After graduation, several jobs and room mates it was time for my basset babe. I searched high and low. I inquired with reputable breeders and was told I was not yet ready, I inquired at rescue and was told the same. I went to the shelter with no luck - and I eventually bought a pup from a newspaper.
The day I met her and her 10 siblings, she waddled over, climbed in my lap and marked me. I knew it was meant to be. The Northridge Earthquake occurred the day I was to bring her home. No ability to call, travel or even gt to her, it took 2 weeks for me to get her, and when I did she had parvo.
Our journey together had many twists, many was the time early in her life that health and nutrition played a vital role. At 4 years of age a liver problem had the experts recommending euthanasia, yet my basset stubborn nature prevailed. A year of ups and downs and we found the path to health and well being for the next 8 years. 8 years of vitality and there is not a day with her that I would trade for anything in the world.
Daphneyland began in July of 2002, and we moved onto the property and began the daily chores, back breaking work and emotional roller coaster of building a rehabilitation and socialization center and network. Cocshall and Barnaby by my side. In September of 2002 Cocshall began to decline. All of my learning and mentors jumped on board again and we tried every trick in the book, yet clearly Cocshall's time was nearing the end.
October 2, 2002 I held my Princess as we sent her to the rainbow bridge. My heart broke that day.
11 years later and I wake up on this day mourning my girl still. 11 years and I still burst into tears my heart aching and missing her velvet paw rule. I love you my angel, and will one day be with you again. Keep our gang of beasts together, for one day there shall be a huge reunion.
The Rainbow Bridge
She taught me so many things. Without her Daphneyland would not have been possible, and would not exist today. Thousands of hounds whom have benefited from all the love and teachings she brought into our lives.
My dedication is to never let those lessons go to waste. In Cocshall's Memory and with the love she gave me we continue in this mission to help our beloved.
It has been 11 years since Cocshall told me she had left. I had never met her before but that day I knew when she left. I think it was her way to get me more involved in Basset Rescue and Daphneyland. I am happily envolved with Daphneyland which is my favorite place in the world now.
ReplyDeleteIf not for Barnaby maybe you would not have been there for us. Thank you Barnaby, thank you Dawn
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