Brody 2005-2019
by The K9 Guy, 07-08-19On Friday we had to say farewell to Brody, a dog who was so wonderful I don't know where to begin.
We adopted Brody in the Fall of 2005 from the Franklin County Animal Shelter (when still on Alum Creek Dr.). I remember my visit to the shelter that day, and remember passing by Brody's cage many times before taking him out for a walk. He was a very lanky looking dog, had a bent ear, and was spinning wildly in his cage. Once out of the cage he was a different dog - happy, focused, and wanting very much to please. Once back home, we got him cleaned up, fed, and he quickly settled into our home and hearts.
About 2 years later, when Brody was around 2-1/2 years old, I began thinking about a business for training dogs. Brody and I signed up for National K9's Master Trainer class in the fall of 2007. For 6 weeks, 6 days each week, Brody and I would travel to class. I studied, Brody learned basic then advanced obedience, and we taught each other. It was very rigorous training, but we both enjoyed it tremendously. And by the end of that class, Brody was a "working dog".
Brody worked with me for another 8 years. From October to April every year (during cooler weather), we would travel together to visit clients. During 8 years working as my helper, Brody assisted directly while working with over 1,000 dogs - usually dogs that weren't well behaved around other dogs. He was always confident, obedient, and a great assistant in so many ways. He always loved packing up for the day, and I enjoyed our travels together.
At 10 years of age I retired Brody. He was getting older, and not as agile as in his youth. Brody's retirement included laying out on the yard, taking rides, and helping train some of the newer canine additions to our family. As time passed, he gradually had more difficulty walking, and last Friday flopped on the floor. He had become too tired to walk anymore, and was letting me know he was ready to go. It was a brutally sad day. Fortunately my wife and I spent several hours talking and reminiscing with him, until his final visit to our Veterinarian. He passed peacefully shortly after 3 pm.
Words can never reflect the love and respect we had for Brody. He was truly a treasure. Our home is sad now, but I know time does heal. We're blessed to have so many wonderful memories we shared together. We will miss him deeply, and will never forget him. Brody was a dog that was kind, intelligent, brave, helpful, and loving. I hope to live a life as honorable as his, so that one day we may again be together.
A past article about Brody can be found here!