WHITE TOWNSHIP (May 23, 2007) –Look no further than the end of the leash to see an example of the important work that Mary Cody does.
Cody, a Blairstown Township resident, was honored with a certificate of merit from the Warren County Board of Chosen Freeholders for her work as founder and director of Aunt Mary’s Doghouse, a non-profit dog rescue organization.
With her as she accepted the award was Bandit, one of the dogs she rescued and nursed back to health. A gentle mixed-breed with a silky coat, Bandit calmly followed Cody to the front of the meeting room where she met the freeholders.
“We thank you for all you do in rescuing these animals,” Freeholder Director Everett A. Chamberlain said.
“This is quite an interesting challenge you take on,” Freeholder John DiMaio told Cody, while Freeholder Richard D. Gardner noted, “It takes a lot of patience and passion and compassion to deal with animals that are hurt or neglected.”
For the past 10 years, Cody has saved the lives of hundreds of dogs virtually single-handedly, all while holding down a full-time job as a pharmaceutical professional.
While there are many dog rescue programs, what makes hers unique is that Cody looks to save the dogs no one else will. “Instead of working with the young and cute dogs that are the traditionally adoptable, she takes ones that have treatable diseases and other physical problems and gives them a second chance,” Chamberlain explained.
“These are often the dogs placed at the top of a shelter’s list to be put to death. Her work requires diligence and quick action because the difference between life and death can be determined in a matter of hours. Her personal life is put on hold when there is a dog in crisis,” Chamberlain added.
The American Red Cross of Northwest New Jersey recently presented Cody with a Medal for Bravery during their annual Bravo for Bravery program for her work in the field of dog rescue.
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Blairstown resident Mary Cody, accompanied by Bandit, receives a certificate of merit for her work with dogs from (l-r) Warren County Freeholders John DiMaio, Director Everett A. Chamberlain, and Richard D. Gardner. Cody rescues dogs like Bandit, nurses them back to health and finds good homes for them. |
Cody said she appreciated the recognition from the freeholder board, but noted, “There’re a lot of tireless people” working to save dogs and dealing with overpopulation through spay and neutering programs.
More information about Cody’s
work is available on the website www.AuntMarysDoghouse.com. |