When Summer and William met, he told her right off the bat that he wasn’t the commitment type of guy. He was not into the concept of
marriage, kids, or let alone having a pet goldfish together. And Summer was okay with it until eventually the two of them had different jobs and hobbies and they were no longer spending time together.
It felt like they were living in two worlds and she feared that one day they would just drift apart. They needed something to tie them together.
So, she tried to test the commitment waters by bringing up the idea of them getting a dog together. He immediately answered no and Summer began to feel a bit discouraged if they would even have a future together. But after some time, William decided on his own that he was ready to commit to being a dog dad and he started looking for Chihuahua puppies.
But instead of a puppy, the couple decided to adopt an eight-year-old Chihuahua named Koko. As soon as they saw her curled up on a blanket at the shelter, their hearts were tugged. She was hairless and toothless and she had a fear of people and adding those to her age, they were probably her last hope to get adopted.
Koko became the bridge that brought them closer. She gave them a sense of shared responsibility and also a common goal in life. They started spending more time together and planning activities to do with Koko. Together, the three of them turned into an inseparable family who did everything together.
When Summer graduated from school, she moved in with William and Koko. And there she saw how much William had changed. From an easygoing man to a man who no longer feared commitment and a man who loved openly and fiercely. And when they got married, Koko was their honorary bridesmaid fitted with a matching dress as she walked down the aisle with them.
But soon enough with old age, Koko was diagnosed with many illnesses that tested the couple physically, emotionally, and financially. They were devastated to see their healthy dog struggling but this challenge only made their love even stronger.
Sadly, Koko passed away shortly after being diagnosed. They just had her for five and a half years but Summer and Williams could confidently say that those really were the best years of their lives. And even though she was gone, she left them a lasting gift of love and strength.
They rescued Koko but as much as she needed them, they needed her. And through her, they became better people and an even better team. She definitely helped save their relationship.
Source: Reader’s Digest
