Tuesday, June 8, 2021

The Day That Would Signify The Beginning Of The End #WorldPetMemorialDay #NationalBestFriendsDay

 Hi friends, yep, it's me, after over a month of not having blogged, I thought it was appropriate that I return on World Pet Memorial Day, (a day that falls on the second Tuesday in June and is a day to honor all pets who are no longer with us),  and National Best Friends Day which fall on June 8 this year. June 8th is significant to me because that day marked the beginning of the end. 

This beautiful candle was gifted to me by Ingrid King of The Conscious Cat
It was made by Bernadette E. Kazmarski of The Creative Cat

It was on June 8th, 2020 that  our beloved Dakota was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma, the most common form of heart tumor found in dogs, though they say it is "rare overall", another dear dog in our family who lived in Denver, passed of the same disease shortly before Dakota did.  Dakota left us one month and one day after he was diagnosed.

June 9th, 2020 was the day that we found out that Cody would have to have a biopsy of his intestines, (to try and find out why he was losing so much weight), his surgery was June 25th, 2020, he left us on June 30th 2020 after a freak hemorraging incident. (After he passed we found out he had IBD and NOT lymphoma which made his passing even tougher to cope with.) Today I am remembering my precious boys.


Blogging has been hard for me since the boys left. This blog was created for Cody back in 2009 as a tribute to cats everywhere. Cody was the heart of this blog. He was two years old when the blog began and it was easy for me to have him "speak" because I was so tuned in to his personality.



Dakota's blog began in 2011, I ended it when he passed. There was no need to keep it going.

My boys were probably not that unique or special to many, but they were unique and special to Lenny and I. They shared a bond for 13 years, I am still certain that even though we knew Dakota's time with us was limited, his passing was expedited when Cody left. He passed a mere nine days after Cody left us.

Another cherished gift
from Monika from Tails Around The Ranch



Prior to Cody's passing, Dakota  wandered aimlessly through our condo. He would gaze sadly down the hall, looking for his friend who used to taunt him from the other side of the baby gate, but there was no Cody. He would wander through the living room, he would sniff, look up at Cody's cherished cat tree, and in all of the places that Cody loved to hide, but there was no Cody.  Dakota grew increasingly listless and eventually refused to eat. Dakota was one of the most sensitive dogs I have ever known.



 He was tuned in to me and my moods the way my Angel Bobo was (who we also remember today, he was my first "heart" cat), Cody was DEFINITELY my "heart" cat as well.

Dakota had never experienced life without Cody since he moved in with us. When Dakota joined our family, Cody was already here, he had been with us 3 months before Dakota joined our family.  They seemed to bond almost instantly. Cody let him know right away who was the boss and from that first day, Dakota deferred to Cody. Cody RULED Dakota as well as Lenny and I!!




Cody was the one who knew the precise time that EVERY meal (and snack) should take place! He would wake all of us up early in the morning and he was all over dinnertime!



 When anyone would visit our home it was Cody who would be the first to greet them while Dakota would stand behind Cody as if he wanted HIM to protect him.

I never realized how placid Cody was until Roary came to live with us. Cody took much in stride. From the day I adopted him he was a "cuddle bug", he would sit next to me on the armrest of the couch, every single night without fail. 


Blogging about both Cody and Dakota was easy. While they didn't do extraordinary things, they were extraordinary to both Lenny and I. 

The Vet appreciated Dakota (and probably appreciates him even more now that rowdy Levi is on the scene), because he was beyond stoic. He didn't love being at the Vet, but he didn't show it. He would patiently wait his turn to be seen and allowed them to do whatever they needed to. Cody was the same.


If anyone would have told me I would have lost both of my boys in such close proximity, I never would have believed it. There isn't a day that goes by that they aren't mentioned by Lenny or myself, there isn't a day they aren't thought of, there isn't a day that they aren't missed.


