Recollect that the Almighty, who gave the dog to be companion of our pleasures and our toils, hath invested him with a nature noble and incapable of deceit.”- Sir Walter Scott, 1825
My beloved Cody died in my arms this week. He was put to sleep to relieve his pain from cancer and pancreatitis. He’s been sickly for a while, but these past weeks have been especially difficult as his gait slowed to a snail’s pace. By mid-week he’d given up “fooling” me with his stoicism. On Wednesday morning he let me know in no uncertain terms that he was ready to leave this earth.
Cody was a mutt (a combination of several terrier breeds) and a sturdy, stubborn little creature who would not give up a hunt or chase, or his intention to dig or enter a culvert. Cody was a vermin chaser and no mole, vole, mouse, chipmunk, squirrel, rabbit, or saddle back cricket was safe when he was lithe and young. I have saved many a wild creature over the years by restraining my determined little man.
Terriers in the Georgian era lived useful and utilitarian lives. Until people discovered their endearing house pet qualities, these dogs worked hard for a living. Work is perhaps not the best term for the actions of a dog that LOVED the chase and knew instinctively how to run down a rat, fox, groundhog, or mouse, or dig towards it and kill it with such efficiency that the prey never knew what struck it. 18th and 19th century farmers would have lost an entire season’s stored crop or chickens over the winter to vermin had it not been for the constant vigilance of their terriers. I have seen these dogs at work in a city alley (on a YouTube video). The alley was sealed on both sides as three domesticated terriers went into action. Instinct took over. Two flushed out a rat from the bottom of a garbage pile, while a third pounced on the fleeing rat on top of the pile where it emerged. The terrier lifted the rat by its neck and broke it in an instant. Terriers working in concert can kill 80 or more rats in one get go and still retain the sweet personality of a loving family pet.
As one modern article states:
Besides being efficient, death-by-dog is more humane for the rat and better for the environment than poison, say ratting proponents. Commonly used anticoagulant poisons thin the blood and cause internal bleeding. Rats die slow deaths, and they pass the poison on to anything that eats them, from wildlife to farm animals.” – Andy Wright, Modern Farmer: When Terriers Attack, 2014
Cody, watchful and gentle and showing his wheaten colors.
Part of Cody’s mutt terrier mix was soft-coated wheaten terrier. In the 18th century, this breed of terriers was kept by poor Catholic Irish tenant farmers. These all-purpose dogs were bred to hunt, poach, stand guard, catch vermin, and be a companion. This latter trait made it a gentle dog (like my Cody) and much prized when the breed was shown in the show ring. Terriers are not only great companions, they are fearless, athletic and seldom lose sight of their goal. Whenever Cody saw a hole in the ground or an open culvert, he would poke his nose into the opening, regardless of what creature he might encounter.
In this oil painting entitled Terriers Rabbiting, for sale in the Rehs Calleries in NYC and painted by George Armfield (c.1808 – 1893) in 1860, one can see the patient determination of the three terriers as they wait for the rabbit to emerge. Note how their short legs provide them with a low center of gravity (which gives them a tremendous advantage in going to ground, digging, and pulling). They also have thick necks and stocky bodies that provide them with additional muscular strength, much like a stocky boxer.
My very domesticated Cody would patiently sit in front of a hole in my garden waiting for a vole to peek its head out. He would then strike with swift, deadly accuracy and leave me a present.
I would laugh as he chased creepy-looking saddelback crickets in zig zag patterns across my basement floor, eating their bodies but leaving the prickly legs for me to sweep up. With a terrier patrolling the house, one has few mouse, rat, spider, or cricket investations.
Edward Walter Webb, Terriers Rabbitting, ca. 1840. Click here to enter Richard Gardner Antiques.
In the above painting, for sale at Richard Gardner Antiques, terriers are digging for rabbits, typical behavior for this breed. In Victorian times, terriers are more often depicted as lovable house pet breeds, although the second painting from Antiques Atlas will attest that even a cute fox terrier is an efficient killing machine of an animal its size.
Whenever Cody entered a culvert or dug a hole too deep for me to retrieve him easily, I would grab him by the base of his thick tail and pull him out. The Westie in the short video below was able to back out comfortably from a substantial hole all by itself.
