May Challenge-Childhood

I've written a lot about my childhood and how utterly dismal it was. The only bright spot was my first dog, a beagle I named Cocoa. He was a gift from my father who had unknowingly given me something that would remain forever in my heart: the unconditional love of a dog. The term "dog" almost seems beneath these loyal, devoted beings. I'd rather think of it as God spelled backwards.

Cocoa was more than a dog to me. He loved me and SHOWED it every single time I went outside. My mother was a clean freak and didn't allow animals in the house, so Cocoa was an outside dog. Being an energetic child, I wanted to be outside all the time anyway, so it was a great partnership. Cocoa was always very protective of me, barking, growling, and snapping at anyone who came near, even my parents. My mother used to wear a belt around her neck before going outside to smack him if he tried to bite her. You can even see in the photo that he is trying to snap at her while she takes the picture. Unfortunately, he bit our neighbor on the leg one day as he was giving me a ride on his new motor scooter. My parents had separated by that time, but my dad came over to take Cocoa away shortly after. I have never forgotten that day, sitting at the edge of my bed, weeping hysterically after watching the look of confusion on Cocoa's face as they drove away.

From that day on, I vowed to always have a dog in my life. And I have.

This was submitted for Jillsy Girl's Childhood Challenge. Go check it out if you have time!