Hunter Hayes Shares Heartfelt Post After Death of His Dog Cole: 'Thank You for Rescuing Me'

Hayes said that he is "full of gratitude for all of the incredible adventures" that he shared with his dog Cole

Hunter Hayes is reflecting on the good moments he and his dog, Cole, shared in the wake of the pup's death.

The singer-songwriter revealed on Instagram Monday that Cole died recently, writing that the canine "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 did not specify the dog's cause of death, but he went into detail on how much of an impact the furry friend had on him during their time together. Cole, who, according to the singer, was given that name "after his racing retirement," was a therapeutic companion to the singer.

"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," he wrote alongside a carousel of images of himself and Cole. "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."

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The "Wanted" singer concluded his message with "Cheers sir, thank you for rescuing me. You will be missed."

During a 2021 conversation with PEOPLE, the singer spoke about his move to California and revealed key details about his relationship with Cole, who was 11 years old at that time.

Hayes endearingly referred to Cole as his "roommate" and "the boss" of the house and said that Cole was "a retired racing Greyhound" who, despite being over a decade old, was "the youngest he's ever been, spiritually."

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"They told me when I adopted him that racing greyhounds tend to get younger as they get older," the star explained, noting "that their puppy side comes out, and it has."

Hayes, Cole, and his other dog, a whippet-beagle named Ella, were also featured in PEOPLE's 2019 Sexiest Man Alive issue. During that conversation, Hayes shared that Cole enjoys "living life" and "being mellow" with him.

"He is where I strive to be," he added.

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