Just when I thought my life was settled, everything changed when Cody came into it. He was supposed to be my foster dog for just three weeks, until my older son could take him after getting him fixed and healthy. But then COVID hit, and those three weeks stretched into three months of lockdown, with just Cody and me. During that time, we formed an unbreakable bond, and I can truly say that he got me through the pandemic.

Since then, Cody has become more than just a companion: he’s my purpose, my reason to keep going. Rescued from a tough life in the projects, he was searching for love and care, just like I was, though I didn’t realize it at the time. Now, he’s my constant companion and best friend.

People often say that I saved Cody, but the truth is, he saved me.

“I think dogs are the most amazing creatures, they give unconditional love. For me, they are the role model for being alive.”

– Gilda Radner

“Over the years I have felt the truest, purest love—the love of God, really. I imagine that what God’s love feels like is the love that comes from your dog.”

– Oprah Winfrey