Good-Bye Cody, My Love

Dear Karen,

Never worry that you are alone!Any of us who have ever lost a beloved pet understand your feelings completely!!! He was a wonderful dog and your found each other, thankfully!!! You will never forget Cody and that is how it should be. When my beloved cat, Diva, passed away at age 14, I was not at all prepared, even though she was old and sick. I saw her out of the corner of my eye for quite some time after. She was just so much a part of my life, as was your Cody. These things take time, and I feel that you are doing very, very well in spite of the pain you must be feeling. We all understand how you feel. Take care.....from Deborah in Montreal

Karen,

Tears still come to my eyes whenever you post about your beloved Cody.

Being strong is hard, trying not to be emotional is even harder. Just know that we are all here for you - whether near or far.

Keep on checking in ....... we miss you :)

I was cleaning out some things today and came upon this poem in a publication from a local shelter .

When I'm gone, release me, let me go
You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears.
You can only guess how much you gave me in happiness..
Grieve for me a while, if grieve you must.
Then let your grief be comforted by trust..
And then when you must come this way alone,
I greet you with a lick and bark, "Welcome home".

That is beautiful ....

Just hoping your having a good day today - still thinking about you and Cody.

Beautiful picture (drawing) of Cody! Great Amy!:p

After posting my feelings to Karen, I avoided this thread...........it made me cry every single time - and it is doing it again, right now!

But, look what I missed!

Amy, that is the dearest thing you have done for Karen. How very thoughtful and so beautiful of Cody!!

Hi Karen,

Oh my gosh!!! Thursday April 3 was the happiest day of my life. I signed on to the computer that overcast morning and what smiled back but the picture of my Emmy! It was a total suprise. I was the happiest "MOM" on cloud nine.

Today, a week and a day later I found Pet talk. For 11 months every day, I have been checking for Em's picture and never knew about this part!

Also today I read your message about Cody and I burst into tears. The poor women at my office came running and didn't know what to think as I stared at my computer screen! I am sooo sorry to read about Cody. It's funny how such a wonderful day can suddenly turn blue. Please know that even though I have never met you, you have touched a place in my heart, both you and Cody. I hope as each day passes the pain will be less and less. Words can not express how much sorrow I feel for you. I am so glad Emmy was the DOTD, as she was smiling for you and letting you know everything is going to be alright.

Hugs to you,

Love Laurie and Emmy

I'm so sorry that I'm going on forever about this.
Some days are Ok, but today, Saturday, is dreadful, even though it's so beautiful outside..the first thing I would do is take Cody outback for some rays while I drank my morning coffee....
I still have his bed and dishes out...maybe today I will wash them and pack them up. His leash is still by the back door...
My friend John came over yesterday for dinner and a movie and whereas I would be all dolled up with makeup, I just flew out of the house looking like I just got out of bed. Then I return and there's no Cody at the door
You all must think I'm insane. I'm not crying as much but the pain in my heart is overwhelming. I can't even get myself to return his unopened cans of food to the vet. And no call yet for his remains. The thought of it taking so long..I had no idea..is making me ill.
Anyway...I've commissioned Amy to do a 9x12 of Cody's picture for me! It's so lovely and perfect, ever detail is exact..all that from a photo! She is absolutely amazing! We will frame it and hang it in a place of honor..maybe the kitchen..his favorite room!!!
Selfish me...let's all say a prayer for Sandra's beloved Squeekers who crossed the Bridge yesterday. he put up a gallant fight, our sweet piggie and Sandra was the most incredible, wonderful mom.....

oh karen i feel your pain my friend, its going to take time, so dont be hard on yourself and let those memories flood in , its what u need, its the hardest part, but u have to go through this grieving process, and i know how much it hurts, it will get better, but for now its going to be rough, let those tears flow,and flow if u can,those fond memories will hurt just now,and all the little things like seeing his leash etc.
I did not see this fantastic picture i hear about that amy did, is there anywhere i can find it, i am so curious its sounds really amazing, isnt that great she did that, and u have got her to do another large one for you.
Well Karen i hope there is a little comfort here for you, i am thinking of you and sharing your grief, u take much care now, and keep us posted as to how u r doing WE CARE ok:)

Thank you so much Karen, for taking the time to remember my special little boy in the midst of your own grief. You are the dearest of friends and today, this rainy, sad Sat., I cry along with you; for Squeeker, for Cody and for all of those who have passed. Love, Sandra

Dear Sandra, tell us all about squeeker, i am new here, i am so sorry to hear you lost your dear squeeker too, my thoughts are with you , take care and hugs to you

Hi and {{{Huggs}}} Karen ~

Don't be in too much of a rush to pack away all of Cody's *things*...
They will make nice Welcome Home gifts for the lil FurBall Dear Cody will be sending your way in the future.

Try this...
When my Dog of a Lifetime, Dear Casey, passed on to the Rainbow Bridge :( many years ago; I too, was devistated. Since she went to work with me EVERY day, the shop seemed so empty without her...
I went to a florist shop - bought a tiny little non-descript "plant", and set it on her favorite rug in the shop. It grew like a weed - 4 feet tall in a few years... The sight of that Live Plant - in Her Space - gave me a lot of comfort and encouraged fond memories.

HI, to both Cody and Casey!
Rest In Peace, Dear Kids...

{{{Huggs}}} Karen!

