"People always comment on what a great looking combination Codi is," Carol said. "Up until last year, he did pet therapy at two local nursing homes where he put smiles on the faces of those who needed a friendly face."

Carol said Codi has quite a unique look, with his old English sheepdog and black lab heritage.

"His was truly a shaggy sheepdog story," Carol said. "When he was a puppy there was no hint of the sheepdog look, just all black lab. At about 16 weeks, Codi started developing these white and grey spots all over and his hair started growing rapidly. His current look evolved by the time he turned one-year-old."

"Shaggy dogs rules!"

Codi's been quite the celebrity. A few years ago, he was selected as Walmart's Dog of the Year for Orange City.
He has also been King of the Mardi Gras Dog Parade in DeLand.

At age three, Codi developed some alarming symptoms. He was a few days away from passing on when they discovered his pancreas had shut down. Carol says daily powdered medication on his food is what keeps him alive. It took two years for him to gain back all the weight he lost.

"There days, he is a terrific watchdog, but enjoys the comfort of the end of the bed," Carol said,
"He is my best buddy."