Cody Gibson
OUR GORGEOUS BOY HAS CROSSED THE BRIDGE (21.5.2018)
On 21st May, an absolutely devastated Alan told us “ Celia and I have just said goodbye to our gorgeous boy, Cody, and helped him cross the Bridge. At least, on the other side, he will be joining up with the other Gibson Goldens who live there. They are Jake, Shona, Connor, Megan and Molly. For sure, Molly will take him under her wing as they knew each other before she crossed.
He was a special boy who loved his food and walks but any kind of obedience was alien to him. He loved blocking doorways, two if he could.
Everyone who met him adored him and he adored them. He loved to tag onto anyone passing by on the beach just on the off chance that he may get a treat ….. he was especially partial to Louise Wright’s meatballs.
RIP our beautiful boy. Bye for now xxx”
ONE IS MISSING
The next day, Alan said “I came downstairs this morning with my stomach in a knot knowing our boy wouldn’t be there to greet me with his brothers. No little dance to greet me, no nose pushed past the other two to get that first all important stroke of the day and no Golden tail swaying as if it was in a summer breeze.
I don’t know why but this loss has really affected me, he was our boy, and I miss him. I know we have all been there but it doesn’t get any easier. In fact, it must be one of the few things in life that gets harder the more you do it.
We had noticed some little changes in him lately and the vet thought it may have been down to the onset of dementia. Over the weekend, he had a number of fits and, when we took him to see the vet, she quickly came to the conclusion with his symptoms that he had a brain tumour and suggested the kindest thing was for him to be put to sleep.
There was no way we could have it done in a cramped, impersonal surgery so we asked for a home visit the following day and she sent us home with some medication just in case the fits came back which they didn’t.
As is always the way, as the vet pulled up on the drive he did have a fit so, at least, we knew we were doing the right thing. He went peacefully with us by his side, talking to him and stroking him as he slipped away.
He came into our lives as a foster dog. When we picked him up from transport, there he was looking totally bewildered, looking as if he had enough of life but, within a few hours of getting home, he had totally transformed wanting plenty of love and affection which he was getting by the bucketful.
Over the next couple of days, he really got into you. There was nothing remarkable about him but there was a presence, an aura, a gentleness and the most fantastic temperament ever.
One of our daughters came to see him and pleaded with us to keep him. I said I would have to contact Lorraine and, thankfully, she said we could adopt him. So, in the space of a few days he went from foster to forever home.
His age when he came to us was slightly out and our vets agreed he was at least 2 years older, not that this made any difference to us. It would have made him around the 14 mark when he left us which is a good age for a Golden who has had a good life so, in his circumstances, it was quite remarkable to have lived to such a good age.
This boy, even though he had had such a bad life, never ceased to amaze us. He was such a loving boy with a fantastic temperament even after all he had been through. It was such a pleasure being part of this fabulous boy’s life even for such a short time. We have so many favourite photos, it is hard to choose.
Over the last two years he has been my shadow. I couldn’t do anything without him being by my side or stood behind me. I’d like to think he has had a good life with us. He has had plenty of holidays which he has enjoyed and he has walked on the beach with lots of other IRR dogs including young Kim. He never really took part with the young ones but he was always there when the treats were being handed out.
I could go on forever but this boy deserves the best obituary possible to honour what he has brought into our lives. Our love for him was immense and so was the rest of the family’s. He has left a big paw print on our hearts.
It was a bittersweet day yesterday, I was sitting out in the garden with him when the fantastic news about Kim being found after her escapade came through. She was looking forward to starting her new life and his would be ending in a few hours. I took one last photo of him.
Thank you Kathryn for finding him and thank you to IRR for allowing us to be in his life for his remaining years. Thanks too to everyone who has sent lovely messages and given support to Celia and I at this awful time”.
KATHRYN REMEMBERS CODY
“I would really appreciate if you could send me his pic. Michelle (our Offaly Dog Warden, who is an earth angel) brokered the deal for me to get him and I spoke to the previous owner – a good man – but working all the hours that God invented. I remember collecting him and telling him of the wonderful home he would get. He was originally called Goldie but I really thought it didn’t suit and so, Cody and his new life started.
He was a gentle giant from the start with that wonderful gold blob on his nose. From the time I got him everyone showered him with love and kisses and a good bath!. He will be missed this side of the water too, but that is what it is all about – second chances. The more you rescue, the more it hurts, and the more joy you feel when dogs get that second chance.
He was and still is special. Just because you can’t see him doesn’t mean he isn’t there. Hugs at this hardest of times. Remember, another waits in the wings. As difficult as it is to say you can’t do it, look back at all the wonderful memories of Cody and say, well, we will try.
I had a funny feeling that Cody would go to really special people and I was right. Cody is in charge of all the dogs who are waiting in the wings and, as he is a true trooper, he will always show you he is still with you and part of your family. The day he was brought over to you was the day he finally went ‘home’.
Lots of hugs to you”.
On Wednesday, 30th May, Al told us “Cody’s back home. We’ve just picked up our boy’s ashes. It’s wonderful to have him back home with us where he belongs”.
HISTORY OF A DEAR OLD CHAP
Cody came to IRR in 2016 as a wonderful, 10 year old, entire, male Golden Retriever although, subsequently, he was found to be 12yrs.
This beautiful boy, with a wonderful gold blob on his nose, had his golden coloured coat thoroughly groomed and he received his inoculations to travel to the UK.
He was loved in his original home but, due to work commitments, he was admitted to Offaly Pound. Michelle contacted IRR and he was collected shortly afterwards. He underwent extensive surgery as his teeth were in a very bad way, having to have several extracted.
ASSESSMENT
He has a fantastic, affectionate personality.
SOCIAL LEARNING
He is house-trained.
He travels well in the car.
He loves walking and flopping down beside your feet after a walk.
He isn’t food or toy possessive.
CODY’S DREAM HOME
Cody has been used to being on his own but would definitely benefit from some canine company, a ‘young lady at heart’ would be the icing on the cake for him. His new owners will have to be committed to his dental hygiene which has already been started by the fosterers and will need to continue.
THE PERFECT RETIREMENT HOME (May 2016)
Cody has gone to live in his Forever Home.