Here’s a link to an image of an owner pulling a terrier by the tail. I’m sure it didn’t mind. My Cody certainly didn’t. Hah!
More on the topic:
The Eighteenth Century Goes to the Dogs, James Breigh, Colonial Williamsburg
Jane Austen's World 
I am so sorry for your great loss. Colette said our most faithful companions seldom have fewer than four feet…RIP, Cody. (And the article was great, too).–Sherry
Thank you, Sherry.
So very sorry for your loss. I do appreciate you sharing the stories of your precious terrier mix and that he inspired this fascinating post about terriers in 18th and 19th C’s. We have had two much beloved soft-coated wheaten terriers and believe them to be outstanding dogs but their coats require a lot of upkeep/grooming fees so any prospective owner must be prepared for that.
It was always a challenge to find someone who could groom Cody just the way I liked him. Because of his mixed breed, his main coat was scruffy. His head was wheaten.
No doubt your loving companion will continue to watch over you as he always has. Very interesting article and a lovely tribute to your faithful Cody.
Thank you, Lady L.
Very sorry to hear of your loss. Having been owned by Parson Russell terriers most of my life, I know how these intense little beings leave holes in our hearts when they pass on. Thank you for the wonderful look at terriers of the past and the loving tribute to your own dear Cody.
I love your phrase, “having been owned by Parson Russell terriers.” They do own you, don’t they? They can be exasperating but they are so worth the effort because of their loyalty and deep love for their families.
Vic, sorry to hear about your loss, and thanks very much for your article on terriers. My wife and I also lost our terrier recently to cancer, a Cairn who sounds very similar in temperament to your Cody. Like you, we had to look past his stoicism and make the hard decision. Our Benny was a rescue dog, affectionate when he arrived but out of control–even in terrier terms. It took him a while to be socialized, but he became a beloved member of our pack for ten years.
Before that, we had two Westies, brothers, who lived into their early teens, quite the charmers but all terrier, all the time.
Like Benny, Cody was a rescue. Like you, I had my terrier for only 10 years. “All terrier all the time” is a good description of all terriers. I’ve never befriended one before and I will never live with another breed of dog again.
We lost our German Shepherd two weeks ago on Mother’s Day. Losing a dog really leaves an empty spot in your life- literally and figuratively. I’m sorry for your loss. :(
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Mother’s Day weekend was Cody’s last, relatively pain free weekend. These wonderful companions simply do not live long enough!
What a beautiful tribute to your Cody. Thank you, Vic, for sharing it with us. I know your loss is great and its depth matches the love you had for him. Our Mugsy popped up in a dream my son had the night after Mugsy died. He was at the bottom of the stairs smiling and wagging his tail. Sweet dreams, dear Vic, for both you and Cody.
What a wonderful image. So comforting. I still “hear” Cody and sense him from the corner of my eye, a common reaction, from what I understand.
So sorry for the loss of your beloved Cody.
Thank you, Nancy
So sorry to hear about Cody. I’m sure you miss him.
I love dogs and enjoyed the post very much. Terriers are such amazing little dogs. So much heart and courage in such a small package.
What a perfect description – so much heart and courage in such a small package. Thank you, Linda.
My condolences on your loss. I, too, have had to have terminally ill dogs euthanized. It is a heart-tearing experience.
It is awful, isn’t it? I found that writing this article was cathartic.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Virtual hug! One doesn’t want one’s fur baby to suffer, but oh, how wonderful it would be if our dogs and cats would have our lifetimes, and cross the Rainbow Bridge as we cross over too (a two-fer for St Peter).
May your memories comfort you as much as possible at this very sad, very heart-aching time.
How ironic that you mention the Rainbow Bridge, which I looked up for my mother. Reading this wonderful piece made me cry all over again. Yes, we will meet our joyous pets once more. They are without pain and wait patiently for us.
Thank you for your beautiful and loving tribute to your Cody. You have my condolences; I still miss my little fellow though he left this world almost ten years ago.
