Cody's Legacy

For me there have always been three types of “expenses” associated with the treatment of cancer. There are the financial, time, and emotional expenses; each one of these, unfortunately having to be considered when making decisions relating to whether and how to treat a pet with cancer.

When I found out that my 12 year old Rottweiler Cody had cancer I was devastated. Tough decisions needed to be made, but being a part owner of The Veterinary Cancer Center in Norwalk, CT, these were not decisions I needed to make alone. I had a team of the best doctors, with access to the best treatment modalities and, the latest in cutting edge clinical trials.

I was able to focus my attention fully on Cody’s care and deal solely with the emotional expense and was able to do so without being weighed down by the burden of the other expenses—financial and time-- associated with her treatment.

Because of all I was able to do, Cody's outlived her prognosis by almost 9 months-- something that few dogs with her type of cancer ever do.

When Cody did finally pass in July of 2009, I set out to honor the most miraculous and marvelous dog I had ever known. In a moment of support, Dr. Post, my partner, reminded me of how lucky I had been to be in a position of being able to do everything possible to help my beloved dog and that there were many people that could not afford the expenses associated with her treatment.

It was at that moment that I knew what I wanted to do to honor Cody. Although I could not help people with all of the “expenses” associated with cancer therapy, I could help them with the financial aspect of treatment. I could do this by co-creating a foundation that would raise money to help offset the costs of treating animals with cancer.

The Riedel & Cody Fund is not just about raising money. It is about giving knowledge and hope; about giving people the tools and the place to help one another. It is a community that embodies all the values that we should emulate from our pets; one of unwavering dedication and compassion. A community that we hope will connect people in need with those with generosity of heart and of spirit.

For more information about The Riedel & Cody Fund click here.

David Duchemin
Chief Operating Officer, and Practice Co-Owner of
The Veterinary Cancer Center

Co-Founder, and Treasurer of
The Riedel & Cody Fund