Kodi is a mixed-breed rescue dog, and our first "family" canine. We started looking for a pet as we start everything...on the Internet. No, we didn't shop for her on the Net, but we DID search the AKC website and others to determine what type of dog would suit our family and our lifestyle. We took a couple of online "tests" that match you with a breed. When Michael saw the Whippet picture on our list of compatibles, he was instantly smitten. I was a little harder to convince, I must admit. I grew up with a Lab-Shepherd mix, and I was not used to the body style of the sighthounds. However, once we met a couple of these sleek but sweet dogs, I soon changed my mind.

As I said, Kodi was a rescue dog. She spent some time at the Humane Society of Broward County, and she found her way to a Whippet Rescue contact in Hallandale. I had previously called this rescue contact, and when she got Kodi she got in touch with me. The whole family trooped down to Hallandale to meet our new would-be family member. I wish I could say that it was love at first sight...but it didn't go like that exactly. Kodi was a friendly dog...to everyone except Michael. When she saw him she took off for the nearest hiding place...most often her plastic doggie crate (airplane style). Although Michael realized it would take a lot of love and patience on his part, he decided that Kodi needed a good home and that it should be with us.

We brought her home, crate and all, and tried to make her feel at home. For the first few days Michael was the only human to feed her, and he spent a lot of time getting her to trust him. She eventually came around. I now affectionately call her, "Michael's dog", because she seems to prefer him above all other human family members. Pretty much everyone who visits us says that she is their favorite. She doesn't jump on you or bark or lick you to death. She is a little pushy for affection, but she's so sweet she'll win your heart by just looking at you with her big brown eyes.

- Wendy Cummins