Aquarium Co-Op : The Hardest Story Ever Told 

I remember seeing a quote from Anatole France that goes, "Until one has loved an animal a part of one's soul remains unawakened." I know some people don't get it, but having a bond with an animal is an incredible thing. To be honest I knew Cory cares about his animals, but I never quite saw him in this way. He is a special dude and has my respect/regards.

This must've been really hard for Cory to tell. Respect for over coming all the challenges and still being open today Edit: I've never seen Cory cry before. He lost a fish that meant a lot to him. I know what that's like. Respect to Cory

Crap, this one got to me. Just makes me like Cory even more.

Well that's the first time Cory made me cry that man has a heart the size of Texas and that is why we love him god bless

Im sorry Cory. Could really feel your pain. You did the best you could for him

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” - Anatole France

I've never wanted to reach through my screen and give someone a hug so badly as I did watching this. Mad respect to Cory for sharing the struggle of owning your own business and not letting all the success go to his head. You can tell he busted his ass to get to where he is today and acknowledges the people and even pets that gave him the strength to get to there. Very humbling. I look forward to seeing that tree next to the pond.

The real fish talk....glad to know that things are much better now

It's never easy talking about losing someone you love, whether its a person or pet. I'm actually kinda happy this was done less edited, sometimes a story needs to be simple to be more powerful.

Awww so sorry to hear this story...I feel you on this one!

I cried with you. Heartbreaking story. Thank you so much for sharing.

You’re a strong man for telling that story on camera! I cried, my wife cried!! My heart goes out to you man! They are just like a family member! Murphy has your heart now but there will never be another Hank!!! Hank will live forever in everybody’s hearts and minds!!! You didn’t fail him! You did everything right for Hank! You’re very educated and know more than a lot of hobbyists and I learn from you everyday from your videos so just know that you are not to blame for Hanks passing! We love you man! Keep strong brother!!!

This is heartbreaking. So much respect Cory for sharing this.

That is really cool burying her Mbu puffer with Hank!! Awesome thing to do 👏🙌🙌

People who are jealous of successful like people like Cory never see or would risk their finances to start a business lile this. Hard story man.

That’s a rough story to share. I don’t know of any aquarist that hasn’t lost fish, though few of us can say we’re as connected to them as Cory to Hank. Hearing the long version of the Hank story, while seriously sad, helps me know that loss is a part of it all, and I can move past it without needing/trying to forget. You (both Jimmy and Cory) continue to inspire me.

It's totally NOT weird or chessy to start new life from death, it's poetic and a lovely tribute to someone you loved so much.

Today, is Cory’s Birthday! Go wish him a great one! The tour leading up to the Story : ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-y4oYu8C-RhU.html

I went there once and my little brother asked "where's hank?" I'm really sorry. Hank will always be in our hearts. I almost cried

"He was my best friend" - Took me back to losing my best friend. I know what you mean about blocking it out. Its like autopilot or something. Thanks for sharing this.

That was a hard story to hear. I only know of Aquarium co-op for what it is now. Not what it was when it was a smaller business. I always hear Cory fight for mom and pop shops on live streams. He knows the struggles people face. As hard as everything has been, its wonderful to see how humble he is. When he cried about Hank, I cried with him. Fish are an under rated pet. People who dont have them dont understand the joy they can bring. Thank you for this video Cory and Jimmy.

Thank you for being vulnerable and telling us this story. 💕 I hope Hank is in a beautiful place, I'm so sorry for your loss. 🌈🐟🌈 When I loss my Shadow kitty, it was a very low point for me, he was my best friend. I did everything I could, but his kidneys failed, he was 14 YO. My Grandma had just passed the summer before (heart failure), then Cinder kitten less than a year after (heart cancer). 😿 I'm still struggling through school, but now I have Emrys kitten, and I have hope for a brighter future. Life has been very hard on me and I will never give up. ☺️ If you're struggling I truly believe that you can make it through. Remember that there is nothing wrong with vulnerability and grief. 🤗 Please have a beautiful day, and make sure to be kind to yourself. 🧘 "Fall down seven times, get up eight" - Japanese Proberb

The idea with burying Hank at the roots of a maple tree, to nourish the life of the tree is beautiful.

