As dogs grow older, their personalities and abilities can change substantially. Some may become less active and opt for a peaceful nap instead of playing fetch, which is alright! However, age doesn’t necessarily mean that they are not interested in going on new expeditions.
When Cocoa the Chesapeake Bay Retriever hit the ripe old age of 16, she started experiencing mobility issues that made it tough for her to walk around. However, she loved going on adventures with her family in Virginia Beach, so they came up with a clever solution. Before their next trip, they built a mobile dog bed that would allow Cocoa to come along for the ride and enjoy all the excitement without having to struggle with walking. It was the perfect way to give Cocoa a comfortable and happy life until the very end.
Tom Antonio and his spouse frequently visit Virginia Beach despite residing in Georgia. Their furry companion, Cocoa, loved the place, particularly going to the dog park, strolling by the ocean, and watching the sunset. However, her age caught up with her, making it hard for her to engage in her favorite pastimes. At 16 years old, long walks became too challenging for Cocoa.
The family came up with an innovative solution to help Cocoa enjoy her life despite her inability to walk. They created a dog bed on wheels and pushed it around while she slept, allowing her to explore the world. To take her for walks, they used a mechanical creeper and other devices, bringing her out with a rope and bed. While they mostly visited nearby locations, they also took Cocoa to Virginia Beach, where her rolling bed attracted attention. A woman even took a photo of Cocoa, which went viral on Facebook – something that Antonino wasn’t aware of because he didn’t have a Facebook account. All in all, Cocoa was able to live life to the fullest thanks to her loving family’s ingenuity.
“My brother-in-law was the one who told me about it,” Antonio shared. He was referring to a photo that had gone viral, with people asking him if the person in it was him. Antonio confirmed that it was indeed him and his dog, Cocoa, out on a walk. Cocoa had become quite popular on social media, but sadly she passed away not long after. However, her story touched the hearts of many dog lovers and left an unforgettable impression. Antonio is grateful that Cocoa was able to show the world the incomparable bond between a person and their furry companion, which is one of the most powerful connections in the world. Rest in peace, Cocoa. May you enjoy endless seaside walks in eternity.
