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.

(Photo of Cody courtesy of ItkasanImages/Victoria Buzz)