I’m a 42 year old man that was about to fix his daughters closet and replace the blades on his lawn mower. I’ll watch this video real quick and get on with my day. 30 minutes later I’m crying like a baby and holding my dog who is also my best friend. Jesus man I was not ready for this. Thank you for sharing.

Damn bro I wasn’t expecting this 😩 Thanks for sharing this. I have a stronger respect for Cory for being able to share this

I remember you briefly mentioned about how your first mascot passed away in an old video and stumbling upon this video, I am heartbroken. I literally started crying when you did too. THIS is what I want anyone who says "it's just a fish" to watch. My favourite goldfish, Bruce, who was with me for 5 years, meant so much to me. When he passed, it was as if it wasn't real. He still had all his other friends in his pond, so I had to keep pushing on. Fish are such beautiful, inquisitive and understanding creatures. They're ALWAYS there for you, even in the worst of times. Seeing how much Hank meant to you truly shows what this hobby is to all of us. When I first got into the hobby, I remember how I would lose fish and each time I would bawl my eyes out because I felt like I couldn't do anything. Now, I'm far more experienced and rarely lose fish, but it still never gets easier when you lose a fish close to your heart. I really hope there's a day when fish are seen on as high of a pedestal as dogs. Both are gifts, and make life just that much better. I am so proud of you for sharing your story, I resonated with you so much. I feel like hearing this, you'll give Murphy the best life imaginable. Rest in peace, little Hank

Thank you for trusting everyone enough to show this really emotional time in your life. It may help so many people to realize they are not alone when these struggles happen. Wishing you good times ahead and beautiful memories from the past!

The truth is I've always regarded Cory as a clever businessman who utilizes RU-vid for his needs. This video proves otherwise. It was gut wrenching watching him talk about Hank. It's something I can closely relate to too. We ordered from aquarium coop yesterday as a result of that. I'm happy to support good people. All the best guys

Thanks for immortalizing this story on the internet Jimmy and Thank you Cory for sharing it with all of us. It is a horribly sad story but it is a fundamental stepping stone in Aquarium Co-Op's success.

Hank was one of the luckiest pet to have Cory as an owner. Really made me cry. Thanks, Jimmy for the uncut version. Love from India Hank RIP.

Geez Cory! I have heard a little of this in another video but not to this extent. Nobody knows how they will deal with an emergency until it happens and you managed to focus on the situation once you got moving. In life we all have a horse to ride and how you ride it, determines your character. The fact that you are where you are today speaks volumes. Your big heart, your honesty and kindness, builds your good Karma that you so obviously deserve. The loyalty of your friends and employees also speaks volumes. Best of everything in the future.

In 1990 my father opened up a pet store in WV. I was 12. I grew up in this business. I feel your pain. We had several break ins, theft was prevalent, some bad fish losses on imports. We struggled, but once we hit the 4 year mark things took off. All those nights and long days were worth it. You always hate to see the store mascots fall ill. Stay strong. You have done wonders for this hobby. Its appreciated everything you do. Hope to meet you in person someday.

When you Love someone or something so much, it breaks your heart when they die, It doesn’t matter if it’s a fish, it’s hard, very sad to watch, but thank you for sharing this Jimmy.

Get the tissues ready folks. ♥️😭♥️

I was so moved by your love for Hank and the raw exposure of your feelings. We all have experienced loss of this kind in one way or another. Seeing you relive your experience, brought back my emotions of my losses. I don't think it strange that you have a plan to remember your friend. I think allowing the maple tree to absorb the nutrients from his body makes Hank part of it. RU-vid is a strange experience Cory, you speak to thousands and yet because we each view you individually, we feel like you are our personal friend. When in truth we don't actually know each other. I got to greet you in Dallas and talk for a few minutes and it was so strange. I felt like I knew you, because Ive been watching every week since 20k subs. I want to thank you for standing for hours for two days, while we lined up just to say hello for a few minutes. It meant alot to me personally. Thank you for posting this Jimmy!

