Almost 13 years ago to the day, I met my dog Coconut and for my entire adult life, I’ve had him by my side.
For 13 years, I can say I’ve had the kindest, most playful and loyal dog anyone could ask for.
A lot of people look at having a dog and think it’s too much responsibility.
But I don’t think what enough people realize is how responsible they become for you.
The first time, I ever biked 100 miles in a day, I had coco to watch a movie with and relax afterwards.
When I found out a project I put a year of my life into wasn’t going to continue, I took him for a walk and realized somethings are more important. He just saw me get the harness, turned around and backed up into my leg like he was a little car waiting for me to put it on.
The day I found out my mom wasn’t going to be around much longer, I brought him to the hospital to visit her and he knew instantly something was wrong. He was also there for me every second that was going on.
Some amazing times I shared with him and some very tough times where he made things a lot better.
For 13 years, I’ve gotten to know him and see the amazing personality he had always be next to me.
That time ended sadly last night.
He wasn’t in the best state for a few days, but luckily wasn’t feeling any pain. I got to take him outside, let him enjoy the fresh air, let him enjoy some homemade food and yesterday he got to watch the sunset on the lake before he left.
I sat with him most of yesterday and when I left the room for just a few minutes, he left. I think that was his gift to me.
I don’t want this to be a sad post, because the only word I really have left is grateful.
Grateful that for 13 years, I had a best friend and brother who was always by my side and will continue to be.