Not as previously "loco," thank you to my most loyal mate Coco!

After many lows and tough times, I decided to get myself a companion in the form of a puppy dog, of the Chinese Shar-pei breed. It was the year 2016 and I fell in love with my "sidekick," most loyal walking the streets on four feet, after seeing an advertisement online. I immediately contacted the breeder and put a deposit for my soon to be best mate. A week or so passed, being quite difficult due to a personal circumstance/loss, and I surprisingly received an earlier than agreed/expected call from the breeder saying that my pup would be ready the day after tomorrow. The night prior to setting off on my journey picking up my cute as puppy ''Coco,'' (name chosen by my most favourite person in the World), I struggled to sleep due to the period of grievance/loss. However, I used the beautiful memories to keep me determined and focused during the 6 hour (each way) drive, totaling approximately 13 hours for the one-day round trip. An adventure that I obviously ventured off on alone, with Coco beside me for the drive home.

The reasoning for my decision to get myself a companion, Coco, was an obvious one due to the fact that I found myself seriously struggling. The end of the 2015 year was and is one of the worst years of my life, leaving work therefore unemployed, and stuck in a serious depression. A depression which would see me spend 4-5 months in bed, never leaving my bedroom. I would not do anything, I stopped training/gym, I did not watch TV, had little or no friends and did not socialise. Things did not immediately change after meeting Coco. I would still struggle, and did continue my ways of resorting to an ''escape'' mechanism, substance abuse. Dogs apparently possess a sixth sense or otherwise, which was proven to me by my beautiful cute Coco as I would find myself intoxicated and at a dangerous level of so, both physically and mentally. I was scared for my life both mentally (suicidal) and also physically (as my heart raced at a million miles per hour). That was until the now 10 week old Coco would start to scratch at the back door, howling and barking in a state of panic/urgency somehow using her "sixth sense" getting my attention and also saving my life at the same time. Only after this experience as Coco proved to be my saviour I would read and hear of stories where individuals have used the same companionship of a puppy dog to change their lives and refrain from previous temptations that only add to a person that is struggling and/or alone. The addition of Coco in my life would also add a daily walk to my routine, as we ''cruise'' the local streets with my most beautiful on four feet, helping both mentally and physically.

Now, 6 years later, I unfortunately find myself thinking of the day when Coco will pass, instead hoping that I would go before her, as I could not see myself living without my best mate Coco.

The unfortunate truth is that I continue to struggle, and most likely always will, I do not believe in a sure thing type of fix for depression, after over 20 years of personal experience, and many other ''recommendations.''

In ending I would highly recommend the addition of a companion, in the form of a pet, should a person be lonely or struggling with life... :)

Coincidentally, and after 5 or so years, Coco and I would share the exact same eye condition that she has had since a puppy, with both our left eyes having impaired vision. Hers due to eyelid surgery that was not done 100% correctly, and mine due to a cowardly attack in which I was lucky to survive, staying together blessed! :)

Life only continuing to present itself with a forever available oxygen, as I look to a superior power, thankful and grateful ever more so with every breath taken...