Cory is and always has been the GOAT. He has lifted the hobby in its entirety onto his shoulders. His philosophy of curiosity and nature has inspired me and countless others. I feel like he doesn't really know it but he's changed my life.

I've been watching you since I got my first tank about 4 weeks ago. I love your content. I'm not a crier but this made me cry. I love my fish too. I'm so sorry you went through that and your little buddy who I've seen pictures of and is the cutest guy ever.

You didn't fail. You gave Hank his best life.

Sharing both good and bad is what makes others understand that not all is made of rainbows and sunshine. Keep up the good work!

I can totally relate to waiting for that perfect place to bury a pet. It’s not weird at all. My cat of 11 years passed away last year in March, right before we were planning on moving to a new house. I obviously couldn’t leave him behind. It might seem odd to some, but we took him with us to the new house. We are building a permanent aviary for our parrots, and we found the perfect spot for him in that aviary space - a year after his passing. The sanctuary for the birds and myself is in his honour, the best way I could think of to heal and wrap up his story.

Thank you for telling this story, it obviously wasn’t easy. I’ve learned so much about being a good aquarist from these channels. But this video has taught me even more about the importance of loving and properly caring for the pets I’ve taken responsibility for. Here’s to Hank, gone but not forgotten.

This September marks the 3 year anniversary of my son's death. December marks the 10 year anniversary of my foster daughter's death... Our society has forgotten how to grieve, how to acknowledge a beautiful life, how to celebrate the beauty of the life lost while also giving ourselves permission to grieve what was lost. Death is a part of life. When I work with pregnant individuals, the hardest part of the prenatal classes with trauma survivors, is explaining that babies won't choose to be born until we are able to give them permission to die. Our pets are similar, they can't fully experience and enjoy life, until we give them permission to fully live which means we have to also give them permission to die. You were the best fin parent Hank could have asked for, and Hank has made you a better person. Thank you for trusting all of us, with the full story of Hank. The fact that you were also able to help the lady who loved and lost her Mbu. Blessings on you, Katie, and the Co-OP employees. Even living in an apartment, all of our pets have been buried under bushes or trees, so they can be memorialized. 🌿💜🌿

Very emotional story, must have been really hard to tell. What an amazing person Cory is.

I have lost a lot of good friends over the years. Fish, dogs, cats all animals I've spend there whole lives with. the heartache doesn't really fade. I've also lost a few best friends to suicide. I know how it feels to relive the memories from people just casually asking not knowing how rough it truly is to tell even part of the story. that fact that Cory keeps going and keeps a happy outlook most of the time shows just how strong and good of person he truly is. I'm happy to support him as best I can by referring people to his channel as often as i can to the wealth of knowledge and information he has acquired. And now I know what drove him to his wealth of information which he so humbly shares with the world, and all it takes is asking a question.

That’s what I like about you. You’re real. This video had me crying. I’m sorry for your loss. But with all the difficulties we go through, we grow.

I have the ashes of all of my cats with me. Those ashes will be with me until I die. Four bettas and 2 goldfish are buried in my garden. Every year beautiful flowers grow from their grave. I totally understand. I was crying right along with you as you told Hank's story. I still cry when I think of my fur and scale babies that have crossed the rainbow bridge. They took a piece of my heart with them when the went. Peace my brother.

Cory’s love, care, and respect for Hank & every other creature he has owned or sold is real. One of the reasons I trust his advice, support him through the store, and watch everything he is involved with. This hobby has helped with my mental health over the last few years. Thankful for people like Cory and Jimmy.