/s/ Phred

Hi Karen,

Thank you for checking in. We miss you & think of you daily.
Please don't worry that anyone thinks you are "going on"
about the loss of your best friend Cody. It took me weeks,
months to even move a throwrug that Buddy had laid on.His
bowls were washed, but I could not bring myself to put them
away so , instead, I turned them over but left them out on his
special eating spot in the kitchen. The day I picked up Buddy's
ashes, I did feel some sense of relief that somehow the circle
of life was now complete & that my Bud was not "out there
somewhere" but back home safe with me. It was closure of
sorts. I still keep Buddy's collar on the dresser in my room.
Most of us here know exactly where you are right now & morn
with you. Please know that you (&Mom) are in my prayers every
day. Take care of yourself my friend. Hugs from Liz & Moki.

Karen, this is just a thought that has comforted me! I also have a painting of my two Rainbow Bridge cats - Patches and Magic.

When I lost them, I have draped their collars on the frame of the painting - one on each side.

I can't tell you how often I have touched them - knowing they wore them for so many years.

You might want to do this with Cody's collar too.

Karen, when you love a pet so deeply - and they sense that and give you back a thousand fold...........it takes a long time to get over the loss. You just grieve as long as you need!

You keep coming back and telling us about how you are doing, because I bet there isn't a one of us here that doesn't know exactly how painful this time is for you. I cry for you each time I re-visit this thread.

Hugs from Gini and Rascal!

Karen, you are not alone. When our furbabies mean so much to us, it is hard to let them go. It takes time. You will be able to smile again, some day. Some days are worse than others.

I wish you could get through the pain faster, but it takes a while. As someone on the liver-d bb always says...the pain you feel is equal to the love you gave.

Hang in there and keep checking in. We care.

Please never think that you are "going on", because your not.

I'm glad to hear you've gotten Amy to do a picture for you, I'm sure you'll be very happy with it, needless to say, she does wonderful work!

Take Care of yourself.

Anna

I don't know what else to add. I just wanted to let you know that I think of you often. You were the subject of my prayer request at church this week. Please don't ever feel sorry for "going on". We don't feel that way at all. We are all here for you and care about you. It's been four years since I lost my souldog, Kilo, and I still have his collar hung on my wall in my bedroom. It's the last thing I look at before I go to sleep and the first thing I look at when I get up in the morning.

Thanks dear friends.. I'm hanging on...still have Cody's things sprewed around. I was doing better until today since the weather was so beautiful, he would have been outside with me as I planted flowers. So, certain things really hit hard. Amy is doing a Cody portrait for me. I returned Cody's cans of food and unused Rimydal to the vet on Sunday and paid my balance which included cremation which I didn't expect so seeing it in writing just tore me up. I agree with all of you..when I get his remains so he's with me, I'm sure I'll be able to move on better. Yes, I kiss his tags every night. I've been taking Denver, the neighbor's pug on walkies and it makes me feel more normal. Now they say that Denver is always running to my porch!!!

My dear friend, I know you are still so sad, but I am so glad you have found a walking buddy in the little pug! That's good therapy for you and wonderful for him too!

Just wanted you to know that I am thinking about you constantly. If you need a yellow hair fix, I know three sweet girls who would be glad to have some hugs and kisses from you!! :)

Logan

Karen,
I know it is hard, and you can come on here and talk all you want about sweet Cody--that will help you too. And don't be in a hurry to put all of his things away--you don't have too!!!

I just realized you were in PA, but I'm not sure where Glenside is? Anyway, if you're feeling up to it, there are 2 dog shows I am planning on attending this summer--one here in State College, and one outside of Williamsport--maybe we could meet there.

I'm glad you found a walking buddy in the pug--it is so great for both of you!!
Still thinking of you every day--only time can heal the wounds.

Dearest Karen,
I think of you every day and know that the pain is still there.Our "virtual" shoulders are always here when you need a good cry. You may not believe it now, but it will be get better with time.
When my Grand Duchess Irina, my second Golden, went to the other side of the Rainbow, I planted a shrub in her memory that blooms with yellow flowers in the spring. It's a sign of renewal and a reminder of how much she loved to garden with me in the backyard. The urn with her ashes is in a double planter that I fill with impatients every summer.
Now that the good weather has arrived, you may find something you would like do as a memorial to dear Cody.
I'm glad that you found a walking buddy and I'm sure he's happy for all the attention you give him.
Big hug from me and many kisses from Carina.

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone for their comments about the drawing, and to Karen....I'm very honored to be doing a portrait of your beloved Cody.

You all were experienced and right... I picked up the boy's remains tonight. My first thought was the heaviness of the cedar box so I knew it was my BIG GALOOT! First time since he was a wee pup that I was able to carry him....Attached was a beautiful certificate of authenticity, a Rainbow Bridge poem which made me cry...But you know what? I actually felt closure! Of course I had to open and look, but it didn't freak me out at all. Now I know he'll ALWAYS be with me. Cody's place of honor is the book shelf in the family room next to the lounge chair where dad and I always sat. I can put my hand on it. How can I ever ever thank you all? I think this will be my final thread on the subject. I finally feel a sense of peace, not totally, but much better. I needed Cody with me, regardless of how. I love you guys....

Karen dont feel u have to put closure to this thread, only if you want to, anytime you wanna talk about cody, please feel free, i am certain no-one on here will mind, we all understand., hope to hear from you soon.
Have you thought of posting a memorial on the lovely websites for cody, just a thought. take care karen, thinking of you.