08/18/2026
Today was a hard day. Today, we had to say goodbye—for now—to our boy, Cody.
Cody worked full-time as my service dog for seven years before he retired. But those of you who knew Cody know that retirement just wasn’t in him. He had spent his life working, helping, and taking care of others, and he wasn’t ready to stop.
After a very short retirement of about a month, Cody transitioned into therapy work. He was assigned to the Charles County Mobile Integrated Care Unit, where he served as an on-call therapy dog for anyone who needed him.
Cody never took that job lightly, just like he never took his job as my service dog lightly.
For about three and a half years, Cody continued doing what he loved most—helping people. He helped countless people throughout his life, many of whom he had never met before and may have only spent a few moments with. But Cody didn’t need to know someone to know when they needed him. That was just who he was.
Less than a month ago, Cody was diagnosed with bone cancer. The cancer hit him hard and fast, and suddenly it was our turn to take care of the boy who had spent his entire life taking care of everyone else.
During his final months , Cody was able to rest comfortably at home with his two-legged brother, Conner, his pack, and his four-legged brother, Ceaser and the rest of his family. We made sure he was comfortable, surrounded by love, and maybe even a little spoiled. After almost 12 years of being such a good boy, Cody finally got to enjoy some human food—and he definitely deserved every bite.
Cody was willing to work right up until his body told him he couldn’t anymore. He loved working. He loved helping people. Most of all, he loved knowing that the people around him were okay.
In his final moments, Cody was surrounded by the people who loved him.
I told Cody that we wouldn’t be sad because he never liked seeing anyone sad or upset. I’m going to try my hardest to keep that promise to him. I know that will be easier said than done, and there will be plenty of tears along the way, but we’re going to do our best.
Cody, thank you for seven years of taking care of me. Thank you for another three and a half years of taking care of everyone else who needed you. Thank you for every person you comforted, every life you touched, and every moment you gave us.
You served faithfully.
You loved unconditionally.
And you gave everything you had until the very end.
There are no more calls to answer.
No more people you need to take care of.
No more pain.
Rest easy now, my sweet boy. Your watch is over.
We’ve got it from here.
🐾 Cody 🐾
End of Watch — 08/17/2026
Forever a service dog. Forever a therapy dog. Forever family.
