Hunter Hayes is mourning the loss of his Greyhound dog, Cole, who passed away this week. The singer/songwriter took to social media on Monday (Jan. 8) to share a poignant tribute to his late pup, reflecting on the moments they shared together and the passing of his beloved dog.
Hayes Remembers His Late Dog Cole With Emotional Farewell
In a heartfelt message, Hayes opened up about the profound impact Cole had on him after adopting him when he retired from racing. “Cole – as he was named after his racing retirement – has finished his final lap around the sun on earth and has gone on to a retirement in a better and more suitable place for such a distinguished gentleman,” Hayes wrote.
He went on to express gratitude for the life lessons Cole taught him and reminisced about the fun-filled adventures they shared. “I’ve never known a man that has taught me so much. How to be still, how to appreciate nature and how to create peace. I am so full of gratitude for all of the incredible adventures we had together and for all the life lessons he taught me like no one else could,” Hayes continued.
He ended the emotion-filled post with a toast to his late dog for ultimately saving his life, with a heartfelt farewell message.
“Cheers sir, thank you for rescuing me. You will be missed,” he concluded.
How Did Cole Die?
Hunter Hayes didn’t specify what his dog’s cause of death was. However, it is presumed that the dog live a healthy life and passed of natural causes as he was in his teenage years. According to Blue Ridge Greyhound Adoption, Greyhound’s have a life expectancy of 12–14 years, although some may live longer.
Cole Was Hunter Hayes’ Life Companion
In 2021, Hunter Hayes told PEOPLE that his dog was his “roommate” and “the boss” of his new home in California. At the time, he also shared that while Cole was a “retired racing Greyhound,” and even though he was over 10 years old, he was “the youngest he’s ever been, spiritually.”
“They told me when I adopted him that racing greyhounds tend to get younger as they get older… that their puppy side comes out, and it has,” he previously explained to the outlet several years ago. Hayes later added, “he is where I strive to be.”
When Did Hunter Hayes Adopt His Dog Cole?
Hayes reportedly adopted Cole from the Greyhound Pets of America in 2015. At the time, he opened up to CMT about the adoption and says that after much thought, it was one of the best decisions he’s ever made.
“It’s funny how he doesn’t talk, but I’ve learned so much from him,” he told the outlet. “It’s like he gives me a new way to look at things, and a whole new perspective on a lot of things. He’s really made me think. I’ve been thinking about it for years. I knew I wanted to adopt a retired racer, and it’s been months in the process. I finally made the decision, and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’m extremely happy and more importantly, he’s happy.”
Additionally, Hunter Hayes recently departed from his longtime record label, Atlantic/Warner. Following his exit, he went on to independently release his album, Red Sky, which served as his ninth studio album and arrived on April 21, 2023, via LP Entertainment. The project showcased multiple genres and featured a 15-song track list.
