Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Coda

My dog's name is Coda. Coda is a common Filipino name for a dog. Mi esposo came up with it since he is part Filipino and Irish. I never had a pet before. I've been allergic to most animals since I was born.

Mi esposo brought Coda home with out telling me one September evening. Mi hija ran into our bedroom to tell me we had a puppy. I was NOT pleased. I walked downstairs to the basement to see a little tiny puppy. No bigger than mi esposo's hand. She was a rescued American Staffordshire Terrier and only 4 weeks old.

It was freezing cold in the basement and Coda was crying. I immediately went into "Mom" mode and insisted she be brought upstairs where it was warmer. I picked her up and cradled her in my arms. She immediately peed on me. I handed her over to mi hija and changed shirts. I didn't think she would last long in our house.

I have allergies and asthma, so within a week of Coda and all her dander, I had a severe attack and had to be hospitalized. The puppy had to go. Mi esposo's friend Brian and his girlfriend Jessica agreed to take her while we figured something out. That was the worst week ever. Mi esposo y mi hija were muy triste. I decided to talk to my doctor and see what could be done.

I agreed to have a series of allergy shots to see if it would help. It did. Coda came back and everyone was so happy, even me. She was a funny little dog. Her head was the biggest thing on her and she kept falling over and crying all night long.

We all took turns getting up with her at night and bottle feeding her Espilac (puppy formula). She became part of the family. Coda is now one of my best friends. She follows me around, loves to go "bye bye", and lives for short walks around the neighborhood. Coda is sweet and kind, she loves everyone, especially children. She doesn't NOT like other dogs though. She won't start a fight, but she will finish one.


An American Staffordshire Terrier is part of the bully breeds. She is considered dangerous because of her blood connection to Pit Bull Terriers. Coda is NOT dangerous. It is the owner, not the breed. She is the most caring and gentle dog I have ever been around. BSL (breed specific legislation) is unfair and completely biased.

Coda has been by my side through thick and thin. She is loyal, comical, and part of my heart. I love her like I love my family.

Abrazos,
Monica

3 comments:

  1. My kids and I have allergies too and my daughter has mild asthma but they don't want to get rid of our cat. They love him to pieces. He's our baby and brings us so much joy. I wanted to ask you about the allergy shots, anyone can get them or you have to have severe allergies?

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  2. Anyone can get allergy shots. My regular doctor who treats me for my Asthma gave them to me. It really helped.

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  3. Ok, I'll ask my kid's doctor next time. Although she is kind of a bitch so who knows what she's going to say. Thanks!

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