6/10/05: Meet Kodiak, a 5 year old Golden-Collie cross....a bear of a dog but only in size and friendly morning growly voice!

Let me tell you his story....he was picked up as a stray by a kind-hearted lady who saved him from some youth that thought it humorous to chase him with their car! He was turned over to RAGOM and during his routine vet exam was found to have an advanced case of heartworm. He was underweight from the heartworm pull on his body and in need of medical care. The vet, after testing, placed him on a steroid prior to heartworm treatment because of inflammation. The inflammation actually caused him to hold his urine for LONG periods of time! Kodiak's heartworm treatment would be administered in two doses about a month apart. The meds were very hard on him and he was such a sick boy. We knew better days were just ahead, or so we thought.

After treatment Kodi spiked a temp, refused to eat and became lethargic. We made another trip in to see Dr. Deb.....not good news! He also had Lyme disease, which he would have contracted last fall or summer. How could one gentle bear of a dog have so many bad things happen to him? We now began a month of antibiotics instead of our 2nd treatment for heartworm. During our Lyme treatment Kodi showed signs of blastomycosis, a deadly infection caused by a fungal organism. We waited anxiously while lab tests were rushed to Marshfield, Wi. The preliminary test indicated negative for blasto! We again waited for a final report and our Kodi boy was clear! Dr. Deb had explained, prior to the test, that a positive blasto would mean we had to humanely consider euthanasia for our guy. We were elated by the test results!

After completing the Lyme treatment, Kodiak once again underwent heartworm meds. We hoped that we had jumped the last hurdle. Almost! Kodi developed possible pneumonia or a very adverse side effect to the meds and was hospitalized for two days. Treated with fluids and antibiotics, he once again beat the odds.

He is now beginning to show his real personality and it is delightful! Through all of this Kodi remains a sweet, gentle and happy guy. He knows several commands...sit, down, come, and gives a LARGE paw as a greeting! We believe he may also know heel, both on and off leash!! Even through all his health issues he has never had an accident and actually prefers to head out into the woods for his private time!

Kodi blends in wonderfully with our two females, ages 10 and 12. He loves children, although his size at 99 lbs. can be intimidating for little ones. He likes his people and enjoys being in the same room with you....even if you're just sleeping!

Kodiak now ends almost 4 months of intensive medical care. As Kodiak's foster family, we thank Ragom for rescuing him, and a dedicated veterinarian and staff for his care.....his life without you would have ended very sadly! Interested in adopting Kodiak? Just let Placement know. Pixs will follow soon.