We first brought you the story of how a bylaw infraction had forced a much loved Fort Street dog to remain indoors, after having greeted customers and passers-by without incident for over 13 years.
The response to our story was immediate, Victoria Buzz readers were outraged, many having been fans of Cody for years, some even going out of their way to see him during daily commutes to work and school.
One Victoria resident decided to make a petition. Ryan Painter tells Victoria Buzz, “I was motivated to write this petition because, as a dog lover, the thought of Fort Street regular Cody being banned from the sidewalk broke my heart. When I moved to Victoria and I started shopping for furniture for my new apartment, I met Cody at “Charmaine’s” and since then I have always kept an eye out for him when passing by. I think that the overwhelming response to Cody’s story shows just how much Cody means to people in Victoria. We may not be able to solve all the problems in the world, but maybe we can right this wrong and get Cody back to his rightful place.”
From the petition:
Who is Cody? He’s the beloved dog of Charmaine’s Past and Present, who has been welcoming people to the antique store for 13 years. Cody is a gentle dog who spent most of his time lying on the sidewalk in front of the store. He expected very little from visitors, except maybe the occasional pat, smile, and friendly voice.
On May 11th 2016 Animal Control issued a warning to the owner of Charmaine’s, Charmaine Britton. The warning stressed that Cody needed to be kept inside the store at all times, unless on a leash held by a person; a deviation from his 13 year routine.
This is not in any way an indictment of Animal Control, which performs a very important and necessary service. In this particular case, however, the warning was unwarranted. The petitioners ask that the Victoria Mayor and Council, using whatever powers are available to them, permit Charmiane’s to allow Cody to return to his home during business hours.
We asked Charmaine yesterday, how Cody has been doing, now that he can no longer do his “job” of saying hello to people as they pass the store, “Cody is slowly adjusting, but is not so happy these days. However, he is greatly appreciative of all the love and support he has been receiving from doggie lovers near and far.”
Over 800 people have signed the petition so far, which will be delivered to the Mayor and council. You can sign the petition here.
