The Unexpected Arrival of Cocolo: A Family's Journey with a Donkey

In a serendipitous turn of events, a family living in Jerusalem found themselves unexpectedly welcoming a donkey named Cocolo into their lives. The story begins when the mother, during a casual conversation with a doorman at the American Colony hotel, expressed her long-held desire for a donkey. Shortly thereafter, a man appeared at their door with Cocolo, leading to a mix of surprise and delight for the family, particularly for the children, who quickly grew fond of the animal.

The pet I’ll never forget: Cocolo, the donkey who arrived unexpectedly at our door

Cocolo, described as brown and adorable with notably soft ears, became an unconventional mode of transport for the children, who attended a Christian international school. Despite the challenges of navigating busy roads, Cocolo was a good-natured companion, though his obstinacy occasionally led to delays. As the family enjoyed their time with Cocolo, they faced growing discontent from their neighbors, ultimately leading to Cocolo's relocation to a farm in the West Bank.

The pet I’ll never forget: Cocolo, the donkey who arrived unexpectedly at our door

The family's relationship with Cocolo took a turn when a startling incident occurred. During a visit, a road worker's pneumatic drill frightened Cocolo, causing him to rear up and throw the children to the ground. This incident marked a significant breakdown in the bond between the family and the donkey. In response, the mother made the difficult decision to sell Cocolo at a livestock market outside Damascus Gate, promising that he would be cared for by a kind milkman who needed a donkey for delivering milk to remote villages.

The pet I’ll never forget: Cocolo, the donkey who arrived unexpectedly at our door

The decision to part with Cocolo has left a lasting emotional impact on the family. The children, particularly, have used this experience as a source of guilt, reflecting on the contrast between Cocolo's noble new purpose and their own embarrassment of being transported to school on a donkey. The narrative encapsulates the complexities of human-animal relationships and the bittersweet nature of fond memories intertwined with regret.

The pet I’ll never forget: Cocolo, the donkey who arrived unexpectedly at our door

Cocolo's story serves as a poignant reminder of the unexpected connections that can form between humans and animals. While the family’s time with Cocolo was filled with joy, it also highlights the challenges and responsibilities that come with caring for a pet. The memories of Cocolo remain vivid, illustrating how a seemingly simple event can leave a lasting imprint on one's life.

The pet I’ll never forget: Cocolo, the donkey who arrived unexpectedly at our door