It's all still raw. While we adore Roary and Levi, it is MUCH harder for me to blog about them. Roary is almost a year old and Levi is almost 9 months old, but their personalities haven't yet "spoken" to me. Yes, I am completely bonded with them, but blogging about them is more difficult, it doesn't come easily to me as it did with Cody and Dakota. I am hopeful that once these "firsts" have passed, that maybe I will "feel" blogging the way that I used to. Or maybe I won't.

My boys may have left this physical world but they haven't left my heart or my thoughts and they never will. My Angel Bobo who lived to the ripe old age of 18 gave them HUGE PAWS to fill and both Cody and Dakota lived up to that challenge and then some.


I know this post was rather long, I thank you for reading if you made it through, and I thank you for helping me honor  my boys on World Pet Memorial Day and National Best Friends Day. 

If you are remembering beloved pets of your own, I send you love and virtual hugs, and for those of you who are blessed as I am to have new and wonderful pets in your life, cherish each and every day, it all goes by so fast.


To Cody, Dakota and Bobo, I haven't enough words to THANK YOU for all the love and joy you brought to me. Cody and Dakota, because it's all still a blur, Mama misses you with all of her heart and once again is crying while typing, never forget that Mama loves you. There will never, ever be two like you both again.......I LOVE YOU!!



69 comments:

  1. I nodded so many times while reading your post... I often feel the same... there is a thing missed, but idk what exactly it is and how I can get it back...

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    1. Now I'm nodding. I soooo understand. I can't pinpoint it either, but I sooo understand (((hugs))))

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  2. Caren what a beautiful and teary-eyed post. I loved every word, all the pictures and remembrance gifts as well. The mug with the pics and names and angel wings is especially precious. Losing a pet that you have closely bonded with is traumatic and the grief long-lasting even when beautiful new fur balls arrive to cheer us.

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  3. Such special sweeties and that was a most loving tribute Caren, they loved you dearly and so do we.

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    1. Thank you so much my dear, dear furiend!! You were so helpful before, during and after Cody's biopsy, will never forget it! Love you and your entire furmily!!!!!

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  4. We're sending Light and hugs and purrs as you remember Cody and Dakota. This is a wonderful post of love and remembrance, Caren. The losses change us in indefinable ways and it's okay if you never want to blog the way you used to. ♥

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    1. Kim, thank you! I will never, ever forget the MANY emails you sent checking on me and offering support/caring through all of this. I saved many of them. It meant (and means) so much to me. I more than likely will still blog, as for the frequency, the jury is out on that one lol. ((((hugs))))

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  5. I get it all. Some furry companions make their personalities known. People think I write our blog - but Bear wrote his own character - with every dumb and courageous thing he did. These last 18 months - when he wasn't feeling himself - our blog suffered greatly. Now that he's gone - I don't know what to do. He told me who he was in a way Ellie doesn't. I really don't see much of a future in blogging without some essence of Bear - I just don't know how that looks yet. But losing my voice - Bear's voice - and Bear - might be the hardest thing I'll ever deal with. He was my way of relating to the world and now I can't. Sending you love and remembering your beautiful boys with you. I learned some things about Cody in this post and I'm so glad I stopped by.
    ps - We don't know EXACTLY what happened with Bear - but I suspect the opposite of true of him as Cody. We DIDN'T do the biopsy (the vet didn't think it was necessary and I should've fought it knowing that half of the cases of IBD are lymphoma) and I suspect it WAS lymphoma that metastasized into his lungs. I can't PROVE this. But that's where my money is. So don't beat yourself up. I know - harder said than done - I do it too - only for NOT pushing a biopsy. We just couldn't know.

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    1. and I DID the biopsy and still lost him to a freak occurrence of a biopsy gone awry 5 days after. So go figure. (((hugs))) as for the "voice"......Cody also had an extremely distinct voice as well as one of the most unique and easily recognizable faces in the blogosphere (due to his overbite). He had a definite "voice"....Dakota in a sense did too but nowhere near the extent of Cody's "voice." Will keep the blog going to some extent, but when Cody passed, the heart and soul of this blog passed with him.

