Cody & Rico Memorial
April 12, 2007
We adopted two young 3 month old cats from our pet shelter three years ago. Rico and Cody were litter mates.
About a year ago, I noticed Rico’s belly seemed swollen (not just fat, but a bit hard and stretched like) We took him to the vet and they examined him and said he had a bad heart and it was fluid in his belly. He was given medication and we were given pills that we give him every day (one of them twice a day) and this will continue for the rest of his life.
Cody has always been just fine until the other day when I found him unable to get up. His back end seemed to be paralyzed. I thought he had been hit by a car even though he appeared unscathed and rushed him to the vet.
The doctor looked at him and commented on his hind quarters being cold and said the first thing that occured to her was something called Saddle Thrombus. She did do a radiograph (x-ray) and found his spine to be fine. She did some checking to see if he could feel tiny pinches in his toes or anywhere on his back end and no, he couldn’t feel a thing. He was given fluids and made as comfortable as possible and we agreed that if he showed no improvement overnight, we would let him go onward on his journey.
Today, we buried Cody out in the yard, out by the pond where he used to play and hunt with his brother Rico and his adopted little brother, Elijah.
I’m posting this here along with the following link for fellow cat owners in case you ever need this information:
http://www.thepetcenter.com/sur/sa.html
I checked other links found on google and found more information on this subject and thought it important information for cat owners to know. Cody, thanks for sharing your life with us and knowing just where I hurt so you could knead me. I needed you too and love you. We all miss you Cody, you touched our hearts and our lives in a huge way. You are loved.
Edited March, 2008:About three weeks ago I noticed that Rico was being a bit different than he has always been. He was wanting more attention (and getting it) than ever before. He seemed like he might have a cold or something though and then he stopped eating. We watched him and after a couple of days we knew we had to take him to the vet to find out what was wrong.
They took some blood from him and came back with some very bad results. It showed that his kidneys were not functioning properly and shutting down. There just wasn’t anything more we could do for him. The strain of his bad heart had helped to cause this kidney failure.
We had to let him go. I don’t know if any of you have ever been through this but it’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever been through and I’ve been through a lot. We said our goodbyes and held Rico as the vet put the needle in and off he went; to join his brother Cody. Now he’s buried out in the back next to his brother and we’re just heart broken.
Rico was one of the most serious cats I’ve ever known except when that tail of his started chasing him and then he pranced round and round trying to catch it; first trying to make sure no one was watching. He was my baby and - well - sometimes there just are no more words.
Rico, we love you.
Thank you for taking the time and care to comment. Your visits honestly mean much more to than you might imagine. Jump in, comment anywhere on any of the posts. 
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April 14, 2007 at 6:34 pm
One of the hardest things in life it to bury your friend, the tears are running down my face even now thinking of how great Cody was. He is and will always be missed, till in the next life we meet again.
I will try and find that just right spot and knead it thoroughly for you my friend.
Love you mister big paws!
April 15, 2007 at 2:53 am
Aww!!!
Thanks for telling me the story of Cody and the toe nibbles Aaron.
Cody had a happy life with you two and his brothers. He will be at peace for sure.
((((( Nora and Aaron )))))). ((((((Eli and Rico))))))))
Cody Rocks.
April 15, 2007 at 4:18 pm
It is the love that counts…and the love is still alive and well. Helped me to remember, when I lost a special friend who was in pain like Cody, that my sadness and grief was for me; my friend was in such a better place, no longer in pain, free now.
So sorry though, Nora and Aaron….I have heard lots about this branch of the family and I know how special Cody was to you both.
I love you both,
Kat
April 17, 2007 at 8:59 pm
jen, travis, and molly say we love all of you!
May 2, 2007 at 12:24 am
I was chatting to a lady the other day and she had just gotton a rescue dog from the shelter. I asked the dogs name, she said Cody but she may change it.’ NO’ I say. Cody is a beautiful name. In the UK Cody is not a popular name. I tell her about your Cody. She said she would keep the name and that she was pleased she bumped into me as I helped her make the decision
‘Cody Rocks’
June 4, 2007 at 11:01 pm
NOTE FROM THE BRIDGE
author unknown
To my dearest family,
some things I’d like to say.
But first of all, to let you know,
that I arrived okay.
I’m writing this from the Bridge.
Here I dwell with God above.
Here there’s no more tears of sadness.
Here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy
just because I’m out of sight.
Remember that I am with you
every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you
when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me
and He said, “I welcome you.
It’s good to have you back again,
you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family,
They’ll be here later on.”
God gave me a list of things,
that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list,
was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night
the day’s chores put to flight,
God and I are closest to you…
in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth,
and all those loving years,
because you are only human,
they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry,
it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers,
unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you
all that God has planned.
If I were to tell you,
you wouldn’t understand.
But one thing is for certain,
though my life on earth is o’er.
I’m closer to you now,
than I ever was before.
There are rocky roads ahead of you
and many hills to climb;
But together we can do it
by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy
and I’d like it for you too;
That as you give unto the world,
the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody
who’s in sorrow and pain;
Then you can say to God at night…
“My day was not in vain.”
And now I am contented…
that my life was worthwhile.
Knowing as I passed along
I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody
who is sad and feeling low;
Just lend a hand to pick him up,
as on your way you go.
When you’re walking down the street
with me on your mind;
I’m walking in your footsteps
only half a step behind.
And when it’s time for you to go…
from that body to be free.
Remember you’re not going…
you’re coming here to me.
– author unknown
January 17, 2008 at 1:23 am
Hi
The information you have provided is very good.My friends pet was also suffering with the similar case.We found one good sites related to ur topic
http://www.HealthyHappyDogs.com
http://www.Dog-Health-Care-Information.com
http://HealthierDogs.com
January 17, 2008 at 10:19 am
Brigitesmith1, Thank you very much for the links. I hope they are helpful to someone who might need them.
Peace today.