We found on the internet a sorrowful story of Joel Eisenberg, a writer who adopted a terminally III rescue dog named KOKO. Unfortunately, he lost his beloved wife, Lorie Girsh-Eisenberg, untimely and unexpectedly.
Below is the heart-touching Story of Lorie and KOKO.
He lost his beloved wife, Lorie Girsh-Eisenberg, in November 2023 after years of marriage. The reason behind her death was an unexpected hemorrhagic stroke.
According to Joel. KOKO had been diagnosed with a major tumor. Both Joel and Lorie, shocked, frequently discussed a day living without KOKO.
On the day that Joel’s wife had the stroke, both of them were discussing and crying.
Lorie had complained of an immense headache as soon as the above incident happened and then lapsed unconscious.
KOKO still lives with Joel. She is offering comfort and support during this terrifying period as she does not want to leave him.
KOKO sprawled
Beginning of the Story
Twelve years back, Joel and his wife adopted “Persia” from a California-based animal shelter. They quickly named her “KOKO”. KOKO’s ears were cut by her previous owner. But her full-length tail remains. Joel had concerns over this.
They encountered an energetic dog at the shelter and instantly fell in love. They have not owned dogs since childhood. They were informed about “Persia’s” miserable future, and she was not adopted by anyone due to the absence of ears and a full tail. Also, she was listed under the euthanasia category.
When “Persia” arrived at the shelter, she bore visible injuries and wore a studded leather dog collar because she was purposely bred for a scary appearance.
“Persia” joined the shelter community, forming bonds with other dogs and finding comfort in their companionship.
In their Story, “Persia” was not just a rescue; she became their rescuer. Lorie and Joel discovered a profound connection with “Persia.”
A Grim Diagnosis, 12 Years Later
Joel shared a heartfelt post on Facebook, expressing his recent withdrawal from social interactions due to a grim diagnosis for his beloved dog, KOKO. The nearly 14-year-old canine was found to have an enlarged tumor in her spleen, and the possibility of surgery was discouraged by the surgeon due to the tumor’s unusual size and shape. They even hoped for a peaceful passing on the operating table.
After extensive diagnostic procedures, two veterinarians could not realize whether this tumor was benign or malignant. A benign tumor does not invade other sites of the body. Malignant tumors are the worst, as they can spread throughout the body.
A few weeks ago, KOKO suffered a sudden loss of strength. Lorie managed to recover her using peanut butter, and KOKO quickly regained her energetic appearance.
The doctor discovered a concerning issue during palpation and confirmed it as a tumor. They took her for an ultrasound at another hospital. In brief, despite Joel’s emotional turmoil, his wife reminded Joel that by rescuing KOKO from euthanasia, they have granted her another twelve years of a happy life.
Two months ago, Lorie and Joel decided against pursuing surgery despite the surgeon’s reluctance. They thought KOKO would spend the remainder of her natural life with them. KOKO shows no outward signs of discomfort, masking her illness well. Joel decided that he will
make heartfelt decisions in the absence of Lorie, ensuring she receives the care she needs, either naturally or otherwise.
Lorie and KOKO, adoption night
They declared KOKO as their new daughter since they have no children. Shortly after the photo was taken, a serious KOKO was adjusting to her new home. Lorie could not contain her happiness, and she shed tears of joy.
Over the years, as KOKO aged, she developed a habit that occasionally tested Joel’s wife’s patience. Attached to Mommy, KOKO would faithfully follow her everywhere, even into the bathroom and, most notably, the kitchen.
Lorie and an excitable KOKO
Continuing Journeys
Recently, KOKO has been standing before open doors, gazing into empty rooms. She regularly sniffs Lorie’s clothes, occasionally letting out a cry. The absence of her close connection with her mommy is evident.
His mom wisely said, “They know.”
Amidst his grieving process, caring for KOKO has become a guiding force, helping him take each step forward. Daily walks, special kidney diet meals, and her morning hunger reminders have given him purpose and structure amid loss.
KOKO today, waking up daddy for breakfast and her first walk
KOKO is growing fast, but they still believe she is a puppy. They adopted KOKO on Joel’s birthday in 2012 when she was two. He has met Lorie on his 36th birthday. Adopting KOKO meant the world to them.
And, clearly, to KOKO herself. It’s as though she has decided to not leave Joel until she is convinced he will be okay.
The author and KOKO in an emotional reunion following a week-long 2017 book tour
Lorie’s Story is an unexpected tragedy. Lorie and Joel met on his birthday during a significant singles event. She took the only available seat beside him among the 2000 attendees.
They married on August 26th the following year, and it was their first marriage. Bonding over their love for arts and culture, humor, and a shared sense of the absurd, they navigated life together. Their relationship was a mix of goofiness and old souls, celebrating their commonalities and differences. Lorie could not entirely convert him to opera, and Joel could not fully win her over to comic books, horror, and science fiction. They cherished their shared moments.