brindlebaby Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 (edited) With much sadness and sorrow I have to tell you that Kodi, our beautiful boy in my banner, left us January 24, 2009. He left us on a Saturday morning, just as he came to us on a Saturday morning back in 1996. Back in spring 1996 Herman was without a K-9 partner. His previous dog Carlo had been retired to us for medical reasons and he passed away May 31, 1996. Bomb dogs usually come from the FAA (now TSA), but they had a dog shortage at that time. A private citizen contacted the police department and wanted to donate their German Shepherd because he was too hyper for them. Kodi was born in Germany and then flown to the States. Herman picked up Kodi from his first home on Saturday morning, June 1, 1996. Once in front of the house, Kodi was too afraid to get out of the car. I brought out PJ and Scampie, our two other dogs, and we all finally coaxed him out. Kodi worked with Herman for a few years, but he was retired early. Their team had to be certified every year and would work weird hours during certification. When Herman would sleep, Kodi would not. He cried to go out everytime someone would go to the back door, even though he was supposed to be getting rest. He would play in the house all day, not sleep, which made him exhausted during the tests. When Kodi had enough rest, he was an excellent worker. He did manage to pass the tests, but in 2000 when FAA had an abundance of dogs, the powers to be decided to retire Kodi to us and Herman would get an FAA dog, Kony. There was some concern from *the powers to be* that Kodi and Kony wouldn't get along and maybe Kodi should find another home. After a very stressful week or so, Kodi was signed over to us. Whew! He and Kony were fine together. Kodi was on the detail that protected Pope John Paul II when he came to St. Louis in January 1999. Kodi had a lot of quirks, some annoying, some endearing. Every time the back door would open, he would let out a blood curdling squeal and race through the house to the door... most times stopping to pick up his favorite toy at the moment, usually some sort of (or part of) a ball. If you would pet him, he would growl, but not a mean growl, more like he was talking to you growl. Given his size, this scared some (most) people. He loved to snack in the litter boxes. He would eat paper towels. Funny, his annoying quirks just don't seem annoying now. EVERY vet visit was an adventure. Kodi was deathly afraid of going to the vet. Even if he hadn't gone to the vet, but another of our dogs or cats had, once he smelled them, he would bow his head, his ears would be pinned back and he would rush straight downstairs. Over the years we tried pills before his visits, which just made him sleepy, but still afraid. Clipping his nails was impossible unless muzzled, and only in the last year did I finally figure out a tricky way to muzzle him without us losing a limb in the process.... it was in the eye specialist office last February. That doctor refused to see him unless he was muzzled. Not wanting to give up the appointment, we asked him to leave the room and let us try again. We finally found a wonderful vet who understood Kodi's fears and wasn't afraid of him. Our greyhound Callie and Kodi became best friends from the first day she arrived in 2001. She wasn't afraid of him, in fact when he would do his growly lion roar, she would stick her muzzle in his mouth! Shortly after Callie arrived, Kodi decided to sample Callie's food... she broke him of that habit that day! She would chase him in the yard nipping at his ears until they were literally fringed. She would try to sample his food and he would just step away... she wanted a toy he had, he let her take it. He definitely met his match, he loved her as much as she loved him. Kodi had bloat in 2004 and had the surgery... they normally keep the dog in the hospital until they are sure they can eat on their own. Kodi was "kicked out" of the hospital early because they were unable to take his muzzle/e-collar off. Callie was so depressed while Kodi was in the hospital, she refused to go potty, in fact she wouldn't leave the deck at all! We had to put a leash on her and keep walking until she finally went. This was the night we brought Kodi home from the hospital. I think Callie was positively glowing! Kodi would occasionally model with Callie on our charity greyhound auctions and raffles. Notice Kodi is holding his best friend's leash. Kodi had to be a priest (notice his white collar) because he wouldn't tolerate a hat or costume that day. Kodi melted my heart this