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  6. I get it all. Some furry companions make their personalities known. People think I write our blog - but Bear wrote his own character - with every dumb and courageous thing he did. These last 18 months - when he wasn't feeling himself - our blog suffered greatly. Now that he's gone - I don't know what to do. He told me who he was in a way Ellie doesn't. I really don't see much of a future in blogging without some essence of Bear - I just don't know how that looks yet. But losing my voice - Bear's voice - and Bear - might be the hardest thing I'll ever deal with. He was my way of relating to the world and now I can't. Sending you love and remembering your beautiful boys with you. I learned some things about Cody in this post and I'm so glad I stopped by.
    ps - We don't know EXACTLY what happened with Bear - but I suspect the opposite of true of him as Cody. We DIDN'T do the biopsy (the vet didn't think it was necessary and I should've fought it knowing that half of the cases of IBD are lymphoma) and I suspect it WAS lymphoma that metastasized into his lungs. I can't PROVE this. But that's where my money is. So don't beat yourself up. I know - EASIER said than done - I do it too - only for NOT pushing a biopsy. We just couldn't know.

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  7. It goes without saying that this post was from the heart and can identify with it so much. ON this World Pet Memorial Day we are thinking of you. I remember when I stumbled upon your blog and saw Cody and Dakota. I instantly fell in love with Cody's sass and attitude and Dakota's happy go lucky demeanor. They both were very special to us to. All of us that follow your blog know they are extra special not only to you but to us too. I understand about re-thinking blogging as you used to do....take it day by day. The pain does less and the tears will slowly dry and turn to laugher recalling happier moments. Sending you a virtual hug! RIP Cody, Dakota and Bobo...they were truly a blessing and so lucky to have you and Lenny as their family. And now Roary and Levi have joined the family to help heal your hearts and continue this journey of memories. It may be me but I can't help but think Roary and Levi were sent to you both from Cody and Dakota. BFF's for life now, then, and in the hearafter! xoxo

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    1. (((hugs))) to you dear friend!! You were also such a huge support through everything! You made me smile (and gave me validation!) by mentioning Cody's "sass and attitude"....yep, Cody was his Mama lol!!!!! I thank you for your heart-felt advice as well. I do take it day by day. I sometimes think Cody and Dakota sent Roary and Levi too, but I think they sent them with the sole purpose of showing how GOOD they had been compared to my new crazy duo!! lol. Cody and Dakota are saying "ha!!!! We got YOU GOOD!!!" Thank you so much! xoxo

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  8. What a lovely tribute to your boys. They were best friends to each other and loving companions to you and your husband.

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  9. Oh Caren...you wrote such a beautiful description of those of us who have lost a beloved heart pet. Even well after a year has passed, I still tear up at the drop of a hat recalling my sweet knucklehead, Sam who now lives in my heart these days. And so, I honor him, along with your precious boys today. Know I'm sending tender thoughts of comfort as you contemplate and recall their impact on you in the future. Digital hugs and tail wags, my friend. 💙

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    1. thank you my friend!! ((((hugs)))) to you and I KNOW you completely understand. I soooo KNOW that you do!!! I miss Sam so much!!!! It's hard when a pet has such a strong influence on the blog (as well as on US!!) xoxoxo

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  10. Beautiful post that shows the love and connection you had with Cody and Dakota. (((hugs)))

    The Florida Furkids

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  11. What a wonderful tribute to your boys. They loved you as much as you loved them. They were so lucky to have you and Lenny.

    Have a fabulous day. Big healing hugs. ♥

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  12. What a lovely tribute. Hugs to you as you remember your two special boys.

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  13. As much as you loved, that is how much you have to tell. I didn't notice the length of your post until you said something. If there was ever a place you could pour your heart out and know your audience would understand, it's here! I loved making your votive, I cried while looking through your years of photos to choose the best two for this, and remember all the years of happy blogging with the two of them. Each of our loves is different, but the triangle of love among two animals and one human is irreplaceable. Sending more love for your journey.

