Thursday 10 April 2014

Hey blogfriends, Melon the hooman here. I'm sorry for the long silence here.

As I've mentioned before I fight major battles with my mental health and struggle with having Cocoa as a pet - specifically, with his care and with the pet-owner bond. It's an unusual and complex situation and we haven't yet figured out what's going on. Suffice to say that it involves guilt and shame as well as apathy, and that I'd appreciate it if you can refrain from commenting that I am a good owner or that I shouldn't worry. It's because of this situation and there being a lot going on in my life that there's been such a silence here. But I have news for you.

As some of you know, Cocoa's 8. That's old for a guinea pig. (He really should have had an 8th birthday celebration in February, only I wasn't feeling up to it under these circumstances.) His back legs became arthritic and stiff this year, and his mobility declined until we had to move him around. Eventually he lost weight (presumably muscle mass) and became weaker. You know where this is going. He ate well until the very end, of course. We gave him his wings on Monday. Mom and I were both there - she patted him and I held his paw.


RIP Cocoa Fountain



 2005-2014

You did us so proud.


He had a few health issues over the years but he was very resilient and always managed well (his teeth were always shocking, but much to our amazement he still ate like a champ!). That was an inspiration I could have taken more seriously, but just knowing that did make us smile.

I'm sorry he couldn't have spoken to you guys one more time, but on the last day I told him I'd thank his blogfriends for him. So, thanks for sharing some time with him. I'm sending him a chin-scritch, from me, from here.
Melon

13 comments:

  1. RIP dear Cocoa and we know you had a happy life. Old age is always sad as your time with your family must end some time but that never makes it any easier. Run free sweet one over the Rainbow Bridge where your teeth will be strong and your pain will be gone. Bless you.
    Best wishes Molly

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    1. Thankyou Molly.
      Melon (and, I suspect, Angel Cocoa)

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  2. So very sorry for your loss. Soft woos and gentle hugs from all of us. We hope you can find a way to find peace in knowing that you were a special part of Cocoa's life.

    Woos - Phantom, Ciara, and Lightning

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    1. Thankyou OP Pack. Everyone's words mean a lot. Strokes on the nose for you three beautiful woofies. I'm glad all members of the OP Pack, past, present and future, and your Mom have each other.
      Melon

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  3. Awww Cocoa we shall all miss you little buddy,Popcorn free my fine friend.Melon we are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers,you know where we are if you ever need a friend to just chat,or even have a laugh with us both.Bless you both Melon and your Angel Cocoa,Hugs + Snuggles xx Rachel and Speedy

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    1. Oh I'd forgotten about popcorning, I bet they have popcorning comps over on the other side of the Bridge. Thankyou Rachel and Speedy for that offer, I'll remember that.
      Melon

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  4. Dear Melon,
    be sure I keep your sweet Cocoa in my mind. I will not forget him. Big hug to you. Please dont fade away in the www..... all the best for you!
    Pia

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    1. Thankyou Pia for those sweet words. I won't fade away from the Internet, but I'll need breaks when the guilt/sadness/confusion gets to me. I reckon I'll always be back though, and I'll have another animal blog of my own one day. I suspect Melon's Animal Adventures will continue.
      Melon

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  5. I didn't know Cocoa or your blog before but I know how painful it is to lose a beloved fur buddy. Best wishes and hugs to you.

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    1. Thankyou for thinking of me, Kirsten. I'm sorry for the belated reply. I've checked out your blog and been reading with interest - I'm not up to date yet though so I'll leave you a comment when I've caught up a bit more!
      Melon

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  6. I am sure you gave him a happy life ❤

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  7. Thank you for commenting about my blog a few days ago! I am so sorry for your loss of cute little Fountain! I know you know that you did the right thing by sending him to heaven so he wouldn't suffer any longer. I am now following your blog!

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    1. Thanks April. Thanks for the follow too - I don't know if this blog will continue but I HAVE been thinking of at least posting a Christmas update, and maybe continuing Melon's AA. I'll see.

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Thoughts? I'd love to hear them!