Teddy McCoy & Lisa

Teddy McCoy – Canton South, Ohio

Teddy McCoy, a Red Golden Retriever who resided in Canton South, Ohio was so named because he was like a big, cuddly teddy bear to friends and family. Sadly, that was not always the case.

Teddy was a rescue, and he was not in good condition when Lisa and Chris McCoy first encountered him. Originally spotted digging through garbage cans on a back road on a Friday night, Chris decided to make a special trip out the following day to see if the dog was still there.

On his was way back home, Chris called Lisa and asked her to come outside. As he pulled down their long driveway, she could see something silhouetted in the passenger seat. Upon closer inspection, she discovered that it was, in fact, the same dog they had seen the previous night. As of that moment, Teddy McCoy had found his family.

Though uncertain how long the dog had been on his own, it was clear that he was malnourished and unkempt. The first evening he spent in the McCoy home, he was very ill, and spent the entire night vomiting. Lisa recalls that is was a smell she will never forget.

For the next three weeks, Lisa and Chris cared for and “doctored” their rescued stray. He steadily improved, and though the time spent fending for himself seemed to have aged him a bit, he remained in good health after those first rough weeks.

Possibly because of his time as a stray, Teddy McCoy was not particular about his diet, and would happily eat any dog food (or anything else) that was given to him. It also did not take long for him to find a favorite spot for his favorite activity: napping on the sofa!

Once he had found his forever home, Teddy was more than happy to stay there. While many dogs enjoy car rides, Teddy was more than content to stay cozy at home. Teddy had a few other quirky habits, which included rubbing his chin on the floor, making some unusual noises, and rubbing and rolling all over the couch.

He was a nervous dog, and thunderstorms were one thing that Teddy simply could not stand. No matter what they tried, he could not be soothed during a storm. While some dogs are known to tremble or hide during storms, Teddy McCoy was a pacer. Until the thunder had passed, he simply could not be still. During quieter times, though, he could commonly be found playing with his favorite toys: anything stuffed.

Teddy, like his plush namesake, was a gentle dog with a good soul. He left an indelible mark not only on his family, but also on the many others who had the pleasure to meet him during his stay with the McCoy family. The difficulties he had experienced before adoption did take their toll, and Teddy McCoy passed when he was approximately 10-13 years old. Teddy may not have had a lifetime with the McCoy’s, but everyone made the most of the time they had together, and Teddy McCoy will always be part of the family.