Life is full of defining moments, some filled with happiness and others filled with heartbreak. Through each one, CoServ is there in the background – providing essential service while Members focus on what matters most.
Husband and wife Ricardo Pena and Denys Lopez discovered this as they said goodbye to their beloved Pomeranian mix, Nikki. Denys was still a teenager when she adopted Nikki.
“She was a part of me. She was my daughter,” Denys said. “When I met my husband, he knew it was a package deal.”
Nikki kept them active, always tagging along for hikes and other adventures. She had a feisty, larger-than-life personality, refusing to back down from bigger dogs.
As Nikki became a senior, the couple started noticing problems. Veterinarians found a growth near her heart that was pushing against her stomach, affecting her appetite. Then her kidneys started failing. Surgery was off the table because of her age, so they prioritized keeping her comfortable.
Courtesy Ricardo Pena & Denys Lopez
Courtesy Ricardo Pena & Denys Lopez
“It was tough because you’re seeing this little creature you love so much and they’re saying there’s nothing you can do but make her comfortable,” Denys said.
From installing cameras so they could keep an eye on her when they were gone to leaving the TV on for comfort, they did everything possible to ease Nikki’s final months. After 16 years together, they eventually had to say goodbye. The loss was heartbreaking, and the grief that followed weighed heavily – emotionally and financially.
Ricardo got a second job to help with the bills. They also tried to cut expenses where they could. But it wasn’t quite enough to ease their burden.
Ricardo happened to see a message on the CoServ app about payment arrangements. He applied through the app and was approved, lifting the weight off their shoulders for a few months.
“I can’t believe how easy it was,” Ricardo said. “Being able to go home and not having to worry about electricity allowed us to grieve and do what we needed to.”
Courtesy Ricardo Pena & Denys Lopez
Courtesy Ricardo Pena & Denys Lopez
Today, the wounds are still healing, but Denys said she jumped at the chance to tell her story as part of the Your Moments, Our Mission campaign.
“For CoServ to understand what we were going through and how hard it affected us, it was great. We were very grateful for being understood and being accommodated,” Denys said.
Stephen Meers, CoServ’s Vice President of Customer Operations, said stories like this drive our Customer Care Specialists to provide exceptional service to Members.
“While this is a sad outcome, we are glad to provide light during a difficult time,” Stephen said. “Our Customer Care Specialists live in the same communities that you do, and they understand the bond between people and pets.”