I'm useless emotionally, but seeing Cory so grief stricken was honestly one of the hardest hitting experiences I've had in a while. In particular hearing Cory say Hank was his friend really hit home; probably because it is so relatable to any of us who've lost something so dear to us - be it pet or person. After watching the video I spent some time reflecting on the friends I've lost over the years, remembering everything from the hard times they helped me through, the pure unfettered joy they gave me and then trying to come to terms with their eventual loss. This video has been a real cathartic experience, not something I'd have expected when I first opened it up. I'm so sorry all of this happened Cory. For what it's worth I'm really grateful that you didn't pack it in and do something else despite how hard that much have been back then. A big thank you for everything you have done for us over the years, you've been a help to me in ways I cannot even describe :). Thanks also to Jimmy for the video, you're a truly talented videographer and a terrific chap. This channel and the work you've done for the aquarium-coop is a real credit to you.

Heartbreaking Coryi am so sorry. Thank you for sharing a painful story. When I see a maple tree I will smile and think of Hank.

My heart...I love Cory. His passion for his business, his employees, and his fish is just so inspirational. Rest in peach sweet Hank

The joy of owning your own business never knowing what your going to walk into but it's awesome when you fight through those struggles knowing that one day there will be the light at the end of the tunnel. Been there done that got the merit badge!

What a story. So much passion for the hobby. Cory has earned my full respect.

Holy hell this hurt to watch. My heart aches for you, Cory. You're a wonderful human being and you did everything you could. Heart of gold. ❤️

I have a new level of respect for you brother. Telling the struggles of being a business owner on camera is not something everyone does and caring so much for a fish many people wouldn’t understand.

Damn Cory....My heart goes out to you! Re-living painful memories isnt easy /hugs brotha!

I know this video is over a year old at this point, but I wanted to say how much I appreciate you for telling Cory's story. I've heard him talk about Hank in his videos, so it was apparent that he was important to him, but I had no idea. Also, I'd like to thank Cory for being vulnerable and honoring Hank by sharing his story. I feel honored to have heard it.

Having just lost my little dog, a companion of 13 years, I related too hard to this. The struggle of trying...the struggle of the aftermath. It’s brutal, but god, its worth it in the end. And to have a massive financial challenge on top of it? Damn. My heart is with Cory.

Oh Cory, honey I’m so sorry, bless your heart. I’m crying with you, along with so many others, I know. Hank couldn’t have had more love in his life than he did through you. Thank you sincerely for sharing so much of your heart and soul with us.We are so much better because of it.

Super emotional story. i cried when Cory started crying about Hank, because I've been there with fish. It hurts. I am so sorry for your loss of Hank.

It feels so weird to say this, but here goes. Thank you for telling your experience with losing your fishy friend. So many people see fish as not worth anything. My oldest sister bought me a 10 gallon tank and around 10 tropical fish from Wal-mart when I was around 10 years old as a birthday present. She helped me set it up and let me pick them all out individually. I named them all. I had a few casualties as I learned to care for them and had about 7 left by the time I was 13. My dad died and my mom decided to move us 3 1/2 hours north to be closer to her family. All I remember about the move was trying to keep my fish safe. I had them in a bucket at my feet for the whole car ride. I don't remember taking my eyes off them for even a second I was so terrified for them. I'd bought them a new 20 gallon tank that was waiting for them at the new house. I floated them for 20 minutes and to this day my heart still sinks when I think about what happened. I released them into the tank and one by one they started to roll bully up. I didn't know that the well water would be so different than our city water :'( It took years for me to figure out what went wrong--mainly because it was too painful to even think about and after they all died in that one stupid hour I quit fish keeping for almost a decade. When I was around 20 years old I rescued some feeder gold fish from my sister. She bought them to entertain her cat who was recovering from a limb amputation. She thought he might want to eat them. I was horrified. I was pretty confident he wouldn't eat them and when I was proven right she was disappointed and was going to flush them down the toilet! I set up my old tank and kept them for years. One lasted almost 3. He even survived jumping out of a bucket onto linoleum, stunning himself. All he suffered was a tiny tear in his tail fin. When he died I was heartbroken. My family still makes fun of me to this day for caring what happened "to a stupid fish." My point in these stories is, hopefully, to let others know that caring for a fish, crying over the loss is okay. I felt like it was wrong to cry over my fish and didn't mourn their loss for years. Don't do what I did. Let yourself grieve. It's okay to cry ♥

This is actually great, to really see the love for a fish like this.

