Help Build CoCo's Memorial Bench in Belize

CoCoMochaLove

RIP Sweet Baby Girl

June 15, 2016 - Aug. 30, 2024

Meet Coco! She was a Psychiatric Service Dog that worked with me personally and as a professional relationship and life coach. She was the sweetest, smartest dog that loved greeting, meeting and giving hugs to everyone. It was her life mission to make people laugh, feel happy and loved. Anyone that knew her, knew that and FELT her love.

I'm inviting you to be a part of her Legacy of Love and help educate others by building a memorial bench.

She unexpectedly and tragically crossed the rainbow bridge 11 days ago. She was viciously attacked by 2 unleashed pit bulls who pulled her out of my arms. She and her brother Ollie were sniffing a corner when I spotted the walker and unleashed dogs. I instantly grabbed each dog under one arm. The male dog bolted towards us and ran wide around me. I thought he was going the other direction but he swiftly turned and came up behind me and bit her from behind. He started tearing her from my arms. The female dragged the walker across the beach until she got free and attacked CoCo as well. Screaming, helpless and desperate to hold onto Ollie and CoCo, a fatal attack ensued. Thrown to the ground, I was powerless against the two dogs biting CoCo and couldn't stop it. My screams brought neighbors and guests running out of their houses, including the dog's owner - all who managed to unlock them and get my dogs.

As long as I live I will never forget hearing a man yell "Ma'm I have your dogs!" and looking up to see CoCo's body shredded and bleeding. It's image I can never unsee. It is seared in my nervous system with screams of shock and terror. Living on a remote island in the Caribbean Sea just added to the trauma of getting them emergency care. Golf carts, boats, taxis and 3 hours later we made it into the Belize city emergency vet.

CoCo didn't survive.

Her injuries were too severe. As fast as a blink, this beautiful dog soul was gone forever. All because one person made a decision to walk dogs *off leash*, dogs with high prey drive and a history of previous attacks.

CoCo didn't deserve to die that way. The only way I know how to make sense of her violent death is to rise in LOVE. CoCo is helping me do this inside of so much hurt, grief and sorrow. It's who she was. This and the many offers to help sparked the inspiration to create her Legacy of Love with a memorial bench!

Coco loved nothing more than meeting and greeting people - anywhere and everywhere! She loved airports, stores and anywhere she could find someone who needed a hug. On Caye Caulker island Belize, her first stop was always Bow Wow Meow the pet store, Reuna's vegetable stand and then her favorite Pelican Sunset Bar! She would hug, kiss and jump on laps of tourists around the world! They loved seeing her, missing their own dog. They took selfies, she has a #Cocomochalove hashtag, a boyfriend named @Jameson and an Instagram with her brother @CocoandOllie. She was only 8 years old and just starting to spread the Love on Caye Caulker! This doesn't have to stop...

Your donation will be used to hire a local woodsman to build a wooden bench in CoCo's name. It will have a plaque to honor her, Psychiatric Service Dogs everywhere and the importance of honoring leash laws for everyone's safety. The bench will be placed at Pelican Sunset Bar. People from all over the world will feel her heart and angel wings as she forever watches the sunsets.

Once built, the pet store will host a pet memorial service for anyone on the island who has lost a dog. We will bring attention and education to the importance of leash laws while sharing and healing grief as a community.

The rest of donations will be given to the Caye Caulker Humane Society for their new building. They are heroic volunteers who give endlessly and this new building will give Caye Caulker a higher level of care for island animals.

A special thank you to Lexi who knew CoCo at Citrine and sent me $500 just to help - which ignited the spark to create a memorial. A prime example of how acts of kindness can change the world!

Nothing can bring CoCo back but her LOVE can prevail and prevent future tragedies with education. Her sacrifice will not be in vain and she will rise an entire community in LOVE with your help!