Caco's Character

By Brittany McNair

What happens when one of the worst things you fear becomes your reality? What do you do with that truth? How do you manage all that entails? Caco's Character is a uniquely personal and vulnerable, non-fiction book for any pet lover to experience their worst nightmare, and confront those intensely passionate emotions with recognition, un

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brittany McNair
• Release date: Aug 8, 2022
• ISBN: 9781631030895

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Caco’s Character

They Give So Much, Yet Ask For So Little

BRITTANY MCNAIR

Copyright © 2022 Brittany McNair

Published by CaryPress International Books

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to every individual in whose memory Caco continues to live through. Thank you for never forgetting.

To my baby Caco, mommy had to tell your story. You were simply perfect in every way.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1 – The Development

Chapter 2 – The Storm

Chapter 3 – The Aftermath

Thank you

My Four Letters

Reflections from Gramma

Reflections from Dawn McNair

Reflections from Isaac McNair

Reflections from Aunt Tracy and Uncle Mike

Reflections from Pop’s

Reflections from Julia

Reflections from Warren

Reflections from Ashley, Mahayla, Jaiden, Tatum

Reflections from Gabriel McNair

Reflections from Jordan McNair

Gallery

About the Author

Introduction

What happens when one of the worst things you fear becomes your reality? What do you do with that truth? How do you manage all that entails? Caco’s Character is a uniquely personal and vulnerable, non-fiction book for any pet lover to experience their worst nightmare, and confront those intensely passionate emotions with recognition, understanding, and the complex navigation through grief.

Anyone who has ever faced guilt and grief associated with losing someone extremely close needs a book that integrates deep-seated perspectives from parties involved and provides a common yet rare viewpoint into an extraordinary situation.

Caco’s Character produces an unfortunate reality moment-by-moment, in the rawest and honest form, comprising every affected facet. It utilizes a detailed event timeline, color-picture references, a complete emotional account, and collaborative firsthand recollections from the individuals who know him best.

This book offers a powerful, enduring narrative on a highly sensitive and rather difficult encounter-- Allowing for a necessary and relatable conversation, in hopes of eliminating the feeling of desolation, while embracing the overall resounding message.

CHAPTER 1

The Development

My story begins in 2012, when I first met my little chocolate poochie! He was the runt of his litter, and not as energetic or social as his siblings when it came to unfamiliar people. Therefore, leaving him to be my perfect match! On that special day, my first encounter was witnessing him experience grass for the first time. As he carefully took each small step with his nose to the ground in such wonder, it was a complete joy to watch!

I was anxious to take him home, name him and get to know this adorable, tiny, poodle! He had this soft, white blanket with light blue snowflakes all over it; I wrapped him in it as he sat in my lap on the ride to his new home. I still have the very same blanket to this day.

He was this rich, dark chocolate color with super soft curls. I named him Caco-from cacao seeds, from which chocolate is made.

During the beginning of his puppy years, I lost so much sleep. He would only sleep for a few hours, then get up and get into everything he could. I caught him playing in clothes, chewing on shoes, not peeing on his potty pads and even eating his poop! The first time he ate his poop, I panicked! I thought he harmed himself or could die from it. I immediately called the vet. She calmly stated that it was normal for puppies to do this, and he would be fine. In the end the exhaustion was worth it, I was not only able to learn his habits, but we developed a close relationship in the process.

I quickly became extremely attached to Caco. I had to have him with me everywhere I went, even places he wasn’t supposed to be because his small size was such an advantage. I hated leaving him behind because he would cry and bark non-stop every single time. But the feeling was mutual. He had to be wherever I was at all times. He never took his eyes off me and would jump up to follow behind my heels even around the house. And so, we became inseparable.

After ten years of many irreplaceable experiences, flourished unconditional love and unforgettable memories, Caco not only became a part of my daily routine, but my literal support without me even realizing it. He was there through five different moves, numerous family events, frequent adventures, plenty of unexpected occurrences, many ups and downs, some restless nights, a few bad hair days, several life-changing events, and countless tears. Every time I would cry, he somehow found his way over to me, placed a paw on my chest, and showered me with kisses all over my face. Each time I walked through the door he was right there to greet me; with a wagging little tail and such excitement I couldn’t help but match his emotion! Acts such as these that seem so ordinary became extremely impactful to me afterwards. I guess what they say is true, you never really realize exactly how important someone, or something is until you lose it. You think you realize that importance now, or have some feeling of value towards them, but that amount intensifies when they’re gone, really putting things into perspective. I never truly understood how much joy his presence provided. How his constant awareness of me and my actions, built a companionship. He showed up for me every single day, with the same amount of love and enthusiasm, no matter what. Regardless, if I got upset with him for doing something he wasn’t supposed to, or I looked like a hot mess. He was alone at home all day, or I was having a bad day, he continued to show up no matter what! That consistency and type of love are irreplaceable.

Chapter 2

The Storm

It was the day after my birthday, a regular Wednesday. I woke up and started my daily get ready for work routine. This morning I was up twenty minutes earlier than normal. After I made up the bed, I grabbed my coffee and let Caco out. Off my back deck is an open, spacious, grassy area with trees on each end, designated as a common area for the duplexes on this side. This is where he has always used the bathroom off the leash. Caco never strayed far. He always stayed close and knew how to get to the back porch every time. I never had an issue with him returning, running or roaming too far out. It would usually take him about ten minutes, sometimes shorter but not normally longer than that.

Something was off. Now, remember, he went out a little earlier because of when I got up. When I opened the back door, and he wasn’t there waiting, I blew his squeaker toy whistle (he always comes running to that noise). I waited, looked around to see if I could spot him, then