Remembering Webster’s Guy Cole
Photo Courtesy of Linda Fafard
We first learned about this story through the Webster Police Department’s Facebook page on Wednesday. In less than 2 days the post has already been shared over 800 times. It is the amazing account of the love from a pet to his owner. Even though it is an extremely sad story, we hope the ending will bring a smile to your face.
Last week, Webster Police received a call from a concerned citizen living on Oak Tree Lane reporting that his friend’s dog, Toby, had arrived at his house, which was unusual. This prompted him to call the police to check on his friend, Toby’s owner, Guy Cole, on Grandview Avenue.
Police arrived to find Mr. Cole having a medical emergency. Webster EMS was dispatched to rush him to the hospital, but unfortunately, Guy passed away on January 18th.
Guy Cole was 74, and not only left behind Toby, but also 1 daughter, 3 step-children, 4 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by wife Adele and his brother, George.
Born in Hartford, Guy served in the United States Army during the Vietnam era, and later worked as a corrections officer at Somers State Prison in Connecticut until his retirement in 1998.
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The amazing part of the story is, Toby, the golden retriever, traveled about half a mile to Guy’s friend’s house because he knew something was wrong with his master.
This is a terrific opportunity to remember that your pets really do care about you. Not only when you are happy, but also when you are sad, or even sick. They know when there is something wrong, even if they can’t speak, they still can understand and that is proven by the way Toby was able to “call” for help.
As the Facebook post from Webster Police said, “This is a true testament of not only Toby’s love for his owner, but for just how far they will go for us.” The post also encouraged readers to “Give your pet a little extra attention today.”
We have talked to many friends of Guy who tell us they will miss seeing him walk Toby around the streets of Webster (usually without need for a leash.)
We have decided not to contact his immediate family during this difficult time because we know they are still grieving and planning funeral arrangements.
Photo Courtesy of Linda Fafard
Linda Fafard told The Lake 940 this isn’t the first time Toby has alerted a someone to let them know his owner needed assistance. “About 6 months ago Toby tracked down my neighbor Richard Tetreault as he walked down Second Island Road. Guy had fallen and needed help. When Richard realized Toby was alone, Richard followed Toby to find Guy laying on the floor at his home. I think it’s amazing that Toby went above and beyond for his Master.”
Toby and his owner frequently came by our house just to sit and visit. Richard’s dog Smitty (pictured above and to the right), loved to play with Toby. Toby was so smart and Loyal to his owner. RIP, Mr. Cole.”
Out of hundreds of comments on Facebook, we have decided to highlight a few that sounded extra special to us:
“I live a street over from Toby and his owner, was always a very nice man, see him and Toby out walking all the time, very sad, RIP.” –Jereme Cooper
“I had the pleasure of meeting Guy and Toby a couple of times. Both absolute sweethearts. I completely understand that pets can be more than just animals…RIP Guy and I pray Toby can find peace & happiness even though he has lost the most important person in his life.” –Barbara Fredette
Nicole Bergeron said, “Awww this melts my heart. I didn’t know guy and Toby for too long but I was his housekeeper for about 6 months…I went to his house the Friday before he passed he was the same guy I know… I’m not surprised Toby did this he is one special doggy”
A celebration of Guy’s life will be held on February 17th at 1 PM at the Kosciuszko Society (Bush Hall) located on 10 Dresser Street in Webster. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Scanlon Funeral Service on 38 East Main Street in Webster. Condolences may be left for family and friends here.
Now, the part that will make you smile: Toby is staying with family members, and is going to be well taken care of, but we bet he still will miss his best friend, Guy.
We hope the Webster Police Department will award Toby a special award in the near future.
https://www.facebook.com/websterpolice/posts/1673396699387624