Cody Biliter-Milens

Cody died after a long struggle with the Arizona veterinary system (partially detailed in 21-45, 21-46, 21-47, 21-48). Here you can learn more about a wonderful dog-boy who always loved an adventure.

Cody was rescued from an animal shelter in eastern Kentucky by his adoptive mom and granny at roughly two years of age. He went on to live another 12 years with his human mom and dad, living in several states and adventuring across the country in a Toyota Echo or his favorite, their Mini Countryman. From an early age he displayed a personality more like a child than a dog, eschewing dog toys in favor of toy trains, model rockets, the whistle and crackle of radios, and the blinking of electronic lights; later in life he even rode around in his own wheels, a remote controlled Mini Countryman toy repurposed for a dog instead of a toddler. He also loved food straight from an Easy-Bake oven.

He loved hiking all over the country, from Kodachrome Basin in Utah to Custer State Park in South Dakota, taking time to rest up at beaches along the Atlantic and Gulf Coast between adventures. Cody also enjoyed watching the manatees silently swim down the canals of Weeki Wachee. He loved to listen to music in the car, rocking out to AC/DC, Warren Zevon, and the Sex Pistols as well as the refined music of Camille de Saint-Saëns and John Renbourn. In films, he showed a distinct preference for classic Star Trek and anything with John Wayne. In food, he loved vindaloo and various curries, spaghetti, sandwiches, anything in burrito form, veggie burgers, hot dogs, soups, macarons, blackberries, aged Gouda, and quality frozen custard with Oreo cookies, among others.

He also loved being able to actually go in places with his people, particularly museums. Visiting railroad museums in Savannah and Folkston, checking out the Pima Air and Space Museum, or exploring the many dog-friendly museums and attractions in Saint Augustine were some of his favorite adventures. He also tried to kick the window out of the car when he saw a space shuttle mockup during a road trip through Huntsville; unable to visit the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, he settled for a chance to pee on its grounds. On a smaller scale, he always loved to visit the local Petco and watch the fish swimming in their tanks, also enjoying the occasional visit to shop at Fry's Electronics or have a pretzel at the Superstition Springs Mall. He also loved hanging out in the garden and collecting vegetables.

None of this would be here if not for you, little dude. We still love you so very, very much.