The Chocolate Chronicles

Remembering Choco ….

OT Hill — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 16:08:04 +0000

I knew it would not be an easy decision, but it had to be made …. Choco was put to rest on August 2.

Christmas was our favorite holiday.

Of our 16 years together, here is how we (also) spent two memorable snowy Christmas seasons (one in the mountains of NC and one in the Wyoming wonderland):

Holly-Dog Daze

The Chocolate Dance –

OT Hill — Wed, 21 May 2008 20:36:18 +0000

Even though Choco didn’t have such a talented dancing partner, she knew some of these moves ….

Enjoy!

In the beginning, but first –

OT Hill — Sat, 10 May 2008 17:20:57 +0000

About me: Retirement is wonderful …. my health is back on schedule — Choco is starting to alternately “drag” a hind leg — it’s arthritis and/or her hip joints, I’m guessing …. flowers planted …. majority of boxes are unpacked …. I voted early. Life is good. Even ole Choco seems to be enjoying retirement. We’ve moved to a one-level 2-bedroom apartment …. She no longer has to jump to the window seat to watch for me as she has done for most of her life.

I still rise at 6 am, but the first thoughts that flow through my mind have to do with the health of the 16-year-old dog that sleeps on the rug beside me. She’s managing — only her arthritis and waning eyesight betray her still seemingly spry demeanor — and her daily mission is to stay near as I busy myself with morning chores. We walk regularly. Not as far or as quickly as in the past, and often with her leaning against my knee. She sets the pace; I’ve learned to watch for signs of her well-being. I want her to experience no pain (routine discomfort is part of the aging process for all of us). Thus far, she’s doing amazingly well for a 50 pound wonder-dog who once entertained the elderly …. I will stand by her side to guide and support her as long as I am needed. After all — I would have been shredded by a grizzly bear or battered by burglers many years ago had she not stood by mine. What goes around, comes around. She has been a wonderful friend and companion throughout the years. Our ashes will someday be scattered together …. And I anticipate frolicking with her at the Rainbow Bridge and singing our favorite songs again.

To those who know the unconditional love and devotion of a beloved dog and the bond that exists – you understand, I’m certain.

Meet Choco –

OT Hill — Thu, 08 May 2008 15:59:37 +0000

Godiva Chocolate Wolf — nickname “Choco” — mixed breed Australian Sheepdog, golden retriever, and probably some wayward curbstone setter of dubious origin ….

elegance on 4-legs …. songstress … clown …. trickster …. guardian. Lovingly referred to as “muh dawg” ….. a therapy dog of gentle spirit with an abundance of love to share with all who meet her …

“So who’s driving this machine?”