10/17/06: Koda has arrived safe and sound from the South Dakota border and I would best describe him as a Triple B - Big, Beautiful Boy! He is hardly ever without a stuffed animal in his mouth and a wiggling tail and rear end. He loves to follow you no matter where you go, including the bathroom. He is very sweet and loves attention. The best guess on Koda's age is 2 1/2 - he was originally found by the side of the road by a couple traveling in an RV. They soon discovered that he has hip dysplasia in both hips and he was left with a wonderful woman who was able to raise enough money to have a total hip replacement done on his right hip.

When I say the Koda is a big boy, I mean it - yesterday at the vet's he weighed in at a whopping 110 pounds! All of his blood work has come back normal, so no problems with his thyroid and he is now up to date on his shots. Koda needs to lose some serious weight and not just for the typical health reasons. The extra weight he is carrying is not good for his hips and we are hoping that with weight loss, a proper exercise program and glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate supplements he will not need to have surgery on his other hip. Currently he appears to be without pain and has followed me up and down the basement stairs without any problems. He also lays like a puppy with both legs out behind him (frog style) and it is amazing how quickly he can get up from that position and across the room when he sees a toy he wants. So far Koda has not interacted with the two resident Goldens - he does not appear to be interested in playing with them. He will, however, steal toys from them.

It was decided that Koda can be adopted out at this time with the understanding that his new home will help him to lose weight and get the proper exercise he needs. As stated earlier he is not having any pain and certainly gets around well and therefore there are no plans for surgery for his left hip. Quite often dogs have bad hips on ex-ray, but no pain. We don't put them through surgery unless there is lameness or obvious pain. Seriously reducing his weight and building up his exercise tolerance and muscles should make a big difference in this sweet boy's quality of life. He's a Big, Beautiful Boy, with a great personality who you would love to meet, and he would love to meet you!