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    1. Bernadette this was so beautiful! I can't thank you enough, you KNOW how much that votive holder means to me, your photo choice could not have been better!!!! Thank you so much for your thoughtful and touching comment. Sending TONS of love to you!

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  14. I know how you feel. Beckett passed from hemangiosarcoma too, the tumour wasn't on his heart though, but in his abdomen. Now to have lost Keltic as well... it's hard to continue to write blog posts and being in a pandemic certainly doesn't help in the least. Big Hugs to you!

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    1. Helen ((((hugs))))) you have experienced HORRIBLE, HORRIBLE pain as well....the pain of losing one is bad enough, but two in close proximity (as you and I experienced), is the worst possible pain. Sending lots of love xoxoxo

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  15. Nice to see you back blogging. Losing our furry ones is so very hard because we spend all our time with them and they always need us and want to be with us. Some losses are tougher than others, we know. Hugs to you and the new boys on the block who love you and will create their own spots in your hearts.

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    1. thank you sooo much (((hugs))) I know how well you understand. I also love how you said the new boys "will create their own spots in our hearts"......I told Lenny, while they are still at this crazy stage in their lives they would NEVER get the glowing comments that Cody and Dakota did lol. Wait til they are over a year old then maybe I will have a better idea of their TRUE selves lol. Cody and Dakota were 2 years old when I began blogging, so there is still hope for this crazy duo!!! Lots of love.

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  16. I didn't notice the post was long because I can sit and read about your boys all day. So sweet how you described Cody and how re ruled the roost and Dakota followed. I will go home tonight and hug my cats extra tight and think of your angel boys. Oh and thank you for sharing them with us, they WERE truly special.
    Sending love and hugs xx

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    1. you are BEYOND sweet and always have been!! BTW, your blog stopped coming to me (that's why I haven't been around) and I don't know why!!!! xoxo Sending love and hugs back!

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  17. What a lovely and meaningful remembrance of Dakota and Cody, Caren. I know you miss them . . . I miss many but the last kitty we lost, Ultraviolet, had a special sweetness about her. And we too have been gifted with more pets, all kitties for us. One, Franklin, is an only partially socialized former feral. He's loved deeply and is so very different from the snugglers, even from our earlier former ferals. Another little character altogether . . . The others are young, and sweet, and all fascinating, but new and unknown compared to the long stories of our lives with our prior kitties of so many years. My heart goes out to you and your husband for the loss of your Dakota and Cody ... I send hugs and love and purrs.

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  18. Oh, Caren. You have me all choked up yet again. I miss the three furs from when I started blogging, that sometimes I thiunk I need to have them back. Yeah, as if that will happen.
    I love Benji & Dalton with all my being, but, well, you know...

    Your blog post wasn't long, it was compelling and a beautiful tribute to your precious Cody and Dakota.

    (((((((((( ♥ )))))))))

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    1. thank you so much Ingrid!! Oh how I understand!! I love Roary and Levi and for now though, it is just much harder.....I KNOW you totally understand! Thank you so much for your ongoing support, you have always been so loving and supportive and it's deeply appreciated. One day we MUST meet in person!! Wish you lived closer!

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  19. What a beautiful tribute to Dakota and Cody. Life is never quite the same without them. Huge hugs to you♥

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  20. Oh I SOOOOO identify with your post today Caren....never, ever was there a cat in my life like Sammy and while I love Teddy to bits, Sammy took a very large piece of me (including a chunk of my heart) with him to the Bridge when he left. I MADE myself blog after he passed away because it was my way of grieving "out loud". We adopted Teddy and when I started doing all the regular blog things Sammy did, I realized how important it was to me to sort of keep Sammy alive by letting Teddy do some of the similar things on the blog. We all cope in different ways though - I know that. I think Levi and Roary are both super special and had HUGE paws to fill. Time heals of course but it doesn't let us forget.