I know how you feel. Cody replaced Barney, who died 10 years ago. Their graves are side by side in my back yard. I have a hard time separating my grief from one dog over the other.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. I hope it’s not too long before your memories push the sadness aside and make you smile again. Cody will always be in your heart.
Oh, Vic – and I thought I cried a lot when Isis died in DA. Cody was adorable and you have my sympathy…it’s so hard to lose a pet. They are such dear companions and it’s so difficult to let go, even when they are so unwell. I’m pretty sure there’s a place in heaven just for our pets. Take care!
Terrific article, Vic. I have a great enthusiasm for terriers due to Henry Tilney. No doubt his terriers were working dogs, but I like to think they were pets, too, especially as Jane Austen described his dogs–“two or three terriers and a large Newfoundland puppy”–as “the friends of his solitude.”
I’m so sorry for your loss of Cody. He looks like he was a dear little fellow.
Thanks you, Mags. I love your Henry Tilney quote. In my grief, I forgot to turn to Jane Austen for comfort. Cody was such a sweet dog that he was used as a greeter at day care during his healthy days. He was very mellow, except when it came to vermin. Then the beast emerged.
My sympathy on your loss. Cody must’ve been a real pip. My fascination with history, including the Austen period, is often tempered by the cruelties suffered by its working animals. While some certainly loved animals, I think that people were generally as unenlightened about animals (e.g., the myth that animals don’t feel pain) as they were about many other things (e.g., women, race, etc.). I’m glad we know better today. Cody was clearly cherished.
Thank you for sharing about your beloved and cute Cody.
My condolences for the loss of your sweet friend and companion.
Our beloved ‘Jack’ a Jack Russell Terrier passed on 9 months ago and your post reminded me of his charming and determined qualities. Jack was the smartest dog I’d ever met- he learned to play baseball with the kids in the back yard; he would ‘run’ the bases when the ball was hit. He also learned that in order to gain a touchdown during their game of indoor football, one must run to the front door with the soft indoor ball (in one’s mouth ;)
I loved your beginning quote by Sir Walter Scott, it reminds us that dogs like Cody and Jack are dedicated members of the family, not just pets.
Praying that you will find comfort in your grief.
What a beautiful, heartfelt tribute to your beloved friend and family member. I am so sorry for your loss – my angel german shepherd Amber passed away four years ago and I still think of her every single day and tear up at her memory. We rescued another german shepherd six months later and he brings untold joy. There are no words that can provide comfort at such a time, but know that we are thinking of you.
So sorry for your loss. I believe terriers are the best breed of dogs ever. I’m the proud mother of two Westies.
Thank you, Susan. My brother had Westies – such pretty, dapper dogs.
So sorry to read of your loss. I can really relate since it is a little over a year since we had to release our beloved minature schnauzer, Malakai, from a little body wracked by painful cancer. Sometimes I think I see her yet engaging in her favorite indoor activity, watching an animal show on tv with a stuffed toy between her front paws. Even when you know you did the only right thing, it is hard, hard, hard. I am sure your Cody had a good life and will be waiting for you across the Rainbow Bridge–
Nelly, our darling creatures deserve to be mourned, but it’s painful, isn’t it? Thank you for your condolences.
A very good article, Vic. I have learned a lot about terriers that I certainly didn’t know. Your depth of feeling for Cody comes across.
All the very best, Tony
Thanks, Tony. I spent the last month of Cody’s life tending to him, so his death was not a shock. I do find his absence in my life shocking – he filled my house and days with achingly sweet memories and with more love than I deserved.
So sad to hear about the loss of your pal, Cody. Thanks for the information about terriers. Sending hugs.
Hugs back.
I am truly so sorry for your loss.
Thank you.
Being a dog person I was quite upset when I read this post yesterday and saw the pictures of such a beautiful dog who had to die that I was unable to respond, I can’t imagine how you must feel losing such a beautiful friend and dread the idea of losing mine as I love him dearly, I am so sorry for your loss and hope the pain fades quickly.
Such a pretty puppy dog
Thank you so much for your sentiments. Would you believe he was even more beautiful on the inside? The pain I feel now is worth the price of having spent 10 precious years together.
peace and sympathy in the loss of your beloved pet.
Thank you!!
