Tribute to K-9 Cody
Cody was born April 14, 2006. We brought her home from the breeder when she was 7 weeks old. Going thought her puppy stage was uneventful, she did the normal puppy things like eating, sleeping and a lot of playing. One afternoon when Cody was six months old we were all in the backyard playing and out of nowhere a military jet came over the house at a very low altitude and scared her, as the jet came back over the house she began barking at it and from that day forward to her last days she declared the backyard as a No-Fly zone and I must say she did her job well as Not One airplane ever landed in the backyard. As Cody grew she developed a great temperament and loved being around people. When she was 2 1/2 years old we decided to train her to become a Therapy Dog. She passed all requirements and became a certified “Therapy Dog” and also received the “Canine Good Citizen” award from AKC. We started making visits to hospitals, schools, VA hospitals and senior homes visiting WWII and Korean war veterans.The people loved her, she alway put a smile on their faces especially the ones that needed to smile. We was very proud of her. In 2010 she received a special award from AKC for completing 50 therapy visits in 6 months. She knew what her job was and did it very well.
As a member of two VSO’s (American Legion and AMVETS), Cody would accompany me to all the meetings representing military dogs past and present. As we would arrive at the meeting hall I would take her off leash and she would go around the room greeting all the veterans, she loved hanging out with the guys and they loved it too. The AMVETS made her an honorary member as she attended all the meetings, special events, photo opts and parades, she was part of the group.
In 2012 Cody showed signs of weakness in her hind quarters. The veterinarian’s diagnoses was degenerative joint disease, especially in the hips and arthritis in the spine. A few months later we decided to retire her and just give her comfort and take care of her. On Memorial Day 2013 Cody participated in her last parade.
In late December, 2014 Cody became very ill, she was put on meds and recovered early January. Two weeks later her condition took a turn for the worst. The veterinarian advised her heart rate was up and she having difficult breathing. We rushed her to the Oakland Animal Hospital in West Bloomfield. While on the examining table she had a heart attack. We both held on to her as she passed.
Cody was my companion, my best friend, she was by my side every day. We did everything together. When she wasn’t doing her therapy work she was participating in many of our veteran affairs. Cody was loved by many. We miss her so much.
R.I.P. Cody-Girl until we’re together again.
Phil & Barb Weitlauf
MWD Chyan, - D233, PEDD a Belgium Malinois, was born in Germany on May 01,1999. At the age of two years old Chyan entered K-9 basic training at Lackland Air Force base. MWD Chyan completed his training and was certified as a explosive detection, scout, tracker and patrol dog. Chyan was at the top of his class and was sent to Camp Pendleton, California for addition training in "Special Operations". In 2002 he was assigned to "Special Ops" and from this date to 2010 his service records was unattainable. What is known, is that during this time frame MWD Chyan was positioned in many areas of Europe, he was in Antwerp, Belgium, Germany, Bosnia, in and out of Iraq and Afghanistan several times.
This breed is the preferred by the US Navy Seals and US Army Delta Forces. They have the same characteristics of German Shepherds but are smaller, about 50-55 Ibs, smooth coat and muscular. The Mals are more suitable for HALO jumps. They are strapped to the soldiers chest and jump out of airplanes. This is one of the duties that Chyan might have been called to do during his tours with Ops.
At the age of 11 years old and maturing Chyan was reassigned to the 92nd Detachment MP's in Bosnia and worked with Sgt. Hiller in security.
In the fall of 2011 the Veterinary Corp retired MWD Chyan and he was adopted by Father Stephen Rooney and the Sisters of "Our Lady on the River" parish that's located in Marine City, Michigan.
This was so fitting for such a brave and heroic Military Working Dog, that has been through so much, to live out the rest of his life in an abundance of love and affection at the parish.
On May 01, 2014 Father Stephen Rooney and the Sisters threw Chyan a big blast 15th birthday party with special treats and party favors. Four days later Chyan past on.
He may no longer walk the grounds of the parish, but will forever live in the hearts of those who loved and cared for him.
As a K-9 angel, rest in peace Chyan, at the right hand of God, until you are reunited with your loved ones, once again.
