IN MEMORIAM - COCOA

12-13/2003 - 06/11/2009

Rest in Peace

Our family business of breeding Labrador Retrievers became operational with an unlikely character named, Miller’s Cup of Cocoa. When “Cocoa” was adopted from another area breeder he was a 4 mo. old chocolate puppy. An excited family of Micky, Jennifer, Caden, Shayla, and Colten packed up a small carrier and anxiously traveled to get their new pet. Upon arrival, the family realized the small carrier was inadequate for the 40 lb. puppy that was to become their own. The carrier was “nixed” and Cocoa rode home on Micky’s lap, the beginning of a close friendship between owner and animal that grew strong through the years. Cocoa was the family pet who later became the prominent leader of our Rosedale canines. His antics were, at times, frustrating…and other times, hilarious. Cocoa’s kennel required a tied down cover to prevent this big fellow from climbing the fence and walking atop the kennels or escaping for an afternoon of folly while family members chased him along the country roads. We are certain that somewhere in Cocoa’s gene pool there had to be a circus performer as he mimicked the use of a pogo stick very well…jumping in synchronization on all fours. Later, he outgrew the kennels except for breeding purposes and became the resident “donut eater” and “Canine in Charge of Porch Security”, along with closely caring for Colten’s cat, “Coal Cat”. He had a knack for knowing when someone was having a snack and felt slighted if he was not included. Cocoa would overflow the recliner and fill Micky’s lap whenever he could. Cocoa knew and felt love from our family and there is no other lab we would have wanted to be the “First Lab” than our precious chocolate guy. Cocoa bred several of our dams and produced successfully many puppies located with our adoptive families across our great country. If a “Cocoa” puppy resides in your home, give him/her an extra hug in honor of our Miller’s Cup of Cocoa who died in an accident. Our hearts are broken and we are saddened by this loss, but we are glad to have had the many happy memories this dog brought into all of our lives. We are proud that he gave us the insight to begin a breeding program of the finest and friendliest of dogs, the number one, AKC Registered Labrador Retrievers. “Thanks, Cocoa, for sharing your love and know that we will miss you…Love, All of Your Family at Country Pride Labradors!”

On a lighter note, below is Cocoa "climbing into the kennel" rather than out.  The picture was taken just a few weeks ago.