    Love and Hugs, Pam

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    1. this was so beautifully stated Pam....Sammy was sooo very, very special......miss that boy!! I love Teddy too but I get it. Sammy had a super strong presence, he was the heart of your blog too......I adore seeing Teddy but you totally "get it"....I love the daylights out of Roary and Levi but for now at least, it's different. My boys were two years old when I started blogging about them and these guys are just babies. I don't know them as well yet. Sending you much love always!

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  21. What a wonderful post in remembrance of two very special friends. Wonderful memories and photos of Cody and Dakota that made us remember them all the more. Thank you so much for your kind words on my troubles and we pray that Roary and Levi grow as deep into your hearts as these two. Purrs and Prayers

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    1. thank you and we love you! You were one of Cody's most special furiends, all of you were!!! Sending tons of prayers and love to you!!! xoxoxo

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  22. Your post brought tears and many memories of those we have lost over the years - every one of them. Keep blogging - I believe your messages are so very important to so many people. My best to you - Russell

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    1. Russell thank you so much, your kind words mean the world to me!

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  23. I did read all the way to the end. I followed Cody and Dakota for years on and off sometimes but they were always there. So it makes me think again as I look at my sleeping pets at this morning that I should cherish and thank them for sharing their lives with me, as none of us know when the day of their leaving will come, but we know come it will. That your two boys left together was a mighty blow to your family. I hope Roary and Levi can fill some of the emptiness you feel in your heart now.

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    1. thank you so much Greg, Roary and Levi have for sure xoxo

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  24. This is a beautiful heartfelt post about your boys. I understand so well and still cry now for Eric and Flynn. I don't think that will ever change. To love so much brings such pain. Your boys had their own characters the same as my boys did, but like other bloggers we build on those characters. Even now I have to check my comments before I publish because sometimes I find myself talking as them. Now I have set my tears off again!
    Hugs and love sent to you.

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    1. Ohhh I sooo know!! I miss your boys so much too, when I see their photos they bring back such great memories. There will never be two like them again. I am so sorry I made you cry!!! Sending much love and many hugs back to you!!!! xoxoxo

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  25. cody & dakota; doodz....ewe both bee unique and speshull ta uz; as friendz, and fellow bloggerz and ewe all wayz will be.... ♥♥♥

    yur mom and dad bee total lee.. awesum lee.. rockin soooper kewl parentz who did ther best.. ALL WAYZ...and we noe...if ewe both speeked "human" ewe wood knot onlee say..thanx mom and dad for everything....ewe wood all sew say; we lovez ewe both two ♥♥♥♥♥

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  26. That was such a beautiful tribute to Cody and Dakota. Our thoughts are with you as their Yarzeit approaches. We know they loved you as much as you loved them.

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  27. Karen, you know I understand your pain. Blogging has been difficult for me, too, since losing Wally 2 years ago. i muddled on...but then losing Zoey so suddenly, it has become even more difficult. Sending you a big hug. ~Sue

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    1. Yep Sue, I sure know you understand (((hugs))), Wally had such a STRONG presence.....everyone knew he and Cody.....it is so hard for you and then losing sweet Zoey suddenly.......you KNOW I understand and my heart goes out to you. ((((hugs))))

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  28. Your tribute speaks for many of us who lost furiends in the last year ( we lost 4. Two had been sick and the other two were unexpected) Thank you.

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    1. Oh Dear God, FOUR?????!!! I am so deeply sorry......I can't even begin to imagine, 2 sick and sudden, I don't know how you coped. Sending much love and my deepest sympathy ((((hugs))))

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  29. That was such a beautiful post for two beloved friends.
    Friends to both of you, and friends to each other.
    That kind of love and affection does not happen often, but when it does, we never forget it!
    Sending lots of love and comforting purrs,
    'mum' Nancy and Julie

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  30. Such a sweet post for 2 special souls. XO

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    1. (((hugs))) I know you have experienced the same pain and then some. xoxo

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  31. This is such a beautiful post, Caren. Cody and Dakota were so special, and we were all so privileged that you shared your love for them with all of us. That way, we could love them, too. They will always, ALWAYS, be in our hearts. Hugs and love gto you, dear friend.