Excellent article, Van. I feel for you in your loss of Cody’s companionship and the enjoyment you two had together — and for the pain Cody knew and his loss of his life. In the 18th century the change-over from using animals sheerly for the work they could do (including killing unwanted animals) to keeping them as companions (pets). The reality was probably that many people had a personal relationship with some of their animals while using them for sports, farming, keeping unwanted animals and vermin down in numbers. I’m sure you know some of the books that trace this change. The real problem was to stop huge numbers of people from being cruel to animals, using torture methods to make them part of blood sports. This movement gets started in the later 18th century but the first effective legislation is not passed until well into the later 19th century. Part of the same enlightenment that began to pass laws stopping slavery, stopping abuse of women, attempting to give equal rights to all human beings. See these books I’ve described in blogs:
https://ellenandjim.wordpress.com/2015/08/27/kathryn-shevelows-for-the-love-of-animals/
http://www.psupress.org/books/titles/978-0-271-06588-5.html
Cody was fortunate to live in the 20th century and have you as his mistress.
Thank you, Ellen. I purposely left the references to animal cruelty out. Ratting was a popular sport in which terriers were released in a pit filled with rats. How cruel. One cannot imagine the amount of abuse that went on. Even today, the unenlightened treat our pets and wild life as objects to be used at our will and command. Cody lived a better life than all the world’s poor put together. I take comfort in that. In fact, I wish that collectively we were as passionate about taking care of our poor as we are about our pets.
Sorry to hear of your loss of Cody. We had a golden retriever named Kody that we lost to cancer a few years ago, so your story really resonated. Excellent article on terrier’s and the era as well. I liked the artwork you included
Thank you, Kevin. I lost a golden mutt in 1983. After all these years, I still miss him, as you will your Kody.
I’m so sorry. We lost a Jack Russell to cancer a few years ago. One day he spent eight hours trying to get a rabbit out from under our garden shed. Tenacious was his middle name.
Stubborn, tenacious, determined. So sorry for your loss.
I’m sorry for the loss of your sweet friend and companion, Vic. Remember in the Little House book when Jack dies, Pa tells Laura he has gone to the Happy Hunting Grounds. “Truly, Pa?” Laura asks through her tears. “Yes, Laura,” says Pa, “Good dogs have their reward.”
Such a beautiful sentiment. Thank you, Diana. Cody’s fearless nature did not extend to cats. Oh, after spying one he would chase it. All the cat had to do was turn around, hiss, and arch its back. Cody would instantly stop and return to me chastened. It was a sight to behold.
So sorry to hear about the loss of your dog, Vic. But what better way to commenmorate him than writing about the history of terriers. Thanks for sharing something entirely new, again.
My first dog was a toy terrier, many years ago. Dog friends have come and gone in my life, but each was unique and special and we always miss them. Thank you for sharing and we share in your loss. Kaylene
Time to search out Rudyard Kipling’s “The power of the Dog” tribute.
Sorry for your loss of Cody.
Read your post a day after having to put my rescue dog to sleep. No matter how long we have them our dogs leave indelible paw prints on our lives and in our hearts. I hope your many happy memories of Cody help you in your grief. He looked like a little champ!
I am so so very sorry to read about your beloved Cody. Like many others, we were owned by a terrier- a Cairn, aptly named Mischief, who ruled our lives for almost 17 years before leaving us for the Rainbow Bridge. She was my dad’s favorite child and my best friend. I miss her still 10 years later. Like Toto, she had brains, heart and courage in abundance. Terriers CAN be destructive killing machines but they do it because they want to please us. It can’t be bred out of them. Mischief murdered a baby possum and at least one chipmunk. The gosh darn chipmunks, squirrels, groundhogs and other critters have gotten more bold without a terrier trying to murder them. She spent one summer praying over the koi fish pond- hoping for some sushi and she spent a summer hoping whatever she captured under the shed would come out. She never did learn that skunks should be left alone but we loved her because of (not in spite of) her faults. She embodied the true terrier spirit and it sounds like Cody did too. I’m sure Mischief was on hand to meet Cody and introduce him to all her friends.
https://www.cairnrescue.com/memorial/rainbow-bridge/