The Last Goodbye

Cody, our lovable and loyal cocker spaniel, died yesterday. He was twelve.

We adopted Cody two and half years ago through Litters N' Critters, a non-profit animal rescue organization. He slipped into our family like he'd always been here. And although we were the ones who chose him, it was clear from the beginning that he owned us. And wherever we went, whether it was to the cottage or a walk in the park or the annual Father's Day Run, he came too and it made those events more endearing.

As a senior dog, Cody wasn't jumping over fences, but he could suddenly be full of energy whenever a neighborhood cat dared to come into the yard. He enjoyed good health until a few months ago. His last visit to the vet determined his liver was failing and he was anemic. With the help of Dr. Croft, we decided to treat him with palliative care to keep him comfortable as long as we could. 

Cody loved to nap, loved to eat, and was known for his lack of speed, so the ability to see whether or not he was unwell was a little hazy most days. Yesterday though, it became clear that the time to say goodbye had come.

Other than adopting him, it was the most important decision we could make on his behalf.

Dr. Croft and the rest of the staff at Halifax Veterinary Hospital were gentle and kind. The entire process was very peaceful. We said goodbye to Cody as a family, staying with him to the end.

I'm crying as I write this and feeling a little strange as well because there are so many human tragedies in the world that deserve tears and grief. However, anyone who's ever loved a dog can tell you it's a special kind of loss. And Cody was a very special kind of dog. 

I want to tell you a little bit about him... 

His favourite pastime was napping.

Anywhere,

Anytime,

And on anyone.

He loved to eat. His favourites were apples, carrots, peppers, and as a treat, bacon! He would stand in front of the fridge, just staring, hoping it would open on its own.

He was exceptionally good at helping me proofread.

He had a great sense of humour.

He loved eating all the fruits and vegetables in the garden.

He loved playing in newly fallen snow.

Easter was his favourite time of year.

He loved the beach.

He loved visiting my parents at their home in Chester. 

Adam loved him.

Ruth loved him.

And Ken and I loved him. A whole bunch.

But no matter how much love we gave Cody, it always felt like he loved us back more.
Even though we only had him in our lives for a few years we have so many wonderful memories of Cody that we'll remember forever. We miss him and are sad that he's gone, but we are also happy that he is at peace now.