Cody Moran

December 18, 2017

Early Monday morning on December 18, 2017, our beloved Cody lost his battle with cancer. When he was diagnosed in September we made it our mission to give him every shot at beating it or at least to extend our opportunity to love all over him as long and as much as possible. Alison and I are devastated that he couldn't beat it, but by God's grace we were able to make him the most loved pooch on the planet for almost three months. We have dealt with the passing of many dogs, cats and horses over the years, but there is some intangible dynamic that is making Cody's passing more impactful. He was the spark of our family and that is becoming even more evident since he passed. We love his sister Charley just as much as Cody, but he was definitely the hub of our family wheel. Alison and I never had children, so our critters are more than just critters to us and Cody and Charley were/are our "perfect children." Losing their dad, Caesar--Westerville Police Department K9-1, in 2011 was hugely difficult because of the unique bonding that occurs between the dog and the police handler. Alison, as Caesar's partner, still has days when she struggles with his loss. Cody and Charley, as Caesar's offspring and legacy have made coping with Cody's premature death all the more difficult. There is no possible way I can verbalized our relationship with Cody and Charley, but he waqs far from the average house pet. He was and will continue to be an integral part of the Moran Family. Thanks to The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center for their professionalism, genuine empathy, medical expertise and consolation over the past three months. Thanks as well to Schoedinger Funeral Services and specifically, Deana, in Pet Services for her true professionalism, empathy, patience and approach, not only regarding the arrangements for our furry four-legged Cody Man, but also the humans who don't know how we'll live without him in our lives. The first couple pics are Cody's dad, Caesar. The third one is proud & patient Papa with Cody & Charley shortly after we brought them home.The third one is Cody (on the right) and Charley on a rare occasion when they weren't horsing around or playfully tormenting each other; and the last one is Cody just a few days before the cancer claimed him. Still handsome as ever even following surgery, numerous rounds of chemo and the effects of the cancer itself. He was such a trooper and never lost his vitality even right down to his last breath. We love you Cody Bug...God do we love you!! We will take good care of your sister. She still keeps looking for you to jump out from behind the pool or the shed or the weeping birch and pounce on her. We will forever miss watching you two rough house with you swinging your ass into her as she tried to sufficiently antagonize you into chasing her around the yard or vice-versa. We will forever miss you instinctively being at our bedside every morning as we awoke. We will miss scratching your belly and that one spot on your back that mesmerized you. We will treasure your Kong squeaky footballs as you did. But most of all, we will treasure and hold dear the nine years of absolute delight you brought us and the lessons of love you delivered. We miss you Cody Boy more than words in any language can express. You were truly a gift from God and we are comforted by the knowledge we will play with you once again in Heaven on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge. God's speed Cody....God's speed. We love you Cody.