More Than An Assistance Dog, More Than A Companion

Recently, Kodi has proven to be more of a 'protector' than I ever had imagined.

After being outside, on a cold windy winter day, we came inside, at which time I had to go to the bathroom. I gave him his 'good boy' treat and hurried into the bedroom.

As I approached my bed, a serious case of Winter asthma hit. I could hardly breathe, couldn't catch my breath. Now, moreso than going to the bathroom, catching my breath became the priority.

I leaned over the side of my bed, my chest hurting, and put my head in my hands, trying to focus and slow my breathing, to take a couple of deep breaths. I could hear and feel my own wheezing, as I struggled.

Kodi heard me and came into the bedroom, jumping up on the bed next to me. For a split second, he sat there, just watching me, then he laid down next to me and began to push his nose in between my hands and my face.

He whimpered softly and tried to lick me, as he pushed harder and harder with his nose, until he had his face between my face and my hands.

When he had finally nuzzled in and had my chin resting on the top of his head, he lifted his head, forcing me to lift my head. As he got me up off the bed, he stood up under my chin with the top of his head and began to lick me, rubbing his face against my face.

In the matter of a moment or two, focusing on Kodi, I was able to catch my breath and the attack passed.

Then again, one day last week, I was in a compromising position and needed my husband's help. I was calling and calling out to him, but he wasn't hearing me. It turned out he had headphones on and was listening to loud music.

Kodi came into the room, stood in the doorway and looked at me with a tilted head, as if to say "what do you need momma?", so I told him "Get Daddy... can you get daddy?"

Kodi turned and ran into the other room, where I could hear him whimpering, crying, trying to get my husband's attention. Then I heard my husband asking him what was wrong, at which time I yelled for him again and he heard me.

Effectively, Kodi got Daddy for me, he brought help to me when he could not help me himself.

I am so incredibly blessed to have this intelligent and caring creature as my canine companion.