day... we had went to Three Dog Bakery for a Halloween parade and party to benefit our greyhound rescue group. Someone offered to watch Kodi and Callie while I went to pre-pay for the pictures. Kodi looked into my eyes with a very worried look and kept trying to follow me. Continued in Post #2 Edited February 8, 2009 by brindlebaby Quote Kim, (Herman), Pixie (NK Mary Ann), Kitten, Sammie, Darcy and Scout Callie (Callie Walker), Ava (Lass Dance), July, Peanut, Kodi, Bailey, Kony, PJ, Scampie, Carlo & Casey waiting for us at the bridge Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brindlebaby Posted February 8, 2009 Author Share Posted February 8, 2009 Kodi was very gentle with our cats... enjoying Frosty Paws with Callie and Peanut for Callie's birthday. Christmas 2005... now Kony, Bailey and Kodi are gone. I took Kodi with Callie and I to one Greyhound Planet Day event and everyone was petting and asking about Kodi, I guess Callie wasn't anything special in a sea of greyhounds. In December 2007 we had Kodi's teeth cleaned at the vet and also a nail trimming while he was under. It was found that one of Kodi's teeth had chipped off and was probably causing him pain so the tooth was pulled. Once home I started to notice that Kodi would stumble every so often. In spring of 2008 he was diagnosed with Degenerative Myelopathy, which is described as MS for dogs. There is no cure, but we hoped to keep the disease at bay as long as possible. We had custom Thera-Paws made that supported his ankles, but he wouldn't let us put them on him. We had to take him to the vet to be sedated, have his nails trimmed and his boots fitted. Once at home after the anesthesia wore off later that evening, he cried until I took the boots off. We tried Hydrotherapy. I have tons of videos on YouTube of Kodi during his sessions. Kodi's appointment was always right after St. Bernard Argus, so the water was always murky. After every session we would drive through McDonalds and get him a plain cheeseburger and fries so it would give him something to look forward to after, plus you always get hungry after swimming. In the car he always laid his head in between the two front seats on the arm rest. Kodi always wanted to be by Herman, but over the years Kodi and I formed a deep bond. When Kodi got into trouble (often ) and Herman would cry, "KODI!", he would run and sit by me. I ordered this tag for Kodi from a friend at the Bluegrass Festival, and it was true, he was my boy. Kodi's last picture right before his vet visit. He did rest his head on the center arm rest on that final drive. Kodi (Kodiak Summer) ~ June 1995 - January 24, 2009 We love you so much sweetie, be a good boy until we meet again.... Quote Kim, (Herman), Pixie (NK Mary Ann), Kitten, Sammie, Darcy and Scout Callie (Callie Walker), Ava (Lass Dance), July, Peanut, Kodi, Bailey, Kony, PJ, Scampie, Carlo & Casey waiting for us at the bridge Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest tammara Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 Run free Kodi. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greybookends Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 It sounds like Kodi was a very special boy and was lucky enough to find a family that understood him. I am sure he will be missed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bevd Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 Kodi does sound like one of those 'once in a lifetime' dogs. I'm so sorry to learn of his passing Quote Deerhounds Darcy, Duffy, Grace & Wellington, Mutts Sprout & Buddy, Lurchers Ned & Jake plus Ella the Westie + cats. Remembering Del, Jessie, Maddison, Flo, Sally, Stanley, Wallace, Radar, Mokka, Oki cat, Tetley, Poppy & Striker. Please visit our web store at http://www.dogsndubs.com for our own range of Greyhound related clothing for humans! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hawthorn Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 I'm sorry you had to say goodbye to Kodi. Quote When a relationship of love is disrupted, the relationship does not cease. The love continues; therefore, the relationship continues. The work of grief is to reconcile and redeem life to a different love relationship. ~ W Scott Lineberry Always Greyhounds Home Boarding and Greyhounds With Love House Sitting Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fiona3 Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 What a moving and lovely tribute. Your photos show how much Kodi was loved and the very strong bond he felt to you and your husband. Kodi had such a sweet smile and he seemed to be a