Farewell to Coccolina, Our Beloved Squirrel

Last night, we lost another special soul, my beloved Coccolina. She was not just another squirrel; she was a part of our forest family, one of our darlings, the penultimate daughter of Koki and Maya Ginger, born in the spring of 2021. With her gentle nature, beautiful reddish-brown fur, and the way she fearlessly climbed on us, she captured our hearts from the very first day.

She played mischievously with her two brothers, Kokolinos, named so because they were the spitting image of their father Koki, both in appearance and behavior. Although her brothers soon disappeared, Coccolina stayed with us, sharing our daily lives for a full three years. Her curiosity and antics, like the times she would sneak into our bags or backpacks searching for treats, brightened and enriched our days.

From birth, Coccolina had a chronic inflammation in her right eye, which required treatment. It wasn't easy, especially since her natural instinct to dig and hide food didn't aid her recovery. Dirt and dust constantly got into her eyes, worsening the situation. These inflammations would last about 7 to 10 days but recurred every few months.

Her life partner, the squirrel Sivko Flekica, was her constant companion. They were inseparable, sharing every moment of the day, whether playing or resting together in their nest. Now Sivko is left alone in an empty nest, without his beloved Coccolina.

In the last month, Coccolina's eye problem significantly worsened and didn't heal as before. Additionally, she developed other health issues. We and the vets did everything we could to help her, but to our great sorrow, Coccolina passed away last night at the veterinary hospital. This news left us with an immense feeling of loss and emptiness in our hearts.

I felt so helpless watching her suffer and fade away. In those moments, I was ready to do anything, even take her to the ends of the earth, if someone could help her. Unfortunately, it's challenging to help wild animals; they are not pets that can easily be taken to the vet when needed, nor can their environment be easily controlled.

These dear creatures, with whom we share parts of our lives, give us a love that is innocent, boundless, and indescribable. The love we felt for Coccolina and the love she gave us was special and unique. Through every touch, every look, every play, every bit of mischief, we were connected by unbreakable bonds.

Now that she is gone, we remember all those moments with love and gratitude. It is hard to accept that she is no longer with us, that she will no longer hop around us, climb on us, or search for hidden treats. But we know that Coccolina will forever remain in our hearts, a part of our forest family, our lives, our memories. Saying goodbye to her is not easy and is very painful, but we are grateful for every moment we spent together.

The love for our animal friends is deep and lasting. Although we may part physically, the bonds we create, the joy and love we share, remain with us forever. In memory of Coccolina and all the dear squirrels who have left us over the past months and years, we continue with open hearts, ready to love again, despite the pain of loss. Because every life, no matter how short, leaves an indelible mark on our souls, teaching us about the strength of love, the importance of care and compassion, and the value of every moment spent together.

Through tears and laughter, through memories that bring smiles as well as tears, we realize how rich we truly are. Coccolina, like all our beloved animal friends, reminded us once again that life is fragile, fleeting, but also beautiful precisely because of those deep, authentic bonds we build. Their presence in our lives is a gift that continually enriches our existence, teaching us not only how to love but also how to let go, with love and gratitude.

In memory of Coccolina and all those we have loved and lost, we continue our journey through life with a love that transcends farewells, through many tears but with faith in the beauty of new beginnings.

Rest in peace, our dear little one. In the heart of the forest, under the cloak of night and sparkling stars, your spirit now dances freely, free from all pain, in a place where light and love merge, where your eyes see all the beauty of the world. We know that you are now burying hazelnuts and walnuts together with Koki, Blackie, and all your squirrel brothers and sisters, in a paradise where there is no end to play and joy.