This time around we wanted a shelter/rescue dog. Both Chad and I have a huge heart for these animals and their situations. It breaks our hearts that these dogs are overlooked because of breed or their "issues because they're shelter dogs." Our new guy is living proof of how awesome they can be!
Before meeting Cody we met two potential siblings for Aspen that fell through. First we met Maddie, a Blue Heeler that was just precious but when she met Aspen the teeth came out and she tried to attack our baby, so that was a no. Next we met Annie, an adorable white Pitbull who we absolutely loved! Unfortunately, this time Aspen was the one who didn't like her. At this point we felt hopeless that we'd find a right match.
Occasionally I'd check a website called petfinder.com. I typed in cattle dog, male, medium size, and 100 mile radius from Cincinnati. Lots of options popped up, including Cody. To be honest I wasn't really interested in him but I sent an inquiry just for the heck of it. Next thing you know the three of us are driving to the middle of nowhere to meet this little fur ball. Neither Chad or I had high hopes and chalked the whole trip up to seeing new sights. Well, when we got there it was love at first sight! He was so sweet, funny, and a little weird....he was perfect for us. The big test was Miss Aspen. Being in a new place with all kinds of animals, sounds, and smells completely stressed her out and we expected her to lash out at Cody. Instead, they sniffed each other, played a bit, and basically ignored each other. For Aspen, this was huge. We knew he was it. They said we could take him home right then but we had absolutely nothing ready!
That next week Chad was in California so I prepared the house for our new baby, and tried to prepare my current baby as much as I could for this new change.
On Saturday, Febraury 28 we adopted Cody, formally known as Biggie. We decided to change his name for a few reasons: he really isn't that big, all I think of is Biggie Smalls, and we wanted it to match Aspen (west coast and a city). He has responded to it very nicely and doesn't seem to be confused which is great! He is supposedly a year and a half. We'll be celebrating his 2nd birthday in July. We aren't exactly sure what he is but we think he's Red Heeler and Beagle. He's shorter than Aspen but about the same weight....he's a little chunker :)
When we brought him home Aspen and him played like best friends outside but inside Aspen was very territorial and did not like another dog in her house. By Sunday afternoon they were playing in the house and sleeping in each others' beds. Aspen still gets jealous but we are trying to give her extra attention and love so she knows everything is fine. The transition is going way better than expected and we couldn't be happier! We think this new addition is exactly what our family needed. He is very playful but knows how to relax which is exactly what Aspen needs in her life.
His personality is complete love bug. All he wants is to bury his head in your lap and receive kisses and belly rubs. We can tell there must have been some abuse in the past because when you come up to him he will sometimes coward down, it breaks my heart. His story is he was dumped in a field at an unspecified age and a woman called the shelter to pick him up because the property he was on was owned by a woman who was going to kill him just for being a dog. When he was rescued he was 8 months old. He's been a great dog so far! He hasn't done anything scold-worthy and just wants to play with his sister, get loved on, and sleep.
We love that Aspen now has a buddy and we have a new little boy to love. This is a really joyous time in our little family and I'm so excited to share it with you! Thank you for all the sweet posts and I can't wait for everyone to meet him and play with them both!
xoxo
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