03/03/2024
Ode to Cody
Born circa 2012, adopted March 2022, died 00:25 on March second 2024
AKA Coddles, Code Meister, Code Man, Mr Man, Little man, Spickles
Two years ago we were asked to save you as your old owner was moving to a new flat and could not take you with. Reluctantly we agreed and home you came to be a friend for Mickey. You were not well and had teething problems that made your breath stink. You also had an occasional heaving fit. Slowly you settled into our home and routine and before long had wormed your way into our hearts. You had such colourful antics that made you really special, one of the best dogs I ever owned.
You would tip-tap up the passage and launch yourself at the bed, burrow down under the blankets and snuggle pressed tightly into the crook of my legs. You slept soundly on most days except when the thunder made you tremble and you had to find a little corner to hide away from it. We had to coax you to take CBD oil in treats or food to calm you down.
In the morning you would lie until I got up, gave you a belly rub and went to the bathroom and you would then leap off the bed and go outside. Sometimes I saw you outside my bedroom window and you would then come rushing up the passage to greet me with your little happy dance and would then prance down the passage with me following.
If I went to the loo, you would follow me up the passage and lie at my feet to ensure that I would not leave you and try for some petting or a belly rub.
You loved to burrow into the blankets on the couches and get yourself comfortable and then curl up and have a nap.
If I went into the music room to practice, you came and lay at my feet - truly my greatest fan. If I was doing some gardening, you would lie next to me and keep me company and if I sat on a chair to rest, you would leap onto my lap and make yourself at home. You dug several holes in my garden and the one under my bedroom window, became your final resting place.
At meal times, we would have to keep you separate from Mickey to prevent you eating all his food too. A far cry from the 1 1/2 tablespoons that we were told you ate. After we had your teeth fixed, you had an incredible appetite. After you had eaten, you would go into the garden for a comfort break and then come in to see if Mickey had left any of his food to finish off.
Then you would rub your head on a blanket or carpet, curl up and sleep a contented sleep. You would roll over on your back and look at you expectantly waiting for a belly rub. You would look up lovingly into your eyes with his big brown eyes and my heart would melt. The last lucid memory of him is him looking into my eyes as if to say "Help me daddy, I am in pain"
Sometime you and Mickey would have a play fight and spend quite some time seeing who could get the upper hand. Sometimes you guys went too far and we would have to caution you to play nicely. You also loved barking at the neighbours dog and would run up and down the fence, finding the tiniest gap to sniff at,
If I had to go out you would stand and watch me leave and I had to promise you that I would be back. Often you would be stressed and wait impatiently for my return. You were the first to hear when my car pulled into the garage and would yelp excitedly that I was back. As I came in the front door you would leap up to great me and smell me all over to find out where I had been.
You were a fiercely independent dog and would find a spot in the sun or on the grass to while away your day. I know you really enjoyed our garden.
On a few occasions I forgot to close the kitchen door when I was going out and you quickly figured out that if you dashed out there and ran round the house you could beat me to the gate. A few times you caught me unawares and managed to escape. You took full advantage and ran off up and down the street. I tried to run after you but soon tired. I would then get the car out of the garage and drive after you, open the door and call to to jump in and then bring you home in the car. A couple of times you came back to the house on your own and wait outside the gate for me to open for you.
On a few of the walks we took you on, you managed to escape your harness and run off. Once you ran after a big dog, much to the disgust of the owner! But your really enjoyed your taste of freedom. We had finally found a harnass after trying several alternatives that would work but we only got to use it to take you to the vet.
If we were sitting in the lounge and you felt like it (as you did often) you would get us all to howl with you and bond us together as a tribe.
When we had a braai, that was one of your favourite times. While I was setting up you would be out there, lying in the sun or under the trees. When we sat down, you jumped onto my lap while we sat and waited for the flames to die down. There was always a piece of boerewors on the braai for you and Mickey and you really enjoyed them. In fact, that is the last thing you ever ate. I am so glad your last meal was your favourite. Sometimes if there were bones that were not sharp we would give you each one and you would head for the mat inside the front door and munch away contentedly.
At night you would often stay outside in the cool while we watched TV and pop your head in the door every once in a while to make sure we were still there. When mum went to bed you would happily run along and jump into the bed before she could get there.
What a great dog you were. Mickey was the first dog I said was my best dog ever but you quickly took your place as one of my best dogs ever. I will think of you often as I see a spot where you would lie or when there is an empty space in my bed.