I started watching this at work and now I’m trying to not cry at work. Anyone whose had a pet can relate to this story. I’m happy that you persevered through all the business struggles and loss of a pet.

Your a good man Cory. Keep doing what your doing. The world is a better place for it.

Your comparison to a dying dog really got me, because my own dog looked at me recently for help and yet I couldn't help her. She just was dying from old age though. This came 3 years after my cat got hit in the street and died in my arms. It's hard. Many animals are our best friends. And now I have to abandon 4 fish as well (I'm moving out of the country). Most of them will probably die. I'm very sad.

Sometimes the content determines how you edit. Sometimes there isn't anything to be added besides letting the moment and the words speak for themselves. Very well shot Jimmy, wish we could all give Cory a big hug for what he went through.

The pain is genuinely real, Cory. I cried with you. You have a beautiful heart. Your wife is so blessed. There needs to be more people like you in this world.

A lot of this comment is for Cory, even though it's on Jimmy's channel. >_> Thank you for sharing this story with, well, everybody. Very scary, nearly losing the business, and just heartbreaking, losing a finned family member. They really are part of the family-- just as much as any mammal. A dog is a best friend and confidant the way a human never could be, and Hank was exactly the same. I'd love to see a video about how he came into you life; a celebration of Hank. But only when you're ready -- if you're ever ready. Jimmy, thanks for helping Cory tell this story (hopefully for the last time, for his sanity), and the raw video kinda matched the raw emotions of the topic. Thank you for including so many photos of Hank, and his get well soon cards.

Cory, you gave Hank an amazing life and if he was part of the inspiration for starting the store, he has had a huge impact on many of us that benefited from your channel and store.

Tissues are required for this story. Brought back memories of pets that were a part of my heart.

Wow. This is what I love about you Cory! Being human for all the world to see cannot be easy. You are an inspiration to so many and had a 39 year old crying along with you here. Thank you for sharing.

My heart goes out to you Cory. I too lost a Mbu puffer 18 years ago now but i still miss my Sugar Puff. They are the most personable fish ever and I just love them. Beautiful idea putting him under the Maple with a buddy.

You’ve faced the impossible. The great loss of family, our pets. My sympathies are with you and thousands others who’ve lost pets they loved. Thank you for continuing on with your love of a great hobby. Your customers thank you 🙏

It's nice to know that Hank and friend will be home in the end and you get to visit him every time you enjoy the koi pond.

Thank you for not editing this. The raw emotion is something we can all feel. All have suffered loss and it helps to share. The story of my Great Dane Harley is similar in many ways. His ashes and mine will enrich a live oak some day.

Oh Lord, I wasn't ready for this 💔 I feel the exact same way about all my animals 😢

Cory, I’m a business owner, a pet lover, I’m going through rough times right now - you have bared your soul and shared something so personal with us. I know your pain and I was crying with you. Sending hugs and respect from Australia.

What an awesome story. Anyone who watches your videos really wants the best for our fish too. We can try our hardest but anything can happen anytime. I hope to visit your store one day ❤️

I don't think I have ever felt more connected to you, Cory, than I do after watching this video. It is so brave telling your whole story on camera. I have great respect for you. May all good fortune grace your life from here forward.

I've got dirt in my eyes, I'm not crying

That’s every fish keepers nightmare.. thank goodness your neighbouring shop keepers were so understanding in the end.

