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Cochise was bought in the year 1997, not long after my parents and I began living our lives in New Mexico. He was born to a family of Rottweiler puppies and was practically the runt of the pack. He has been close to death twice. Once was when he was struck with Parvo at the age of 1, and we thought we would lose him then (Parvo attacks a dog's digestive system and Rottweilers have very weak digestive systems). Little did we realize that this dog would have a will of steel. He lived and got well. The second time was when he was struck with diabetes at the age of 6. My mother took him to the vet. The veterinarians gave her two options: 1) give him insulin shots twice a day for the rest of his life, or 2) say goodbye to him. Because we lost our miniature poodle Bandit the year prior, we weren't ready to lose Cochise ... so my mother opted for insulin shots. Again, another miraculous recovery. The only downside was that Cochise eventually lost his sight due to glaucoma. But he was still a happy, healthy dog, always wanting attention and begging me to play with his bones. He came with us on our move to Lockport, NY and was happy in our newfound home. However, his back legs started to weaken. They would give out on him, but he managed to get up and keep on driving. But on 07/13 when my mother was getting ready to take him out, Cochise's legs collapsed once again, only this time, he couldn't get up. He struggled and struggled to get up, but couldn't. My parents attempted to help him by lifting up his backside, but he growled and barked in frustration. At that moment, my parents knew that this would be it. So they helped Cochise into the van to take him to the vet. My boyfriend was also with me that day. On our way, I stroked Cochise's head to calm him down. He was panting hard and shaking ... because he knew. He knew that he wouldn't be coming back. When we arrived at the vet, I couldn't help but notice there was a tear in his eye. I whispered to him that "Bandit is coming for him," as he and Bandit were very close. Two lady veterinarians came out with a stretcher. Tears were welling up in my eyes. I wanted to go inside to be with him, but my father didn't. Because I tagged along in my parents car rather than have my own, I had no other choice but to return home with them. Then not to long after Cochise was brought in, the two ladies came back out ... with a muzzle, a red collar, and a red leash.

(The quote in the left hand corner is a paragraph of Cochise's epitaph)

copyright 2009 by Leila Acevedo (a.k.a. Reyelene)