Koda Update - Long......

[Dee]

Hi everyone,

It's been a while since I wrote anything about our boy, Koda and felt it's time to fill you in. Sorry, I didn't mean to keep secrets but this was just too painful for me to bear and at the time I didn't think I could handle any criticism as I already felt like such a complete failure.

We sent Koda to the Bridge on April 20th. If any of you remember, we adopted Koda at 5 1/2 mo. old from a family who bought him at a pet store and no longer had the time for him. Although we've had dogs all our lives, Koda was our first rottie and unfortunately didn't have a very good start in life. Thanks to the help from our very knowledgeable folks on this form we felt we were able to turn him around. We worked hard and learned all we could, took classes and worked with him dialy and it really paid off. Or so we thought....

On Sunday, 4-18 after spending a wonderful morning hiking with the dogs along the Lehigh Canal, our family was hanging out in the living room. All 3 dogs were peacefully sleeping on the floor when I got up to go upstairs, Koda got up to follow as usual, turned around and walked back to my 8 yr. old son (who was lying on one of the dogs beds, which he sometimes does) and bit his face. There was no warning, no hackles up, no growling. Thankfully he didn't break the skin but left large burises near Charlie's eye and jaw. We were totally shocked as there had been no warning and Koda had been doing so well in all respects, especially with not nipping my sons which we had problems with when we adopted him.

To make a long story short, after much thought and the advice of our most knowledgeable forum members, we decided to send Koda to the Bridge. It was an agonizing decision because we loved this dog so much and have seen so much progress in him. But the bottom line was that my kids and others come first. There was no way that we could ever trust Koda again and keeping him crated and on a leash at all times was not a life I wanted for our boy or ourselves. We were all with him - my husband even took off of work early to send him on his journey. As a final farewell, as we were leaving to go to the vet, Koda (while on a leash) bit my son again, this time breaking the skin on his hand. I know we made the right decision for our family, others and for Koda, but it doesn't make it any easier.

We are saving money (our boys made a "Land Shark" jar) to buy a rottie pup from a reputalble breeder. We will name our new boy Adok (Koda spelled backwards) in memory of our boy that we all loved so much. What happened wasn't his fault. I have not told our family and friends the truth about what happened as I just don't want to mar the rottie reputation even more than it already has been. We've just told folks that Koda had an inoperable tumor.

Thanks to all who have been there for me and have taken the time to help us out. You helped Koda and our family greatly. Rest in peace, my boy....We will always love you......

[godfreyc]

You made the right decision and have no reason to feel badly.

[jakesfostermom]

Dee - You and your family are fine people! Best of luck with your "Adok" funds and doing your homework on your breeder. Your sons are lucky young men to have parents who help them understand what happened with Koda's behavior and protecting Koda's memory with your extended family/friends. There are special places for families like yours....and Koda will be waiting to say a proper thank you someday.....rest in peace now sweet boy....

[Patty1231]

I am so sorry that you had to make this most difficult decision but you know you did the right thing for everyone, including Koda. I think the "fund" jar and the name, especially, is a wonderful tribute to the boy you gave so much for. I hope your home will soon be filled with the love of a new rottie puppy. Bless you for trying....and doing the right thing in the end.

[Karyn]

It always hurts soooooo much. Sometimes the damage goes so deep there is no way back. Please know that he is at peace. Perhaps his job was to "teach" you what you needed to know so you could go on and use that for another of Koda's earth bound brothers or sisters. I do commend you on having the strength to release him.

[brnlow]

A tough decision to make but a good one. I'm glad to hear that this experience hasn't soiled your opinion about the breed altogether.

[Brooke&Ryan]

I'm so sorry for your loss. You did the right thing. Children come first.

Hugs to you all!

Brooke

[debbiej]

so sorry that you had to be in this hard place. sending you wishes for comfort and peace. you did what was best, especially for Koda.

[Squeaky2004]

So sorry to hear that you had to make such a tough decision, but it was for the best. Good luck in saving up your funds to get another puppy!

[mmgy]

I am so impressed by the way your family (Charlie included) has embraced this tragic experience. Y'all have really found a way to pull light and goodness from this.

Rest in peace sweet boy.

[Dee]

Thanks everyone for you support and understanding. It means so much to us......

[Denise L.]

Oh Dee. I am so sorry for your heartache but you did the right thing for all involved, Koda too.

I can't imagine being in such a hard place...I truly admire your loving and courageous heart.

[Dee]

Originally Posted by mmgy

I am so impressed by the way your family (Charlie included) has embraced this tragic experience. Y'all have really found a way to pull light and goodness from this.

Rest in peace sweet boy.

Ahhhh, Sweet Charlie is an incrediable young man! He loved this dog so much that even after the last 2 bites he begged us to give Koda another chance. Charlie was always Koda's main target in the beginning as he was the smallest and youngest in the house. We really thought we had gotten through to Koda as he hasn't bothered Char since the end of Jan. Charlie was very instramental in reminding us and Koda of our NILIF program. He has a wonderful, loving, kind way with dogs and because of Koda, he also learned to be firm and Koda was responding well. I used to love watching him feed Koda. He would put him in a sit/stay, put the food down, walk to the other end of the patio and call Koda over (Koda had to walk past his food bowl), again another quick sit and then quick praise and a "free" to eat.

Our boys have designated a box for puppy toys and so far there's 3 new toys in the box - all bought by my boys with their own money they earn. So we're on our way to new beginnings but we'll never, ever forgot Koda and his brilliant mind, sense of humor, and the love he so geneoursly shared with us.

[LikeToRun]

Dee,

My deep sympathies on your families difficult decision. Having had my boyhood companion pts behind my back, I'm so pleased that you had the courage to do this as a family.

And inspired by your puppy fund jar! I think I'll do the same! A jar of Rott!

May Koda rest in peace.

[Dee]

Originally Posted by LikeToRun

Dee,

My deep sympathies on your families difficult decision. Having had my boyhood companion pts behind my back, I'm so pleased that you had the courage to do this as a family.

And inspired by your puppy fund jar! I think I'll do the same! A jar of Rott!

May Koda rest in peace.

Trevor,

You'll make a FANTASTIC rottie dad! I'm so sorry about your boyhood dog. Maybe your folks thought they were spareing you the pain. My dad did that to me once with my rabbit. Poor Bunzer looked like his face was being eaten up - cancer I guess - and after trying to medicate it himself and it not working, he sent me to the corner store to buy milk. I was half-way down the road when I heard the shot of his gun and I just knew. I ran all the way home to find him crying holding my dead bunny. It took me a long time to forgive him as I was was so young and just didn't understand. He didn't want to see my rabbit suffer and was trying to protect me. What he did was out of love for me and my bunny and it took me awhile to understand that he was hurting too.......

Yay! Another Rott jar! You'll be surprised at how quickly the money grows!