Sad News

On February 10th 2009 our darling Coco went to Rainbow Bridge. He had been here only 13 months, but they were 13 very special months, filled with joy and happiness. He will be very much missed by all of us, not least by Sweep, who now has to find himself a new teddybear to snuggle up to.

Here is our gorgeous boy in his favourate place, taken only 10 days before he left us. He now 'rests' here, running free among the beautiful wildflowers, drinking from the stream, forever young and healthy again.

Run free at the Bridge, my gentle giant. You will always be loved and never be forgotten.

Coco celebrates his first Gotcha Day, with help from Sweep!

It was Coco’s first Gotcha Day last thursday. I had hoped to get this posted sooner, but alas no! But, as they say, better late than never!
Anyway, Big’un has been with us a year‼! Gosh, how time flies. When he first arrived I really didn’t know what I was letting myself in for! I collected a huge, brown, bear-like creature from Newcastle and wondered if I’d done the right thing! It took me all of a few hours to realise he was so special. In fact I’d go as far to say I’ve never met a Labrador who is so placid, gentle and loving.

On Thursday it was bucketing with rain so Coco refused to venture out. Instead, he decided he’d start the day with some chicken and rice for brekkie. And yes, he does lie down to eat!


Then he snoozed the day away using Sweep’s cushion as a pillow


… before sleeping with Ben and Willy – note that Willy has nicked Coco’s new mattress and Coco’s on his old one!


Of course, when he was offered some crispy bacon, he just couldn’t refuse!


… and he was most upset when it’d all gone!


On Friday, the weather had improved, so we went to the local loch where Coco gets to walk all around. It’s a flat walk, no hills, and he often has a bit of a trot at times, which for his age is incredible. Here he is waiting for Sweep to catch up!


And again, trotting towards us.


I have problems getting action shots cos as soon as I move away, he follows me!


Sweep saw the ducks on the loch and as usual couldn’t work out why they wouldn’t play with him.


Of course, Coco showed him it wasn’t polite to stare and encouraged him to sniff a tree instead.


Though when Coco had decided he’d sniffed enough of the tree, he told Sweep it was time to press on with the remainder of the walk.


Another out of focus action shot!


Then it was back home, in time for more of this!


So, one year on and Coco is still enjoying life. He loves his walks, he loves his R&R time and most importantly he is very much loved! He is such a gentle soul. Nothing is too much bother for him … so long as he gets to sleep afterwards.

It hasn't been an easy year, what with all his health problems, and I was worried just before Christmas that I wouldn't be able to post a gotcha day message. But he's still here and still enjoying life and for as long as that continues, we will love him dearly.

Thank you to everyone who donates towards his continued care. Your support is very much appreciated.

And as you can all see, Sweep loves him to bits!

So, that's Christmas 2008 over and done with! Hurray! Sweep managed his first Chrissy party very well. I spent some time the weekend before making him an elf costume and guess what ... he won first prize! He was a complete star wearing it too ... no chewing at all. As you will see he wasnt impressed.


The morning after pic was something to behold. Poor pup was worn out!


Richard came to stay for a few days before Christmas and met Sweep for the first time. They hit it off rather well.


On the monday before Christmas we took the gang up to the Grey Mare's Tail which holds a special significance for us all. Coco loves it there and seems to find a new lease of life. He wasnt very well for the few weeks leading up to Christmas and I was very worried he wouldnt make it. But he did and here he is posing with Ben and Willy.



Of course Sweep was on lead most of the time to stop him going daft!


Though when he did get off lead, this was the resulting photo!


Sweep has grown quite a lot recently. Here he is with Coco, using him as a pillow!


And here he is with me, as per usual chewing my chin!