Corey

submitted by John S.

Corey, my old Old English Sheepdog, surely has to be considered a one-in-a-million dog. 

He was the runt of the litter and so green that he almost didn't survive, but it didn't take him long to catch up to his brothers and sister.  He was very bright, to be sure.  He went from puppy class, to beginning obedience, and immediately on to CGC, getting his certification on the first try while less than a year old.  All of the pups in that litter turned out to have wonderful dispositions, but Corey's was truly exceptional. 

Not only is Corey afraid of nothing, but it's rare to find a person or animal that is afraid of him.  Countless times over the years people have commented that "Corey loves everyone, and everyone loves Corey."  We visited nursing homes and senior day care, and even people who were generally scared of animals somehow bonded with him.  He was incredibly intuitive, and always managed to recognize and give extra time and attention to those who were in emotional need. 

One time, while visiting senior day care, Corey got the immediate attention from the dog lovers that usually accompanied his arrival.  After the initial hubbub subsided, he walked past many of his familiar friends and headed for the back of the room.  There sat an elderly gentleman with a scowl on his face.  Corey approached slowly and then sat along side his wheel chair.   After several silent minutes, the old man began to pet him gently.   As the man's petting became more vigorous, Corey stood up on his hind legs, front paws on the arm rest of the wheelchair, and gave the man a thorough face washing.  Everyone laughed, and one of the staffers took a picture.  It was only later that I found out that the man was extremely bitter about his failing health.  His children had arranged to send him to senior day care in the hope that the social contact might brighten his spirits, but all he ever did was sit alone.  This was the first time anyone had seen that man smile, and the picture became one of his prized possessions.

So... now tell me again, how will I replace the big guy when he's gone?

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