Farewell, Cody
I’ve know Ryan and Cody for years… you might remember them from my blog post on the 39-second portrait session in March. I’ve been fortunate to have spent so much time with them both.. and call them both best friends.
Photographers have a gift, yet responsibly to to document the fragility we call life, especially for loved ones. Less than 48 hours ago I received a call that Cody the labrador wasn’t doing so well in his fight with cancer. Such a wicked disease.
Shortly after arriving in Colorado, we headed to his home to spend quality time enjoying one of our favorite pastimes… eating pizza at Proto’s…. perhaps this would Cody Ottos’s last night, last supper. Turns out, it was.
Pet loss is never an easy thing. To help in the process of morning, I share this poem called the “Rainbow Bridge.”
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….
Cody, may you be diving for rocks into Coot Lake, chasing flashlights, and eating anything in front of you. Forever. Rest in peace, furry friend. You’ve now obtained Deity status.
While all dogs go to heaven, feel free to share your loving support for the loss of Cody with your comment below.
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