About Cody

         Cody is a 5 year old Chocolate Labrador/ Pit bull mix. Cody came to his present home approximately 2 ½ years ago. He was given to us by a friend named Cindy who was no longer able to give him the attention he needed due to an increase in her work schedule. When Cody first came home, he had lots of energy and at first, didn’t want to listen to his new owners. He liked to escape out the front door, just as you were about to close it, and run around the neighborhood. We also learned that Cody was a little spoiled, suffering from “only child” syndrome from his old owner. He wouldn’t sit, shake or lay down for us. In the beginning, Cody wasn’t the only pet in the house. He shared the attention with our other dog, an American Bulldog/ Pit bull mix named Wrigley. We were a little frustrated at first but after less than a week, with some patience and a good role model in Wrigley, Cody quickly learned the basics of being a good pet. He now knows how to sit, shake and lay down on command, as well as to stay in the yard. We no longer fear he will run away, he’d rather be by our sides anyway.

            Cody and Wrigley became best friends and were often seen sharing the same pillow while napping on the couch. Their favorite thing to do together was lay in the sun in the front yard and people watch. Cody and Wrigley also loved to go for rides, as do most dogs. In the mornings, we would bring both dogs to Karim’s BP gas station in Clearwater to open the store and give the dogs a chance to get out of the house. Although they wouldn’t stay all day, they were happy for their morning ride and also to meet lots of new faces that would come to the store in the mornings. They were both a big hit to the locals who stopped in for their morning coffee. It was at this time that we realized how much Cody liked to be at the store, especially when the bell for the drive-thru went off and he could jump up and greet the customers.

            In April, 2009, Wrigley passed away from a serious case of Osteosarcoma. Cody was now the only dog at home and it took some adjusting. We were all sad but decided Cody needed another friend to play with and it was time to give another dog a good home as well.  After a few months, we found Murphy, a 3 month old Rat terrier mix who needed a good home. Although much smaller than Wrigley, Murphy liked to play with Cody as if he were a much bigger dog. They would play for hours and Cody was so gentle with the new little puppy. They quickly became great friends and again, were often seen cuddling on the couch at nap time. That summer, Karim decided it would be a good idea to bring Cody to work with him on a regular basis and have him stay throughout the day. Cody helped Karim feel safe from possible burglars in the early morning hours and also helped make his day much happier to have his best friend by his side. Cody became a regular fixture at the store and the customers loved it as much as he did. People were often stopping by, just to see the smiling dog.

            During the summer, a man named Josh came through the drive-thru with his Chocolate Labrador named Junior. He told Karim how he was on his way to take him to the SPCA because he wasn’t able to take care of him. Karim could tell Junior was a good dog and felt bad for the owner. He knew it must be hard to give up your beloved pet. Karim, being such an animal lover, especially for dogs, thought it would be nice to give Cody and Murphy another friend to play with and by the end of the day, Junior was in his new home with his new family. His old owner, Josh, still visits Junior and occasionally takes him over night for an extended visit.

           Cody now has a big family and enjoys playing with his new friends, but his favorite thing is going to work every morning with Karim. Cody waits by the front door every morning and guards it to make sure Karim doesn’t leave without him. Because Cody was at the store so much, he felt like one of the employees. Before long, he had his own shirt and nametag. It started as a joke, but quickly turned into a regular routine and Cody would sit and allow Karim to dress him for work, knowing he had a job to do.