My dog Cody -- RIP

[driver8]

First of all, I would like to thank everyone who responded to my original post regarding my Border Collie, Cody, and his arthritis. I really appreciate the help and advice.

Unfortunately, Cody's condition turned out to be a bit more serious than arthritis. He was doing OK the beginning of last week; he was eating and getting around ok. He was a little stiff. As the week progressed, he quit eating. He wouldn't eat his food or his treats -- which he never refused before. By Saturday, he only got up to go outside and that was a struggle for him. Saturday night, he could not get up at all -- I had to lift him with a towel supporting his weight.
My wife and I had decided that Monday we would let Cody go.

Sunday morning came, I helped Cody up to go out and he fell. He made it outside, did his business and layed down. We were all outside and he wanted to be with us. When he tried to get up, he collapsed. We decided that we could not wait any longer. We found an emergency vet, and had ol' Cody put to sleep. I held his head as he drifted off -- he gave my wife and I "kisses" before he left us...letting us know he was ok.

I miss him so much I cannot believe it. I have had dogs before, but never had to have one put to sleep. It is funny -- I decided to sleep next to Cody Saturday night so I put the cushions from the couch next to his bed. I was petting him, and every time I took my hand away, he would either nudge me with his nose or his paw. Once in awhile he put his head next to me on the cushion. My wife said that he was letting me know that he was ready to go, and that he needed us to help him do that. I would like to think that is true...

My wife and I had Cody before we were married and before we had kids. He was a prince and spoiled rotten...and there will never be another dog like him.

[katamaran]

1. So sorry

Sorry to read about Cody's passing. It's not easy knowing your pet is going to leave you soon, but at least you got a chance to say goodbye. Cody knew he was with the people he loved.

We had a simliar situation with my sheltie/dachshund mix two years ago. She knew it was her time and just wanted to be with us. We were with her at the end, and she knew she was loved.

[prozacnation]

2. I'm very sorry for your loss.

I'm glad that you had each other for many wonderful years. Thank you for being such a loving person.

[Robeson]

3. I'm sorry....

...it sounds like you had a wonderful relationship with Cody. Very, very sorry.

[CC]

4. I am so sorry for your

loss. May you soon count the blessings Cody 's presence brought to your life with a smile through the tears. My vet told me that animals work very hard to give you all the love they can when they are sick so that you have it to remember when they are gone and they know that they left you feeling loved. (I am sitting here babying a ferret with cancer that may go any day, so I do understand the pain, yet understand the sweetness of the unconditional love our animals give us.)

[roguevalley]

5. dogs do that, they help you get ready to miss them. I am in tears

over this, honey. You did the right thing. But when it comes, you know in a blinding flash you didn't take enough pictures, you didn't tell them how much they mean in your life, all that stuff. My baby in the sig died March 28th when he had to be put down. I feel your pain. I hug you long distance. Your baby is with mine. Tippy will take care of him. Be at peace.

[radfringe]

6. Sorry

It's a hard decision to make, but know that you made the right one.

[driver8]

7. Thank you everyone, for the kind words...

It really means a lot to me.

I asked my wife if it would be disrespectful to Cody to get another dog right away and she said, "What better way to honor his memory than by giving another dog a home?" (Cody was a rescue dog.)

So, we are going to visit our local shelter tomorrow!

Thanks again...your kindness and sympathy is appreciated.

[ernstbass]

8. Cody was very lucky

to be loved so much and live with such great humans. so sorry for your loss.

[livetohike]

9. I'm so sorry driver8

:hug: to you and your family. I hope memories of all the good times you had with Cody will shine through and ease the sadness.

[Suziq]

10. I Am So Sorry

:hug:

Always remember, once the pain of losing a beloved pet subsides, it is replaced by fond memories which will make you smile.

My vet said these kinds words after I lost my dachshund Misty, best dog ever!

[SiouxJ]

11. I'm so sorry

you did the right thing though. Your story reminds me of when I had to let my Rocky go. It was the same sort of thing. I was tearing up just reading your post. RIP Cody.

[superconnected]

12. Very sorry to hear of your loss.

[blindpig]

13. I'm sorry

I'm sorry you lost your friend. It seems in some ways worse than losing a person, as bad as that might seem to some, our furry friends are so pure, so innocent. I lost my Henry 5 weeks ago today, I understand.

You're doing the right thing getting another pup, I intend to do the same as soon as we get the contractors gone, Jack needs a playmate!

[ProfessorGAC]

14. My Sympathies

That's a shame. We've lost pets too! It's a drag. You take care of your family and yourself. It's tough, but you'll get through it.
The Professor

[ET Awful]

15. I'm sorry to hear it Driver :(

You and Cody were luck to have found each other. :hug:

[newsguyatl]

16. oh, i'm so sorry for your loss

sounded like an amazing pup, with some amazing parents.

he's no longer in pain or discomfort.

sounds like he had a long, wonderful loss.

again, my condolences to you and your wife.

