I know I promised this a week ago, but the grief for Cocoa is real, and the ability to write about my experience with Leah and ComfortCare is very emotional.
I felt so blessed to have found Leah. When Cocoa was diagnosed with Mass cell cancer, I knew that I did not want him to cross in a cold sterile environment. I made many calls to find an organization that would allow him to cross at home with me loving him to the very last second. I was told by everyone I contacted that I lived outside of the service area.
When talking with Dr. Susan and Tipp City Veterinary Hospital I again inquired about finding someone to help me give Cocoa the best possible outcome for the end of his life with my family and I being given the time we needed to process. I was told that they had someone who was finishing her training that could provide me with hospice care and the kind of crossing that I hoped to provide for Cocoa.
First, I cannot say enough about the care and compassion that both Cocoa and I received during this time from those at Tipp City. The caring eyes, tone, and the tears of those that could see my distraught condition meant the world to me. The guidance and support from Dr. Susan gave me the strength to do what I did not want to do.
Leah came out to my house one Sunday afternoon to explain and guide me on Cocoa’s end of life/crossing over plans. She asked hard questions that needed to be considered so that both Cocoa and I could have the best possible outcome and support that was needed. Leah’s understanding and compassion through that conversation answered all my questions and provided me with all the information I needed in order to go through the process.
I really thought I had more time with him. The next day Cocoa displayed new symptoms of discomfort and Leah was a phone call and text away to give me the support I needed in order to keep Cocoa comfortable until I could do what was right for him. He no longer wanted to be petted, he was panting non-stop, and he told me with his eyes that he needed to cross.
I wanted to keep him forever. At the least I wanted another week. But Leah was always honest and practical about keeping me on the path for what was best for Cocoa. I realized the best course of action for him was to not let him suffer the pain of the cancer. It hurt me beyond measure, but I loved him so much and he was not the companion that I had known for almost 12 years.
The next day Leah came to the house, and we helped him cross over to the place where he could run on all four legs and no longer be in pain. She explained every step of the process and what she was doing, let me know that the things Cocoa was experiencing were normal, and that I was doing the very best thing for him….he would never be cancer and pain free on this side of eternity. Leah gave me all the time I needed with him to say my good-bye…there was no time agenda.
Leah was a godsend. I had talked to so many people who warned me of not waiting too long. Leah’s honesty and compassion helped keep me focused on doing the right thing for Cocoa because selfishly, I wanted to sugar coat the situation and keep him just “one day, one week, any amount of time longer.” Without Leah, Cocoa would not have been set free at the perfect time.
Was it hard? Yes
Am I still grieving? Completely
Did I do the best thing I could do for a very much-loved Cocoa? Absolutely
Thank you Leah, Comfort Care, Dr. Susan, and all of the girls at the front desk that grieved with me. We all gave Cocoa the very best care that was possible.
I am grateful.
Leigh Anne Roberts