Yesterday I said goodbye to my long time friend, confidant, and traveling companion Coe, my black lab mutt for the last 15 years.
Back in ’97 my friend Darren went for a run in the country roads of Altamont area and came across a puppy in the woods that wanted to follow him. Darren kicked her & told her to go back wherever she came from, but she didn’t listen she just followed along. She made her way to camp where everyone fell in love with her. I tried not to mess with her because I knew what would happen. Well, it happened anyways. At the end of our weekend I had gone to get some flea & tick wash (bathing her in a wheelbarrow), fed her some food and had her riding shotgun with me back to Tuscaloosa.
I named her Coe (Co-ee) spelled after my friend Mike Coe, who had been murdered the prior year. Mike was a great friend to me & I wanted to remember him. Little did I know I was putting in his place my closest friend for the next half of my life.
On the way home to Tuscaloosa she threw-up (which was a trend she would keep up for a year or two of travels) looked at me with an “I’m sorry” look and continued on. She was Shawn & mine’s first dog (outside of dogs living with my parents). We had a fun time in Tuscaloosa teaching her to catch frisbee’s and sticks. She taught us how to un-stuff anything that was plush. She also showed up how to take the tops off of coke bottles, rather impressive.
Fast forward to today. Coe & I have been all over, camping, hikes, football road trips, epic east coast road trips, summer missions camps, getting lost many times, chasing many squirrels, 5 different homes, a few girlfriends, a courtship & marriage, a new child and many many friends of the 2 & 4 legged kind over the years. She has been with me through a whole lot of life.
In the last few years she began to develop tumors all through her body. We knew this day would come eventually because of our decision to not intervene in hopes of making it better, but chancing that an end could come sooner. She took a downturn over the past weekend. She was unable to get up the steps from outside (something she’d had trouble with for some time) but more than that she wasn’t eating much. She became really weak. We knew time was short & weep constantly this week. I gave her a bath Wednesday evening and placed her on a soft ‘crimson tide’ blanket my mom made for our two dogs a few years back. She passed away the next afternoon on the blanket.
It’s tough to as Brooks has taken to love Coe. He was pulling on the gate to the outside yesterday calling for her over and over again. She was laying passed away in the kitchen while I was in tears standing next to her. Today he was looking out the bedroom window that looks over the backyard calling for her. “She’s not there buddy..”
I’m having her cremated so that I can keep her with us. It’d be weird to keep her with us without doing the cremation process. I’m emotional, but not ready to go the weird guy spot yet. But, I’m going to miss my friend.
Coe, you were the best dog a young man could ever have. Thank you for sharing your life so generously with me.
Created a little Coe Richardson photo set that I’ll be adding some old photos to in the coming weeks & months.
Gavin, I’m so sorry to hear this. My boys (Bauer, a Lab/St. Bernard mix) and Beanie (a Boston terrier) will both be five years old this year. It’s amazing how fast the time goes, and I try not to think about the fact that they won’t be with us forever. I dread that day. I have to admit that I teared up reading about Brooks looking for Coe…I know that is tough for you. Your family is in our prayers. Hope y’all are doing well otherwise.
Gavin, I’m so sorry to hear this. My boys (Bauer, a Lab/St. Bernard mix) and Beanie (a Boston terrier) will both be five years old this year. It’s amazing how fast the time goes, and I try not to think about the fact that they won’t be with us forever. I dread that day. I have to admit that I teared up reading about Brooks looking for Coe…I know that is tough for you. Your family is in our prayers. Hope y’all are doing well otherwise.
Giving thanks for Coe’s life, and praying for you as you grieve losing the companionship of your wonderful dog.
(And, for what it’s worth, I understand about having her cremated. The box of Cub’s ashes is in my nightstand. It is a comfort.)
Giving thanks for Coe’s life, and praying for you as you grieve losing the companionship of your wonderful dog.
(And, for what it’s worth, I understand about having her cremated. The box of Cub’s ashes is in my nightstand. It is a comfort.)
I lost my black lab Jackson (named after Bo) a few years ago after a long time together. I can imagine them running in a field together. I am weeping with you today.
I lost my black lab Jackson (named after Bo) a few years ago after a long time together. I can imagine them running in a field together. I am weeping with you today.
I’m sorry for the loss of your best friend but thank you for sharing her life in pictures with us. I can tell she was a very special and loved dog.
My favorite dog quote, “A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself.” ~Josh Billings
I’m sorry for the loss of your best friend but thank you for sharing her life in pictures with us. I can tell she was a very special and loved dog.
My favorite dog quote, “A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself.” ~Josh Billings
Gavin, a little longer comment in honor of Coe and all “best ” friends. I have had about 8 Brittanies. I should say that they have had me. Most lived long Lives and hVe actually become true partners. They have tolerated my lousy shooting, wandering attention and bad moods. In the end, they each became an extension of my mind and self. The present one, Lou, is no exception. They have known where I needed to go
next. Frequently, it was not where I intended to go but where I need to hunt. Lou watches how I am dressing and knows whether
It is good thing or just another church meeting. I have learned to loD
load my shotgun in the truck after dark; so she won’t stay alert on top of the truck until we actually leave. God really got it right in the creation of dogs. I’ve never quite figured out the reason for the creation of cats. To Coe , thanks for the memories.
Gavin, a little longer comment in honor of Coe and all “best ” friends. I have had about 8 Brittanies. I should say that they have had me. Most lived long Lives and hVe actually become true partners. They have tolerated my lousy shooting, wandering attention and bad moods. In the end, they each became an extension of my mind and self. The present one, Lou, is no exception. They have known where I needed to go
next. Frequently, it was not where I intended to go but where I need to hunt. Lou watches how I am dressing and knows whether
It is good thing or just another church meeting. I have learned to loD
load my shotgun in the truck after dark; so she won’t stay alert on top of the truck until we actually leave. God really got it right in the creation of dogs. I’ve never quite figured out the reason for the creation of cats. To Coe , thanks for the memories.
Geez man, so sorry to hear that! dogs are definitely just as much part of our families as people are…or they are to me, at least.
Geez man, so sorry to hear that! dogs are definitely just as much part of our families as people are…or they are to me, at least.
So sorry for your loss. I’ve been telling Josh bedtime stories about my first little buddy, Quincy. Good dogs are worth more than gold. Take comfort, friend.
So sorry for your loss. I’ve been telling Josh bedtime stories about my first little buddy, Quincy. Good dogs are worth more than gold. Take comfort, friend.
Praying for you, Gavin. I’m sorry for your loss.
Praying for you, Gavin. I’m sorry for your loss.
Gavin,
When I was single, I too got a black lab. She is 13 years old and I dread the day you just endured. With tears in my eyes, I say a prayer for you. Take care–
Gavin,
When I was single, I too got a black lab. She is 13 years old and I dread the day you just endured. With tears in my eyes, I say a prayer for you. Take care–