As dogs age, their personalities and abilities can change a lot. They may slow down and prefer a nap more than a game of fetch, which is okay! But just because a dog is the senior doesn’t mean they want to miss out on adventures.
Cocoa the Chesapeake Bay Retriever used to be full of energy, but at the age of 16, she found it difficult to walk. However, she loves going on adventures in Virginia Beach. So her family found a way to keep the tradition alive. Before their next trip to Virginia Beach, they created a portable dog bed so Cocoa wouldn’t have to miss out on all the fun. It made the end of the puppy’s life perfect!
No dog is left behind
Tom Antonio and his wife live in Georgia, but they visit Virginia Beach often. It’s one of Cocoa’s favorite places to explore outside. She loves going to the dog park, walking along the water and watching the sunset. But when the pupa came in her senior years, those daily activities are getting more and more difficult. Before long, hiking wasn’t an option for the 16-year-old dog.
So the family came up with a unique way to help Cocoa continue to enjoy life. They put a large dog bed on wheels and dragged it around while Cocoa relaxed on it.
“My wife and I, we came up with a way, with a mechanical vines and the like, to take her for a walk. We have the rope and the bed, and we’ll get her out,” Antonino said.
In her portable bed, Cocoa can still explore the world without feeling uncomfortable. Her family went with her to explore places close to home, but of course, they also continued to visit Virginia Beach. Cocoa is overjoyed!
Cocoa lives to the fullest
In Virginia Beach, Cocoa’s moving bed attracts a lot of looks. A woman stopped to ask Antonio about the incident, and he allowed her to take a lovely photo of Cocoa. Unbeknownst to him, that photo soon went viral on Facebook. As someone without a Facebook account, Antonio has no idea.
“I found out from my brother-in-law. He said, ‘Is this you?’ and then others ask, ‘Is this you?’ And I said, ‘Yeah, that’s Cocoa. It was Cocoa and I were walking,” Antonio said.
But sadly, Cacao did not live forever. Not long after she became famous on social media, the gentle dog passed away. But her story left a lasting impact on many dog lovers before she passed away. Antonio is proud that Cocoa was able to show the world the unbreakable bond between humans and their dog. It’s one of the most powerful things on this planet.
Rest in peace, Cocoa. May your afterlife be filled with endless walks by the sea.
H/T: kplctv.com
Featured pictures: Carrie Copenhaver Facebook