This is an amazing story I’m so glad you powered through and you have made it as a business I love watching Cory he could talk about anything and I would listen also swishy your an amazing editor/ camera man etc keep up the good work guys love the channels

" we come in after shit hits the fan to clean up." Wow thats a real nightmare Cory. Thank you for sharing this story with us . At that point in time i bet you never imagined you would be here now, at this level of success. Hanks death wasnt in vain , you did everything one could possibly do ultimately it was out of your hands , that fish had a better life with you than if it was in the wild , Hank is Famous and is much loved to this day.

I respect your valient efforts and your love for your pets . Thank you for sharing your story with us Cory.

Oh God, it hadn't once occurred to me what a peril it is to have an individual living animal as your company's mascot as well as your beloved pet! Corey, you're a real man to share this story and a quintessential storyteller, which is I'm sure what makes you so good at marketing your company, which you clearly care so much about. Good on all of you for releasing this video. It is heartbreaking, but it makes me know in my heart that you understand how I--and all of your customers--feel about our animals. I noticed when you mentioned a big tank blowing out in an earlier video that you were gliding over something deep and hurtful beyond simply the fear of flooding the other stores and getting sued. Now I understand it was all those poor dead bodies and the impending death of Hank. I'm so sorry that all happened. And we are all so grateful that the store survived and you all hung in there. Bless your heart, dear man. And bless you, Jimmy, for sharing this with us! This is the real fish talk.

Thanks for sharing, Corey. We appreciate the unfiltered story!

I’m so sorry 😞 it brings me back to loosing my pup I had for 13 years. It sure is tough. I love how you can be open and honest. RIP Hank ❤️🐡

Jesus that moment when cory breaks up telling the story.. so sad, if you not cry with that you have no heart

What a story... it’s got to be so hard being so attached to something and having to re-visit that moment. My heart goes out to Cory.

Man card right out the window when I watched this. We are all connected in spirit and is my belief on why we keep animals. Hanks spirit looks down on you Cory thanking you for all your efforts. I thank you.

You did the very best for him Cory! Even our fish know we love them! I’m so sorry for you, they are our baby’s! I lost one of 2 goldfish I’ve had over 10 years and my betta, it’s hard to see empty tanks! But been trying to focus on the ones I have left! ❤️🙏🏻

Thank you so much for sharing this story. Honestly, can't really compose a coherent comment because I'm still crying. :P

You are a great Human Being Cory. I join all commenters here and express profound sorrow for your loss and tribulations. Your live streams are such a calming influence to accompany me while I sit at my 3 tanks each night and zen out to what goes on in them, I can also easily get to sleep by continuing the videos before bed and not many things get my mind to slow down in these times. Thank you.

I'm only 3 minutes in and already intrigued. Gotta finish watching this while I'm on my break at work. Edit: Finished watching the video..... major respect to Cory. What a tough story to tell. Thank you for making this video Cory and Jimmy.

I think these types of experiences make us better fish keepers. It's always so painful to lose your favorite fish, especially one you've named and stayed up late watching night after night. However, I feel this experience will help you understand and feel compassion for those little girls and boys that come into your shop after losing their best finned friend. I just want to thank you Cory for all you do. You make me want to be a better person and a better aquarist.

Damn Cory, you've been trough a lot man. I hope everything is going great for you now

I'm so sorry, the second your voice broke I started balling my eyes out, all I could think of was loosing my companion animals that got me through such rough times. My heart is broken for you.

Ah totally wasn't ready for that. As my old man Betta hits his third birthday I hope I handle it all as well as you have. Thanks for sharing. That was really brave.

I swear onions were being cut nearby while watching this video. Love the idea of planting Hank. When my axolotls passed I buried them under a plant that I now get to see everyday. It brings me some comfort and I hope with Hank it’ll do the same for you. ❤️

Sorry man I feel for you man. But you are so strong and Tuff You truly are a fish lover. I could not do what you do. I keep fish but you are ten times better.

This the story and video that turned me into an Aquarium Co-op customer. This is a guy that cares, shares knowledge, and comes across as an honest business owner. Everything I have received from Corey's company is representative of his company's mission and who he seems to be as a person.