Beloved Coco

Hi

6-18-2011

I just wanted to say Hi, Coco.

The President Coco

05-??-2010

I would like to consider myself lucky because I met Coco when he was an O.G. yet, I have many fond memories of him. I remember things started out like most friendships do.. I watched from a far.. he watched from a far and we finally put aside our difference and came together for a quick conversation in Ratha's backyard (like Gangsters do). I barely knew him but I felt we connected in a O.G. kind of way. Its like we spoke the same language. From then on, I really knew Anna was not only a great girl but a great mom and friend. Coco and I grew to be such good friends that I would talk to him at night when I would sleep over from time to time in the City. And to let you know, Ill take some of those conversations to the grave with me Coco. I just wanted to let the world know and most importantly Ratha and Anna, that Coco was an incredible friend.. He always was down to roll, never really tripped on who was around, the first dog I ever seen with his own cup holders and I swear to this day he turned the lights off that nite when I was too drunk to get up. I miss President Coco but I know I will see him again and I know he'll have that look on his face like "man, im not even trying to hear that right now Don!" and we'll laugh and talk like we use to. All dogs go to heaven and now I know who the President is up there! Nothing but LOVE

don*p!

For the gentle soul that was and always will be......

2008

I don't have alot of memories, but I will say this. I remember once seeing Anna pulling Coco on the wagon and if there ever was an expression a dog could have of gradification and happiness, it was the one I saw on Coco's face looking towards Anna's back. Coco didn't move alot, but I could feel that here was a kind, warm hearted dog and raising a dog myself I know that dogs get influenced by the surroundings around them. So needless to say, I can feel Anna's familys warmth through Coco. U will be missed Coco, save a bone for Anna up there, OK? :)

Always in her thoughts!

August 2010

Annchan drew this on a paper tablecloth at this German sausage and beer place when we went down to SoCal.

Coco-cha~~~~~~~n!

Dearest Coco,

Thank you so much for being a part of my life and letting me be a part of yours. I feel as though our friendship and bond grew tighter and stronger over the years of knowing you, and I can't believe how the time flew by!

Anna is a dear friend of mine and her and her family have always been so welcoming with open arms to me, but when you accepted me into your heart, well...that's when I really felt like part of the family!

When she started to ask me to take care of you when she had to go away on trips, I always looked forward to bonding time with you, and I loved talking with you about how our days went. My favorite thing you did was when I would come over, you would get up and come greet me, and sometimes when your nose was itchy, rub against me telling me, "Hey! I need some good rubbin'!" And I'd always smile when I bent down to give it to you, and hear you grunt, saying, "Oh yea....that's it. That's the spot!" I also loved being your "honorary auntie," because that meant I was allowed to secretly spoil you and give you goodies and not have to discipline you like your mom. heehee!

You were always so good to Anna, being there for her through the good and the bad, but I really appreciated when you would do that for me too. I remember back in college when I went through a break up or two with past boyfriends and when I would come over to talk to Anna, I would hug you and you seemed to just know that I needed it. Thanks, for letting me bury my face into your coat, and just let me get lost in your warmth Coco. It was the best healing medicine in the world.

I'll never forget you and our memories together Coco. From our walks together to picnics to BBQs to other random events, I had a total blast hanging out! I'm sure one day in one form or another, we will definitely cross paths again! I love you Coco-chan!

Love,
Emy

Coco the Extraordinaire

Coco the Extraordinaire, also known as the Dukes, brought smiles to all that he encountered. Pie had a soft spot in her heart for the Dukes (although she may not have shown it all the time). Coco, though he may have been mistaken for half-dog, half-human (because of his tendency to eat the most deliciously cooked up food by his best friend Ann-chan and because of his relaxed personality), had one of the biggest hearts of any living being. He adored his best friend, Ann-chan, as much as she adored him...

Now, on to a story of the Dukes.

My favorite memory of Cokes was when I was visiting in 2007 (I think that was the year). Artie insisted on visiting the bison in Golden Gate park, and Coco went along with us. I believe it was Anna (of course she was there), Artie, myself, Jeremy, and Wendy that went. Coco was as excited to see the bison as Artie was!! He ran with Anna alongside the gates bordering the bison-land, and (although unfortunately I can't find my pictures from that venture) he made the adventure ten times better with his presence.

Another fond memory of the Dukes: his infamous smile and how his tongue would hang out of the side of his mouth when he was content!

Cocos, may you smile down upon us with that same silly smile. And, may you chase all the bison that your heart desires in doggy-heaven. =)

Clothes and friends

June 2007

While Wens and I were visiting, Emy, Anna, Wens and I were having a clothes exchange... and Cocos wanted to try on some of the clothes. He made such a great clothes model!!

Many May Not Know about the spirit of COCO

2008?

During one of the many trips Anna was on I was in charge of taking Coco out for his daily walk, but I did NOT know about the special technique to unlock the stiff deadbolt on the house door and never accessed Anna's home to take Coco on a walk. I thought Anna had given me the wrong key by mistake and figured I shouldn't break into Anna's house just to walk Coco. BUT, and I repeat, BUT, what I did do was go to Anna's house and hang out with Coco everyday while Anna was gone. I knocked on the door and when Coco came to answer I sat on the floor and spoke to him through the door. Each day when he would come to the door I would ask him in my broken Japanese " dai jo bu" (are you okay) and he would grunt to let me know everything was okay. Kind of like how some "Old-Timer" Japanese men do to confirm something or agree with you. I hung out out with Coco for about 30 minutes each time because I felt like 30 minutes is what it would take Coco to go around the block once on a fast day. I never told anyone about what I did for Coco (not even Anna), but I think now is a good time to share one of my many experiences with Coco.

The cutest dog in the Inner Sunset!!

2005-2009

I was Coco's neighbor in the Inner Sunset for quite a few years. Whenever I saw him out walking his owners, that cute face of his was always enough to brighten my day! I always thought he looked like a red panda bear.

Whenever I ate over at Coco's house, he always sat right by my feet as I ate. I think he knew I was a clumsy eater.

I remember always seeing him at the local farmers market, and how he was the most popular dog at the whole market!

I remember how people in the neighborhood always thought that Coco was still a puppy! I had to inform people many times that he was really 15 (human years)! Only a dog that was taken care of, and fed extremely well could age that gracefully. And the food Coco ate was the best of the best, believe it! I think that's why he ALWAYS looked happy when I saw him!

Well, I'll never forget the adventures that I had with coco doueckqes (did I spell it right?), and and I'm glad I knew him, even if it was only for a little bit of time... He'll be missed!

-Jeff B.

Coco and PiPi - husband and wife

February 2007