I first met, and fell in love with, Coco at the animal shelter in Sierra Vista, AZ on September the 10th, 1991.  The way she leaned against me and practically melted into my leg told me that she knew I was the one she wanted to go home with.  I went home that night, discussed her with my husband Mike, and we decided that I would go back the next day to adopt her.  After work that next day, I got her a bed, some food dishes, and other necessary items to prepare for her arrival.  She was to be a member of our family.

When I arrived at the shelter and saw her again, I knew that she would be with me from that day onward.  I had no idea at the time how lucky we both were.  This beautiful little three-year-old Dachshund/Cocker Spaniel mix was within one week of her limit with the shelter and would soon have been put to sleep.

Even though Mike was a little unsure about having a dog, it did not take him long to warm up to this little charmer.  Almost overnight it seemed as though she had been a part of our family all along.  We were a little concerned, though, because she was so quiet.  We never heard Coco bark and thought there may be something wrong with her vocal chords.  Now we needed to find her a family doctor.  After seeking recommendations from friends, we settled on one who seemed to have the best reputation in town and the highest recommendations.  Even though he was a veterinarian, Coco seemed to like Dr. Bone right off.  We learned our little girl was in good shape and there was nothing wrong with her "barker," she would bark when she got ready.  This was to be