A knock at the front door, exactly two hours later and on time from when he said he would arrive. Our beloved Boof looks up from his snuggled position in his blanket on his bed as the man’s shoes draw closer.
“So little mate it’s time! It’s been a great run.”
The man prepares Boof’s little leg and tells us this is it. My mother and I both get down on the floor. We lay looking straight into Boof’s eyes. It is our faces that he sees. As the small pin prick is felt he yelps and then snarls, and we caress his face and tell him it will be okay.
Tears stream down our cheeks as Boof’s eyes close for the very last time in the 14 years he had been a part of our family. For the very last time we said goodnight to our beloved little mate.
Placing him in our backyard with the memorial of his life was the culmination of an extremely difficult day.
For the next few weeks nothing was the same. My little mate didn’t greet me anymore when I opened my bedroom door of a morning. We didn’t play catch after dinner at night. I didn’t have my little shadow. Shattered!
There were three adults in the house and yet it felt so empty and so quiet. He was gone.
A couple of weeks passed before we started to consider what we would do next. Sentimentality kicked in and it was decided, we needed a new little mate. He needed to be the same breed as Boof, as that suited us and our environment and for true sentiment he would be born on the day of Boof’s passing.
Our search began, we found advertisements, we called the breeders. We asked questions. How old was the mum? How many were in the litter? Will they all be vet-checked and have the necessary shots by the time we can take one home? Can we come and see them now and place a deposit?
Liking the answers we received we had two possible breeders to visit. Of course once we arrived at the first house there would be no reason to look further! The elderly couple who answered the door were delightful. The dad of the pups also greeted us and seemed to proudly lead us through to where mum and the pups were located. A small bed with five pups all snuggled up. The couple removed mum & dad from the room so that we could look the pups over without interruption. They were healthy looking and all seeking our attention. All except one. That one at the other end. A different colour, lighter fur and seemingly not interested in the commotion. We had been told that two were already on hold for other people which left us a choice of two boys or a girl. We wanted another boy so it was the dark or the light fur. Picking the lighter fur up was all that it took. A quick cuddle, and he immediately snuggled in tight. That did it. Love a first sight.
Deposit left and we would return when he was old enough to come home with us.
Weeks later, with two grandkids in tow, it was the big day. Our new family member was going to come home. Back to the elderly couple. Lots of oohs and ahh’s and oh how cute. Just like before he was on his own – the last one to be picked up. Collecting the paperwork, and thanking the wonderful couple we headed home with a new fluffball. A fluffball with a coffee-coloured coat and little face that just melted you. Those eyes, that little whimper, that need to be snuggled and to feel safe in your arms. The car ride home was a debate – what should he be called? “You can’t call him Boof,” says one of the grandkids, “Boof was Boof. He needs a different name”. “He is a coffee colour call him coffee”. “No!” And so it continued, until… “he is also the colour of cocoa when I have it. Can we call him Cocoa?” There it was! The grandkids had decided on the name.
Cocoa quickly discovered that his new home meant lots of cuddles, lots of play followed by lots of naps, more cuddles, more play, more naps. Growing quickly Cocoa made himself a home, and soon there I was opening my bedroom door and the new little mate was sitting patiently waiting for me, and for a quick good morning pat and cuddle before becoming my shadow for the day.
That was twelve and a half years years ago. On the 19th November 2025 a decision was made in his best interests to allow him to rest in peace. Cocoa had been courageously fighting a tumour that for two years had reduced his full control of his back right leg. So today, Cocoa is no longer my shadow. My friend. My guardian. I will always remain his friend and will guard his legacy in my heart. In so many ways he was my world, as I was his. Rest in peace my wonderful little man. Now you can truly run freely again.
It is very likely the story will repear. Start a new full circle of the life of a dog.
By: Michael Donnelly – Animal Care Australia President. Published: December 2025 ACE Newsletter
