Mocha Jessop 12-15-95 to 9-22-09 R.I.P.

Six months ago today, what I fondly refer to as Black Tuesday, was the most difficult day of my life and I'll speak for Jeff as well that he too feels the same. Today was an equally difficult day in that we lost our wonderful dog Mocha. After nearly 14 years together we are deeply saddened by the loss. She was the greatest dog, a fierce protector, a loving pet, a loyal family member-one of our greatest joys. She howled and moaned the day we brought Jaimee home from the hospital, mourning all that had happened and showing us how much she had missed her buddy Jaimee. She faithfully laid under Jaimee's feet each day as she recovered.

When Mocha was a young pup she use to climb the fences like a cat-an odd sight for such a large dog. For a time when we lived in Simi she would prowl the Knolls ever night with her brother Max coming home exhausted in the wee hours of the morning-that party girl! She would sense danger and protect "her babies" (the kids). She was everybody's friend and proved it by every unwanted lick and clinging hair she left behind. She would out-smart the dog catcher, she would anxiously wait at the door for Jeff's arrival each day from work, she would crawl into bed with me and Jeff and sit on our laps like she was a 15 lb. dog instead of a 45 lb dog. She loved all adults and all children that passed her way whether they wanted her to or not. :)

As in all forms of life there is a day when death awaits for no one-today was that day. Mocha had shown us it was coming. She had lost her sight and taste in the last 2 weeks as well as she had distanced herself from the family by only wanting to be outdoors and sleeping most of the days and nights away. We were happy though to see her enjoying the big backyard at our new house for the last 5 weeks.

I don't know how much pain she was in when I found her having a seizure in the backyard today, but Jeff was good to ask the Vet to give her something to ease her comfort while we made the sad drive to the county shelter to have her put down. She never had to be put down though, she quietly and peacefully died at the shelter in Jeff's arms in the parking lot. Even in death she truly was a beautiful, kind old dog that loved life and loved us.

We'll miss you my dear, sweet Mocha