We let go of Cody today, he was 5 years old and will be painfully missed.

He inhaled some foxtail seed that worked its way through his system and lodged on his heart sack.  Don't know how long that had been in there but we figured it out when his body's growth of tissue to surround it became so much that it caused heart and lung issues.  That was nearly two years ago - when he had just turned 3.  He recovered from the surgery and had another good hunting season but I noticed that his stamina was never really the same.  Eventually we confirmed that the earlier trauma in his chest had caused terminal damage.

He was a fortunate dog and had a good life in his short time with us.  He was my first hunting dog.  To say he exceeded my expectations is a gross understatement.  I frankly did not know a dog was capable of what I saw from him.  My time as Cody's driver and gunner was short lived but I would not trade it for anything.  He was a very special boy that touched the lives of our family in many ways. 

Words fail me.  What can you say about a dog that will forever own part of your soul. 

Bruce,We are very sorry for your loss. I know these dogs leave inprints on our hearts that can never be erased. Rember the good hunts you had with him and keep him in your heart. I know he will be missed. Jon and Holly

So very, very sorry, Bruce. He'll always live on in your memories, and in Cruz...hugs to all around your house.

I knew this was coming,still hate to here it. I'm real sorry Bruce,call if you need to talk. Cody was your boy,but he suffers no more....Cruz will help,as will time.... they do get to us in ways those outside of the dog world can never understand........RIP Cody

Bruce, Sorry for your loss! He sounds like a very special part of your family, My prayers are with you and your family, RIP Cody

Really sorry youve lost one, especially when they go so early. Thoughts are with you.

Bruce:

We are very sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Gene 

Sorry to hear this Bruce. Glad we had that late season hunt with him last year out here in ks. His little sister KC' also says 'ruff'. Here is how I will always remember him...

Bruce,
I'm so sorry for your loss... Cody was one of those special dogs that I'll never forget. and one of those dogs that I wished I had owned.. even if he was a flavor.. not a color. My condolences to you and your family.. Cody will be missed.. he was a great dog..

Ah Bruce, I am so sorry. And here we were inundating you with emails about the HofF. I remember the day I judged you and Cody, I think he got his two time that day? You both were a pleasure to work with and watch. It must be a comfort to know you and the brown dog made all the brown dogs proud. He is a beauty whether with you or on to bigger fields. There are no words, but you must know all of us wish you the best thoughts in memory of a wonderful dog... Julie

Steve, I really appreciate that. It was one of the neatest experiences to have with him. It was also the last wild bird hunt where he was really physically able to do what he loved best. He didn't know what color he was. He just knew he was a gun-dog and used his experiences to try to do his job better. I think the best thing I can say in his memory is that 4 of the last 6 wild phesants I shot over him were runners that he cut off and worked directly back to me or pinned them down. First time I saw him do this a couple of years ago, it took me by such surprise that I actually missed the big rooster that flushed out 20 feet from me. After that I began to let him do his thing well out of gun range when the scent trail told him he needed to circle wide and pin that bird in. Not the first time I realized that he knew a lot more about what he was doing than I did.

Deepest condolences from the Erickson's.
The hurt will slowly fade, but never be gone.
The great memories will last forever.
You were lucky to have had each other.


.

What a beautiful boy. With deepest sympathies - Russ and Rhenee Fadling

I’m so sorry to year of your loss, my thoughts are with you. I think it’s always tougher when they are young, but it’s never easy to lose a friend and companion.

I lost my first bird dog when he was 5 and it broke my heart. Cherish the memories and be thankful for the time you and Cody spent together.

Due to work and just being too busy, I haven't posted in months. But when I saw this thread I had to put life on hold to post a response.




I was lucky to meet Bruce & Cody at my first APLA event. Zeke & Cody were running CPR at Roberts Il, along with Stealthbomber and a number of other people from this thread. It was a great group of people & dogs. I remember watching Cody, he was great that day. Young, full of potential, huge motor, huge desire, you could tell that he was destined for greatness. Cody was special and his owner had caught the PL bug.




I later watched Cody going for his MPR, he ripped through that upland field and hunted hard. I mean Cody hunted hard that day and he loved his job – finding and pointing birds. He was just fun to watch, and he hunted with enthusiasm and showed what he was made of, 100% bird finding machine. The gallery was “woo’d” and many knew that day that Cody was special enough to sire the next generation of outstanding brown dogs! No surprise, Cody did just that. For sure, when I see a great up and coming brown dog, I will think that s/he is probably one of Cody’s offspring.




Cody was the test dog when Zeke got his MPR. Cody stepped on his marks and ran a great blind. I remember thinking, “Thanks for setting the bar so high Cody!” Once again, Cody showed that he was still special.




No doubt, Bruce and Cody have left their mark on the APLA. I know this is a tough day for you Bruce, but know that Cody will be remembered as a special dog by many of his fans!




Zeke

Bruce, my heart goes out to you. Yesterday, I read about Cody leaving and was not up to posting, but my four dogs got a little extra ear scratchin' last night.

Bruce,
So sorry to hear about your loosing Cody. He was a lucky dog to share his time with such a caring owner! The Persing's Pets will get extra attention tonight in honor of Cody. Keep the memories alive through his pups and by sharing.
Hang in there.
Pat

Bruce:

I was so sorry to hear about Cody. As others have said it is amazing just how quickly they become a part of our lives. Take comfort in reliving the memories of the time you had with Cody. I gave my dogs an extra treat tonight in rememberance of him.

Wildflugel

Bruce,

Sorry to hear about you and your families loss. Cody was a very special dog to you and many others. Cherish the memories, they will last forever. Go brown dogs

Bruce, haven;t had the pleasure of watching Cody, but I certainly want to extend my sympathies. I know that besides setting the bar high as a test dog, he has set the bar high for your next dog as well.

Giving Beamer and GAbby extra hugs,

Fritz