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    1. thank you sooo much! I wish I could give you a hug because you went through the same, it's so wonderful to love them but so hard when they leave. Lots of love to all of you, you mean the world to us!

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  32. I know the next few weeks are especially hard for you with these sad life markers and anniversaries. Lots of purrs to you during this sad time.

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    1. Summer thank you and your human so much!!!! We lost our stepdaughter last August too, so summer in our home isn't the happiest of times, but hopefully that will begin to change. Sending much love!

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  33. That must have been very hard losing Cody and Dakota so close together. I also understand the emptiness Dakota felt after losing Cody. When we lost Puck Chris would wonder around the house aimlessly sometimes. He would and stop and look around and seemed to not know what to do with himself.

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    1. Yep that's exactly what Dakota did. It was so painful to watch, especially knowing that he had cancer and his time was limited as well. It was so heartbreaking. He missed his friend so much. I had forgotten about that with Puck, I remember Puck! I'm so sorry, it's always sooooo hard!!! (((hugs)))

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  34. I couldn't possibly put words to your post that would be adequate as to how it moved me. It was heartfelt, loving, special, and completley unique to the bond you shared with your beloved boys. I know they were a special part of my life and blogging journey, too, as well as the journey of our friendship. I miss them both and my heart goes out to you and Lenny. Warm purrs from Deb and the Zee/Zoey gang.

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  35. It's hard enough to lose a beloved pet, but both in such a short time...devastation.
    We are here when you post again; do what is right for you.
    Hugs and purrs.

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    1. Thanks so much, yes "devastation" sums it up perfectly xoxo Will be posting tomorrow for Roary's first birthday!!

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  36. Catzowey! Dats a meowvalous doggone tribute to your boyz. We furs are all fine and dandy up here and I sees Cody and Dakota a lot at my #HeavenlyCatpuccinoCloudcafe. Dakota always ordering a Poochaccino and me and Cody do the Catpuccino. We all keep our eyes on ya ... yup uh huh we do. Here comes my Mancat love from up above to ahhhmazing YOU!

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  37. We really feel for you and we miss your boys too. Don't feel bad about not posting, it's hard because you are still hurting. It'll happen when the time is right.

    Purrs, love and hugs xx
    Athena and Marie

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    1. thank you so much for understanding and you are so right! xoxo

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  38. I know just how you're feeling, as I'm sure so many others do. One's difficult enough, but losing two like that is unimaginable. I teared up reading this post, and I'm sorry Cleo and I were late reading it. When Orbit passed away after 22 years it was like someone put my heart in a vise, and at that time I couldn't have even thought about blogging. Our dear senior girl will have her time and her mom and I knew that going into it, and dread even thinking about that. Even though they are very different your boys will continue to grow on you. I know you can't compare them with Cody and Dakota, but they're filling a space in your heart of their very own. I still missy how snuggly Orbit was, and Cleo is nothing like him, though she has enough sweetness in her to make up for it in other ways. Be well, Caren.

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    1. OMG 22 years! I knew Orbit was up there but 22 years!!?? I cannot begin to even imagine the pain you had to have felt! When I lost my first cat, Bobo at 18 (had him since he was 6 months old I was devastated)!! I totally "get" what you are saying, Orbit and Cody were super snugglers, Roary is to a point, but he isn't nearly as attached to me as Cody was. I think it's because I adopted Cody ALONE (I lived with Lenny at the time, but I found Cody on my own, adopted him on my own and brought him home on my own), so I was his "person". Lenny went to see Roary for the first time, so his attachment to me isn't as strong as Cody's. Like how you said the boys "will grow on me" lol!!! So true! Thank you for this kind/thoughtful/caring comment! (((hugs)))

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  39. I can't even begin to fathom what you've been going through, losing both of your precious boys so close together. I'm so happy you have your new babies to love but real pet parents know you can't replace one with another, all you can do is make new memories while cherishing the old ones. (That mug is truly amazing.)

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