Elmo Kossakowski

ELMO WAS THE FIRST TO LEAVE US (2000 – 11/10/2013)

The picture on Chesil Beach, taken 3 weeks before he died, is very poignant as he loved the beach so much and it was very special to have the lasting memory of that lovely weekend which the boys really enjoyed together.

Elmo adored his country life with his partner in crime but, in latter times, was the less adventurous of the two and preferred to have a nice snooze whilst his brother went fishing for carp or doing a bit of unwelcome gardening. 

He and his brother Jake were huge favourites with all the villagers and were really loved by everyone who knew them. They were great characters so it is going to seem very strange no longer seeing them always together in their front garden watching the world go by and saying a friendly “hello” to the passers by.

Elmo was much loved by all the family especially the grandchildren who enjoyed parading and winning prizes in Child Handling, Golden Oldie and Best Brace classes with him and his brother at the Reunions although it was mum Bridgette who took Elmo and Jake into the ring for their greatest success of Best IRR Brace 2011.

Bridgette says “Looking at Elmo, with that smile of his, no wonder he always got a rosette at the Reunions for Irish eyes.   We miss him so much and cherish the time we spent together.

Till we meet again …  I’ll love you forever! lots of love from the family xxxx”

THEIR STORY

Their first family were heartbroken to have to part with these two stunning boys due to a change in circumstances.

Jake & Elmo were destined for a home on a farm with a gentleman but he was unable to keep them through ill health. Fortunately, his neighbours had already met and fallen in love with them so they were soon living happily in the countryside with Bridgette & Rick and a very large selection of animals. 

Everybody seems to know and love them and they are huge favourites of the local baker who does a van delivery. He had to be persuaded that it wasn’t a great idea to be giving the boys (who were supposed to be on a strict diet but were still gaining weight) his leftover loaves of bread and even doughnuts !!!!!!!!!!  

UPDATE SEPTEMBER 2009 

Bridgette told us “Unfortunately we couldn’t make the Reunion as we had to work but we thought of what we were missing and, hopefully, next year we will be there. 

The boys are fine but, like us, are slowing down although Jake still manages to get a bit of fishing in…….. he caught four of Rick’s Carp and lined them up neatly on the bank……. you would not believe it unless you saw it.

His latest joy is picking my squashes out of the garden and putting them by the bag which he has only seen me do it once.  Elmo is still having fun just sleeping, bless him.   

TRAGIC NEWS 11th October 2013

On 11th October 2013 Elmo, aged 13.5yrs, sadly passed away leaving Jake, aged 12.5yrs, sad and alone. 

This was particularly hard to bear as Jake had his own battle to face, with a mouth tumour which needed an operation. Bridgette and Rick are absolutely heartbroken at the loss of their beloved Elmo and are desperately worried about his brother Jake.

Elmo was much loved by all the family and especially the grandchildren who used to enjoy taking him and Jake into the Parades and competitions at the Reunions. All the villagers are going to be saddened by Elmo’s loss too as the boys have always been very popular with everyone who knew them.

Bridgette says “Jake got on quite well with his operation but it did knock the stuffing out of him being so soon after losing Elmo.