. For the next three hours I had your body in a hug with a puddle of tears gathering next to me.
The last memory I have is your face looking in pain as you were carried wrapped in a blanket into the car. I scattered your favorite toys around you and whispered in your ear “I love you so much baby, Thank you for the best 13 years of my life. I miss you already” One last kiss and the car door shuts and then you were gone forever.