When we first got our black Lab Koda we knew she was
special because of a white marking just below her chin.
Always one to wag her tail everytime she saw anyone
she’d do a little dance: her body would wag from the massive
tail flipping back and forth and her nose would
almost touch your face.
She always tried to lick people- probably just to see if there
was any food to eat.
Notorious for her begging she could have strangers
feeding her bagels.
Her act- the poor hungry dog with the sad face- only left
the most sour people not oohing and aaahing.
A couple of times people have bought her food when
we left her for a few minutes.
Having a dog I’m sure you know is a lifestyle.
The Saturday long walks the daily short walks and all the things
in between take time effort and usually a bit of money.
We have many good memories of walks– long hikes in the mountains
of British Columbia swimming in the ocean (the Dog not us)
and vacations (of course dog-friendly hotels).
Her familiarity and quirks– she could play dead shake paws
and act without restraint that she seemed so puppyish– led us to
think she could never stop being a puppy.
Finally on a routine walk she must have been really hyper
because she was hit by a car.
Extremely good around cars it just takes one time.
I checked for any injuries (she just looked stunned) but she
collapsed in front of me.
Frantically I brought her to a vet sobbing
“You’re a good dog Koda” more than 30 times.
I knew early on that she was gone but I was in shock and was
running only on adrenaline. I got to the vet ran inside
and didn’t come out!
He brought her in put her on an O.R. table and closed the door.
We cremated her in a few weeks.
This is a story in loving memory of a loving dog
whose life was so ended so soon.
All I can think now is that she died bounding and happy…
full of the life that brought her into this world.
We’ll truly miss you Koda.
See you someday.
Matt Savannah Mom Dad
and all the other great people you knew.
| Koda |
| Matt |