Cocoa the Tour Dog, the beloved four-legged mascot of reggae band Stick Figure who traveled with the group for over a decade, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 14.
The band shared the heartbreaking news on social media, with frontman Scott Woodruff writing: “Last evening we said goodbye to Cocoa. She passed peacefully after one final sunset walk on the beach at almost 15 years old. I’m beyond saddened, but I find deep comfort in knowing @cocoathetourdog lived the best life any dog could ask for. She lived a life of adventure, traveled the world, and brought smiles wherever she went.”
The announcement prompted an outpouring of love from fans and fellow musicians across the reggae community, including Sublime (who famously toured with a Dalmatian named Lou Dog), Pepper, Tribal Seeds, Mike Love, The Elovaters, The Movement, and many more.
Originally a rescue dog, Cocoa was an Australian Shepherd/Golden Retriever mix who became a fixture at Stick Figure shows, often sitting calmly on stage during performances or playing near the band. Unfazed by the crowds and noise, her serene presence captivated fans. Her Instagram account amassed 311,000 followers—more than half the band’s own 579,000.
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Cocoa’s remarkable journey inspired a best-selling children’s book, Cocoa the Tour Dog, co-written by Woodruff and author Adam Mansbach. Her legacy extends beyond the stage through The Cocoa Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping at-risk shelter dogs find homes through grants and support for animal rescue charities around the world.
“Witnessing her passing was incredibly peaceful. She did not suffer,” Woodruff shared. “She passed naturally in my arms, graceful to the very end, just as I would have expected from Cocoa. Dogs are truly the greatest gift in the world. Thank you for holding her in your hearts and for all the love you’ve shared with Cocoa over the years. She was the best.”
Rest easy, Cocoa. You were a good girl.
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