Dear Coco Chanel,
Today, at 14 years & 6 months young, you told us it was time to say “au revoir” and rejoin your big sister Chloé somewhere over the rainbow bridge. You, just like your mama Dakota, were the definition of what a Labrador Retriever should be, an always loving, vibrant, and enthusiastic brown-eyed girl who loved everything and everyone. No matter where you were, you were simply happy to be with us.
On your 3rd birthday, you survived weeks of hospitalization, ultrasounds, biopsies, and so much more thanks to the best animal care in our Pennsylvania backyard and then years of battling & managing several other illnesses, all without ever being anything other than the ball of energy we knew and loved. For ten years after your first diagnosis, we did everything in our power to keep our girl as healthy as possible which included the most restricted diet of any dog we’ve ever known. Organic carrots, low-far cottage cheese and prescription dog food were your life, and it was heartbreaking to see you long for the snacks you once loved like Ice Cream and dog treats from Bank Tellers and Drive Thru Attendants, but saying no to all of that meant more time here on earth with us. You truly were an inspiration and a fighter, even though they said you’d never make it to your 4th birthday – you sure showed them Kiki, but you no longer have to fight.
It’s never easy to say goodbye, but we are so very thankful for the 14+ loving years that you gave us. From the day we first brought you home in a cardboard box (your very first car seat) to your first and last swim, we will never forget the memories that we made together. We will miss your wiggly tail, your cold wet nose and your beautiful brown eyes, but most of all we will miss your snuggles & your always positive and perky personality. No matter the weather, you taught us to always look on the bright side.
For 14 years, you were the perfect little half-sister to Chloé, never leaving her side and always having her back. Then, when Chloé passed, you became the most wonderful big sister ever to our sweet little Gucci girl. Your patience with her will never be forgotten and your memory will live on in her, but we just wish she had more time to learn from you, and we can only hope she grows into half of the amazing dog that you were. Had it not been for your health issues, we know you would’ve made the best mother, just like Dakota.
Like we did with Chloé, we wrote you this letter to help us move on. Although this is goodbye for now, we find comfort in knowing you will no longer suffer, no more mountains of pills or diet restrictions, and that you’ll finally be reunited with your entire family once again ~ mama Dakota, papa Finley, sissy Ivy, and most of all sissy Chloé at your happy place on the Farm. May you all find peace & happiness together over the rainbow bridge where every day will be spent running, jumping, swimming, and eating all the ice cream you want without pain or restrictions.
Goodbye Coco Chanel. Although you’re gone from our sight, please know you’re never gone from our hearts because no matter how many dogs come into our lives, you, sweet Kiki, will forever be our brown-eyed girl and you have no idea how much you will be missed. We truly hope you know how much you were & will always be loved ❤️