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Cody Cody came into my life at my veterinarian’s office. I was sitting in the lobby and a kennel tech was taking out this adorable Black Labrador Retriever puppy. I automatically opened my arms, and he scampered up into my lap and started bathing my chin! I didn’t even realize at first that he was missing his front left leg.
Cody is so much of the reason I am ... me. He walked wherever I led, just because I asked him. But if you look at the path we took together, he was the guide. I saw his kind, sweet nature from the very start, and decided to train him to be a therapy dog. We became a Delta Society Pet Partner team, and later I continued my education to become a Delta Instructor, AAT Instructor and Evaluator -- so I could teach others how to share their pets just like Cody shared his love with so many. Throughout his life, his kiss brought forth words from one who had not spoken in years ... giggles from children with disabilities ... understanding from amputees who felt kindred spirit ... laughter from seniors locked in Alzheimers' fear .... comfort to hospice patients during their last days.
Cody developed severe hip dysplasia and arthritis as he grew older. In January 2005, I thought his arthritis had taken a severe turn. He began favoring his right back leg. Despite an intense acupuncture and B12 treatment, he didn't improve, which was unusual. I took him back to his rehabilitation vet and she found a mass on his leg. My vet confirmed it was osteosarcoma -- a fast-growing, excruciatingly painful bone cancer. I couldn't bear the thought of another second going by with him suffering, so I made the heart-wrenching decision to let him go. I know I made the right choice. He had given me so much, and the only thing I could give him for this cruel twist of fate was a release from his pain, and final peace. And while saying goodbye was hard enough, it's not as hard as learning to live without him. Cody was a Delta Society Beyond Limits National Therapy Dog of the Year ... a South Carolina Animal Hall of Fame Inductee ... and my dearest friend for 12 years. He had the sweetest soul of any creature I have ever met. I will be forever grateful to the angel who sent him to me. The Rainbow Bridge (Author Unknown)There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It is called the “Rainbow Bridge” because of its many colors. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills and valleys with lush, green grass.
There is only one thing missing. They are not with their special person who loved them on Earth. So, each day they run and play until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up. The nose twitches! The ears are up! The eyes are staring and this one suddenly will run from the group! You have been seen, and when you and your special friend meet, you take him or her in your arms and embrace. Your face is kissed again and again, and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting friend! Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated.
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Contact: 803-356-9170 or PawsitiveRslts@aol.com Copyright ©2008
Pawsitive Results, L.L.C.
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At 7
weeks, Cody was allegedly hit by a car and no one had taken him for medical
treatment. As a result, his injuries worsened and by the time a Good Samaritan
rescued him, my vet needed to amputate his leg in order to save Cody’s life.
From the minute he ran into my arms, he owned my heart. I adopted him, and my
life was rewritten. 
Through
training him, I discovered my ability to share my knowledge with others. He
inspired me to be a better trainer ... leading me to launch my dog training
business, Pawsitive Results, and to join the Association of Pet Dog Trainers,
for which I served as President for three years. Every student and dog I have helped ...
every public appearance I have made ... every article and book I've written ....
every dog-related volunteer position I have taken ... all ripples from this very
special dog. 
When
a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place. There is always food, water and
warm spring weather. The old and frail are young again. Those who are maimed,
are made whole again. They play all day with each other.