I Have Become My Father
This past Tuesday until Wednesday afternoon was one of the worst times that my family has had to endure. On Tuesday night my daughter's (Abby) beloved dog "Coco" escaped out our back yard (while I was home with Madi) and ran into the street. She was hit by a vehicle who never stopped and drove away. (Please keep in mind I was inside the whole time) I was changing Madi and getting her ready for bed time when all of sudden Watson (my dog) started barking and going crazy at the back porch. Then there was strange knock at the door. This is what I heard
Stranger: "Do you have a brown dog that has a microchip in her?"
Me: "Yes"
Stranger: "Well, someone just hit your dog in the street and someone else took her to the Emergency Room."
Me: "Wha... Wha... Wait what did you say?"
Stranger: "She was bleeding from her mouth... and someone took her to ER Vet Clinic"
I was home with Madilyn and I don't have a car seat for Madi in my car, so I had to wait for Rebecca to get home from Bible Study. The next thirty minutes seemed like forever. When I arrived at the hospital I met the wonderful Good Samaritans who brought Coco to the hospital. Then the assistant put me in a room where I needed to wait for the Doctor. Once the doctor arrived she explained that Coco had brain damage and was in shock and not moving and she was waiting for X-Rays to come back. It turns out that Coco's back was broken and the doctor didn't think there was anything that she could do for her. So I made the decision that no parent ever wants to be force to make. We had to have Coco "put down".
Then the doctor said "would like to see her and be in the room for the procedure?"
I said "yes" immediately. I thought that since the dog had been with my daughter through thick and thin it was the right thing to do. I can tell you that this was my third experience of being in the room with someone (thing) who was dying. First was my nephew (T.J.), second was my father (the worst day of my life) and now Coco. All I could think of was to thank her for being so loyal to Abby and being a great dog for my little girls. I pet her bloody face and said "Thank you and good bye"
I said "yes" immediately. I thought that since the dog had been with my daughter through thick and thin it was the right thing to do. I can tell you that this was my third experience of being in the room with someone (thing) who was dying. First was my nephew (T.J.), second was my father (the worst day of my life) and now Coco. All I could think of was to thank her for being so loyal to Abby and being a great dog for my little girls. I pet her bloody face and said "Thank you and good bye"
When I left the hospital I was rubbing Coco's collar between my fingers in complete silence and unsure of what I was going to say to Abigail. (Of course Rebecca already broke the news to Abby).
Well, the next day Abby stayed home from School and I took the day off of work. She woke up and I believe the first few words out of her mouth were: "Daddy is going to take me on a Daddy/Daughter date to get a new puppy right?"
-Little side note-
When I was growing up I can not remember a day when I didn't have a dog in the house. There was one dog who was specially close to me named "Scrapper" (cause he had color patches on his fur). When Scrapper had to be put down because of illness. I believe that the very next day I had waiting for me in the living room a new puppy. My dad was the second biggest dog lover that I know. Me being the first.
Well, long story short: We have a new addition to the family:
Everyone in the Blogging World I would like to introduce you Elle (pronounced Ellie) or soon to be named "Ella Bella"
But Coco will be missed dearly. No other dog I know would greet me every morning and evening with a smile... Well, if there is a doggie heaven I know that they have a new resident... We love and miss you Coco
Dear Elle: "Welcome to our family... You have some big paws to fill"
