In Memory of Cocoa

I'm deeply sad to announce the passing of Cocoa - my canine nephew. He was loved by many. Craig and John said their goodbye's beautifully....


Craig and I are saddened that on Monday Cocoa lost his short fight with leukemia. We both held him and with his head on my arm he passed away peacefully.

This was our family and Cocoa was our little boy - so you know what a loss this is to us.

Cocoa was a gentle soul - with a big bark and even a bit of a bite. He had a lot of personality - and for Craig and I - a lot of love. Cocoa was happiest when he was together with Craig and I - and he would do everything with us if he could. He enjoyed his weekends in Maine - or just doing errands around the city - shopping at Duane Reade, or crowding into a dressing room while I tried on clothes. You will remember if you ever saw him give me a hug - with his paws on my shoulders and his nose pressed into the nook of my neck... and he was never more excited and grateful than when we would come home from a trip - long or short. Cocoa had a special place in his heart for by his Uncle Nat, who cared for him when his dads were away (...and truly regretted the one ugly incident).

He came a long way from his first Christmas sleep-over with his Fitzpatrick-grandparents - trying to take down my father like he was a playmate - to keeping a gentle watch at the side of his Spano-grandparents, with care and concern, during the time they spent with us in NYC.

As a rescue dog - Cocoa's time with us may have been short (we adopted him when he was 4) - but it was full. I know that in time - Cocoa has made room for another rescue in our home.

We're going to miss him - and we were lucky to have him.

Thank you all for the support and concern these last few months.

John and Craig