His passing left a huge hole in both our hearts. Since his diagnosis in late November, we had tried all the medical remedies, in addition to many prayers. We hoped that the drugs would be effective and that Cody would have more good years with us. Up until his diagnosis, and even a couple of weeks after, he seemed to be doing well. But, the disease was relentless and it soon became obvious that we would have to let him go. It was a heart-wrenching decision, and we will always miss him.
Cody came into our lives on September 20 of 2019. I had asked Wendy Auzqui of Clearmont, WY, if she knew of a trained dog that might work for me as a trial dog. I first tried out another dog that was lovely, but we just didn’t “click.” Then, while we were in Custer, SD, Wendy contacted me to say that a friend of hers, Jo Woodbury, had a trained dog that she would be willing to let go to a proper home. We loaded up and went back to Buffalo to see if he might be the right dog for me.
I met Jo Woodbury at Wendy’s place. She let down the tailgate of her pickup and opened the dog crate. The dog inside streaked out, exited the pickup bed and started looking for sheep. I hardly got a look at him before he spotted them.
Jo worked Cody a bit and told me his story. He had come from Herbert Holmes (a fellow Texan whose wife I knew…small world) a couple of years before. His original name was Cal, but Jo changed it to better reflect his personality. Jo said she had only worked him a few times and trialed him once or twice at the Open Ranch level before her husband died. Cody spent most of the next two years in a kennel with very little work because Jo was busy with settling the estate, etc. He hadn’t forgotten his training, though. He handled the sheep like he had been working every day.
Cody and I connected immediately, and he became mine. We began working on our partnership under Wendy’s tutelage, and I knew he had much to teach me. He was willing to do whatever I asked, and we only had to get our communications figured out to become a real team. I have never had a better partner; he always gave me 100% whether on the trial field or working sheep or cattle on the farm. He was a son of the renowned cattle dog, J.R. Red, the first inductee into the Cattledog Hall Of Fame. He got his blue right eye and his red right front leg from his father, whom he closely resembled.
Cody and I began our herding partnership competing in AKC trials sponsored by the Texas Herding Association, because that was the only venue I knew. He blew the competition out of the water, winning a number of awards for High in Trial. Then, we spread our wings and began running in Texas Sheepdog Association field trials. We didn't place as well in the larger venue with all the top-notch dogs and handlers, but we had a wonderful time.
Cody was a great traveler. He spent many hours in the big truck, in our RV, and hiking with his pack on the many great trails we explored. He was also first into the Kawasaki mule when we drove around the farm.
Cody loved life and almost everyone and everything. His days were always exciting, and filled with good things. Every outing was an adventure, and he was always enthusiastic...about everything. He was especially enthusiastic about Blue Bell ice cream. We celebrated every dog birthday and adoption anniversary ("Gotcha" Days) with cups of that amazing concoction.
Cody was always happy to pose with the rest of the Bagley Pack for our annual photo in the bluebonnets. Initially, it was Cody, Rue and Kota. Then came Bo, Dutch, and after we lost Kota, Meg joined the pack. Cody welcomed each one with grace and good will.