[Eurobabe]

17. Sniff, sniff, that was so sad...

I am sorry you lost your fur baby. He had a great life with you, I can imagine it must hurt alot right now. Hope in time you remember the good times with Cody. Hugs -48

[luzdeluna]

18. I know it hurts so much now

but I can promise you that there will come a time when you will be able to think of Cody and feel all of the warmth and love that you had for each other and be at peace.

That's the forever gift our pets give to us and we give to them.

ldl

[driver8]

19. Thanks again, everyone. Your kind words mean a lot to me...

It is nice to know that there are so many who care..."dog people" are amazing!

[Eurobabe]

21. well technically i am owned by cats, but

i feel for ANYONE who loses a pet, four legged, with fur, with feathers, scales, whatever. Pets are an integral part of our lives, and it hurts when we lose them...

I think it's a great idea for you to honor Cody by rescuing another pup in need. -48

[SW FL Dem]

20. My heart goes out to you.

Losing a beloved member of the family is always hard, especially when they have played such a large part in your life. You obviously loved him and gave him the ultimate gift, release from his pain. I hope that your wonderful memories of Cody will eventually replace the sorrow and emptiness you are now feeling.

[ehrnst]

22. He was blessed and so are you.

I truly believe our fur companions choose us as much as we choose them.

You all chose well!

[Beaverhausen]

23. I'm so sorry

He was a part of your family - of course you miss him. But it sounds like it was time and you make a loving decision to send him to the other side. I'm sure he is happily playing with all of the others who have gone before him.

:hug:

[BrklynLiberal]

24. I am so sorry that you have lost your sweet boy Cody. I have gone

thru this and know how painful it is. It was wonderful that you were with him like that the last night, sharing those quiet close moments. It sounds like you guys had a special relationship, and he knew he was very loved.
He will always be with you, buried where all good dogs are buried, deep in your heart. :hug:

[roguevalley]

25. someone put this on for me when Tippy died and here it is for you

I Remember

I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep.
I could see that you were crying. You found it hard to sleep.

I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear,
"It's me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here."

I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea,
You were thinking of the many times your hands reached down to me.

I was with you at the shops today. Your arms were getting sore.
I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.

I was with you at my grave today, You tend it with such care.
I want to re-assure you, that I'm not lying there.

I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.
I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said "It's me."

You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.

It's possible for me to be so near you everyday.
To say to you with certainty, "I never went away."

You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew...
in the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.

The day is over... I smile and watch you yawning
and say "Good-night, God bless, I'll see you in the morning."

And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,
I'll rush across to greet you and we'll stand, side by side.

I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.
Be patient, live your journey out... then come home to be with me.

Author unknown

I like this one too:

I ONLY WANTED YOU

They say memories are golden
well maybe that is true
I never wanted memories,
I only wanted you.

A million times I needed you,
a million times I cried.
If love alone could have saved you
you never would have died.

In life I loved you dearly,
In death I love you still.
In my heart you hold a place
no one could ever fill.

If tears could build a stairway
and heartache make a lane,
I'd walk the path to heaven
and bring you back again.

Our family chain is broken,
and nothing seems the same.
But as God calls us one by one,
the chain will link again.

--- Anonymous ---

and this:

If it should be....

If it should be that I grow frail and weak,
and pain should keep me from my sleep,
then you must do what must be done,
for we know this last battle can't be won.

You will be sad, I understand,
but don't let grief then stay your hand,
for this day, more than the rest,
your love and friendship must stand the test.

We've had so many happy years,
what is to come can hold no fears.
Would you want me to suffer? So,
when the time comes, please let me go.

Take me where my needs they'll tend,
only stay with me until the end,
and hold me firm and speak to me,
until my eyes no longer see.

It is a kindness that you do to me,
although my tail it's last has waved,
from pain and suffering I have been saved.

Do not grieve, it should be you,
who must decide this thing to do.
We've been so close, we two these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

Author unknown

[driver8]

26. Ok -- now I really have tears in my eyes!!

Thank you so much for sharing those with me...they are beautiful.

[roguevalley]

27. It will get easier. I have my baby Tippy in my sig line with his brother

in the middle. Andrew was crushed and looked for him a long time. I have Tippy as my desktop picture and I write to him at the end of each day in a page I keep on my desktop. It has changed a little looking back, from an awful terrible pain to something much easier to bear. I like talking to Tippy. I miss him so much. Your baby will be a lighter memory for you some day. I promise.