Remember Me

What brings you to adopt a dog? They are hairy, needy, smelly; they bark, chew on your furniture, poo everywhere. What's the point after all?

Believe me, I've heard that question a few times.

Dogs are incredible creatures. They are smart, loving, gentle, protective, cute and the best companions. I've always had dogs whilst growing up, but never a rescue and I honestly didn't think it would be that different, but it is. If you have never adopted a dog and have the opportunity to do so, please do it, it will change you forever.

Coco joined our family in May 2020, and after having her for almost 1 year now, I can tell you I cannot imagine my life without her. She changed everything. From 'poo parties' to literally opening the door in the morning and demanding attention, our lives won't ever be the same.

Yeah, you read it right; I really meant 'poo party', at least that's how we call it at home. Fun name but not an enjoyable experience. We are addressing it already as she developed separation anxiety from loving us too much and of course, thinking she's the boss.

On weekends we watch movies together, eat popcorn, pizza and have a very relaxing couple of days. Okay, fine, I eat it all myself, we need to keep her in shape because of her modeling career.

I must say she isn't fond of horses and dogs. I understand the dog part and the leader of the pack thing, but a horse? Yep, even at home, if she hears a horse neighing on tv, she will bark her lungs out at it as if she was saying something. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if she actually said her first words (she's bilingual now and very good at Portuguese). She also has that judgmental look, you know, like cats when they stare at you, probably thinking how dumb we humans are. She does that too, it's a talent I'd say.

Coco's favourite movie is 'Beethoven', but she enjoys watching 'The Mask' as well, but I think it's because of the Jack Russell, she relates. She also loves going for a walk and doesn't waste time chasing squirrels and ravens. Of course, she's on a leash, but I let her think she's the boss and is protecting me until we finish our training.

During the week she sometimes sits on my lap whilst I'm working as we are still working from home. She tries to help me get some work done but that last 5 minutes or so and she's out. She is only fully awake when chatting with her furry friends online; hours of woofing, I don't understand how they can hang out for so long, but they were all adopted so I guess there are many stories and updates to share.

From Oxfordshire to London

Coco lived in a sanctuary in Oxfordshire, a bit far away from us, but we were the lucky ones to bring her home. She was rescued as a stray, which means we don't know whatever might have happened to her in the past. She's almost 5 years old now.

We adopted her in the midst of the pandemic in May 2020 after months of searching for the perfect pal. I live with my sister in a small flat in London, so it's quite challenging to adopt a dog when you don't own a garden as most rescues need their own space. We were ready to give up when we saw Coco and decided to give it a last try.

I sent them a video from the flat, we explained our situation, and they asked us to go pay them a visit. It was love at first sight. We weren't allowed in due to social distancing, so we were waiting outside at the gate. When I saw her coming in our direction, I remember having tears in my eyes; I knew right away it was her. It's been almost a year now, and we couldn't be happier; she is our little baby.

Remember Me…

Have you watched the movie 'Coco'? Well, I've mentioned how much we love movies, so I had already watched that one a few times. The sanctuary gave Coco's name based on that movie, and it couldn't have been more perfect for her. She's loved by us, our family, friends, just like Mama Coco. I hope whatever happened to our Coco in her past 4 years of life wasn't traumatising, but if it was, I hope she had forgotten. What I will make sure doesn't happen is that she ever forgets how much we love her and wish her well.

Just like Miguel, I followed my heart and brought her home to our family… to stay.