Koda

I just wanted to bring you up to date on Conrad who is now named Koda, which means "friend" in a Sioux Indian dialect.

Koda is a very social dog with the calendar to match! He spends Monday through Wednesday either going for a long walk on the beach or in the woods with his mom and human brother. Then, on Thursdays, he goes to doggy daycare, where he plays with his best friend, Jack, a 9 month old Golden Retriever. On Saturdays, Koda goes to puppy Kindergarten (soon to graduate to post-graduate school) where he is often the example dog because of his superior mixed-breed intelligence:-) On Sundays, he attends "Rover Romp", which is sponsored by his school and is a free-for-all "fun-fest" for all of the past and present students. He has many friends with whom he reunites with each week. Anne, the woman who runs it, is very impressed with his uncanny ability to be confident and appropriate with all kinds of dogs, from the aggressive Akita to the shy Border Collie, who had a rough life before being rescued. Koda is known as an ambassador dog and can get along with anyone. Its especially funny to see him play with Duncan, his friend the giant Newfoundland.

At home, Koda is a valued member of his human-feline family. He is potty-trained and knows he is not to bark or lunge at the cats. And, even though his puppy teeth are sharp and he occasionally bites my ankles a little too hard, he knows to be gentle with my 8 month old son. He gently sucks on my son's hands and never hurts him.

Koda is very healthy and has had all of his shots and will be neutered next month. At 4 months old he weighs 29 pounds and its anyone's guess as to how large he will be --! he weighed 8 pounds when we brought him home. The veterinarian originally thought he would be approximately 50 pounds but he has gained 6 pounds in the past 2 weeks, so now she thinks he will be bigger. I'd love to hear how his brothers and sisters are doing. I hope they are all healthy.

Everyone seems to be taken with this dog. He is sweet, smart and has the eyes and face of a wise old soul. To say he is special would be an understatement.

Thank you for saving his life for us, A2Z!

Happy New Year!

Pamela Wheatley