Alabama Man, Greg Cook, Reunited With Dog He Thought He Lost To Tornado (PHOTOS)

Only Greg Cook's beloved dog Coco was home when a tornado tore through his home in Limestone County, Ala.

Cook rushed home after the winds had stopped to find his house and 50 others destroyed. While homes can be repaired, it was his chocolate Labrador that he feared he'd lost forever.

But like the rainbow at the end of the storm, there was some good news when Cook was reunited with Coco, who managed to survive the Category-5 tornado.

According to WAFF.com, Cook sifted through the debris and crawled through a window to find his dog soaking wet and shaking in a hallway.

"It was just such a relief, I was happy to see him," said Cook, who was in tears when they were reunited. "I love my dog, he's my best friend and I was just so happy to see him."

Coco is just one of the miracle survivors of the storm. Fourteen-month-old Angel Babcock was found in a field far from her house but has since died.

See our images of Cook's heartwarming reunion with Coco:

Comments

[guilherme161190]

06:01 PM on 06/10/2012

droped a tear in ma eye... God bless both them!!

[Angie Daniels]

11:01 PM on 04/06/2012

YAY! Good news for a change!

[mamadeus]

06:51 AM on 03/09/2012

Love is a dog!

[Sandra Stipp]

04:14 PM on 03/07/2012

"It was just such a relief, I was happy to see him," said Cook, who was in tears when they were reunited. "I love my dog, he's my best friend and I was just so happy to see him."
AWESOME.

[NikitaAhn]

12:12 AM on 03/07/2012

I;m continuously warmed by the universality of our bonds with animals. Looking at those photos, I don't care what MrCook's politics are, rather or not we'd butt heads about policies or candidates. All I see is a vulnerable human being who clearly loves his dog with all his heart and soul, and I can recognize myself in him for that reason. I love my animals with everything in me, and I understand that joy and love and relief he's expressing. Seeing that love in him makes me feel something close to love for him, as well - more proof that animals are better than us all, and have the ability to bring us all closer. It's like that common thread of intense love for our animals just strips away all the usual BS and contention and leaves only the goodness in us to shine through.

Nothing can replace that unconditional, selfless, whole-hearted love that animals give us, the purity of their affection and the timeless quality of their bonds with us. There's nothing like knowing that something loves you completely, for exactly who you are (just as you are, flaws and all), and that their love will never fade, sour, or disappear. I am so, so happy for Mr. Cook and Coco and I wish them many more years of friendship and love. Image 3 says it all, doesn't it? His joy and relief, and her steadfast, loving support - I'm not ashamed to admit it made me cry.

[recoveringcynic]

09:21 AM on 03/08/2012

VERY well stated!

[Angie Daniels]

11:02 PM on 04/06/2012

My dog and I fan you.

[babbs0128]

11:45 AM on 03/06/2012

So very happy for both Greg & Coco. Out of devastation comes joy of reuniting with a loved one, whether a human or animal.

[MissFrijole]

09:45 AM on 03/06/2012

That is a very touching story and the pictures speak volumes! I am so happy for him that he found his dog! She looks like a sweetie!

[paulfiquet]

09:23 AM on 03/06/2012

dogs are part of one's family and the loss of one is heart breaking...glad that his lab was alive and well.

[Lindsgrace33]

10:23 PM on 03/05/2012

Made me cry. :') After reading so many sad stories, this is nice to see.

[eddyfrankjack]

10:57 PM on 03/05/2012

Ditto! Crying too - those photos are just stirring, if I could just reach out to this man and Coco, I would hug them both. Just look at his hands hugging the other man - it is INTENSE and you can just read his gratefulness for the life of his beloved Coco. There are some really good pooch papas out there! Many years of togetherness and LOVE to Coco & Greg - dogs are indeed a human's closest BFF. Peace!

[Kay Ness]

09:16 PM on 03/05/2012

Photos are by my friend, Gary Cosby = photographer for the newspaper in Decatur, Alabama.
From the Decatur Daily: http://www.decaturdaily.com/stories/Tornado-Strikes-Athens-and-Limestone-County,92388

[eddyfrankjack]

10:59 PM on 03/05/2012

Your friend has a great eye for touching moments. Wonderful pics.

[Lisa Hall]

09:13 AM on 03/07/2012

Your friend did an amazing job capturing the emotion of all involved in this amazing story. Do you happen to know how Greg Cook and Coco are doing? Do they have a place to stay where they can be together?

[AlisonCarnie]

07:34 PM on 03/05/2012

Dogs access our hearts unlike humans ... they have no agenda and just love ... and all they want back is love. We are their whole world.

[pciorlandosales]

11:52 PM on 03/05/2012

Cats too :)

[MissFrijole]

09:46 AM on 03/06/2012

I have to disagree. My cat can be a real pain sometimes. She only loves on me when she wants attention or if her food bowl is empty. I love that she likes to curl up with me sometimes, but she can seem pretty distant most of the time. That is the nature of cats, though.

[CindyinFL]

06:28 PM on 03/05/2012

As an animal lover and dog owner, I understand completly... So happy CoCo was safe...

[NoPartyCharlie]

05:50 PM on 03/05/2012

Picture number 2 is beautiful. Whoever took that photo, you have talent

[pciorlandosales]

11:53 PM on 03/05/2012

I liked number 3 :)

[Sofia Champion]

05:43 PM on 03/05/2012

:')

[nanaofmysky]

05:27 PM on 03/05/2012

So glad he found his beloved dog. His best friend. Great story! The bad part is the little girl has since died. Now she can join her family. This story has both sad and tragic together. Made me cry both from being happy and sad.