perfect companion to Callie. It is terribly hard to say goodbye to such a cherished friend. May you find some comfort in all the wonderful memories you have of this very special boy. f_yellow Quote Hobbes - April 2, 1994 to April 9, 2008-----Tasha - May 23, 2000 to March 31, 2013 Fiona - Aug 29, 2001 to May 5, 2014-----Bailey - March 22, 2001 to Jan 20, 2015 Zeke - June 1, 2004 - Jan 26, 2016----Callie - July 14, 2006 to July 27, 2019 Forever in my heart: Chooch, Molly, Dylan & Lucy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest IrskasMom Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 What a BEAUTIFUL Dog Kodi was and a wonderful Tribute. After all , Kodi was your Husbands Protector. Kodi ,you will be missed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fliggie Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 Quote My Photojournal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 I can barely see to type. What an inspiring story -- that an exceptional dog and an exceptional family shared such a life. And the pictures! He was indeed a dog in a million. I'm sorry he's gone now. Godspeed, handsome boy. Quote Star aka Starz Ovation (Ronco x Oneco Maggie*, litter #48538), Coco aka Low Key (Kiowa Mon Manny x Party Hardy, litter # 59881), and mom in IllinoisWe miss Reko Batman (Trouper Zeke x Marque Louisiana), 11/15/95-6/29/06, Rocco the thistledown whippet, 04/29/93-10/14/08, Reko Zema (Mo Kick x Reko Princess), 8/16/98-4/18/10, the most beautiful girl in the whole USA, my good egg Joseph aka Won by a Nose (Oneco Cufflink x Buy Back), 09/22/2003-03/01/2013, and our gentle sweet Gidget (Digitizer, Dodgem by Design x Sobe Mulberry), 1/29/2006-11/22/2014, gone much too soon. Never forgetting CJC's Buckshot, 1/2/07-10/25/10. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest KennelMom Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 I'm so sorry What a special dog... Godspeed, Kodi... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greytbookert Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 What an amazing life Kodi had! I'm so sorry for your loss. Godspeed Kodi! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest argolola Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 I'm so sorry for the loss of your precious angel. You and your family will be in my prayers. May God bless and heal your broken hearts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jerrybird Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 PSD (police service dogs) are very special in many, many ways. Kodi had a good, long productive life and knew he was loved by you. I'm sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyPoopon Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 I'm so very sorry. What a wonderful tribute to a special dog. Godspeed Kodi. Quote Standard Poodle Daisy (12/13) Missing Cora (RL Nevada 5/99-10/09), Piper (Cee Bar Easy 2/99-1/10), Tally (Thunder La La 9/99-3/10), Edie (Daring Reva 9/99-10/12), Dixie (Kiowa Secret Sue 11/01-1/13), Jessie (P's Real Time 11/98-3/13), token boy Graham (Zydeco Dancer 9/00-5/13), Cal (Back Already 12/99-11/13), Betsy (Back Kick Beth 11/98-12/13), Standard Poodles Minnie (1/99-1/14) + Perry (9/98-2/14), Annie (Do Marcia 9/03-10/14), Pink (Miss Pinky Baker 1/02-6/15), Poppy (Cmon Err Not 8/05-1/16), Kat (Jax Candy 5/05-5/17), Ivy (Jax Isis 10/07-7/21), Hildy (Braska Hildy 7/10-12/22), Opal (Jax Opal 7/08-4/23). Toodles (BL Toodles 7/09-4/24) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FosterFlunker Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 I am so sorry Kim :brokenheart :bighug Quote Make a fast friend adopt a greyhound Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nyGreys Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 I'm so sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greytfulhounds Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 What a beautiful tribute. I am so very sorry for your loss. Run with the angels handsome Kodi! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KahluasMagic Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 What a great tribute. I'm so sorry. Kodi was very special. Quote Lynn Missing Pepper,Magic,Kahlua, Hobbit Ziggy Jasper and Bella Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maximum Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 Thank you for sharing such a special boy with us in your beatiful tribute. His life was wonderful, he was so clearly cherished. I hope all of you are able to find comfort in your happy memories. How is Callie doing? Quote My boys, together again... A hui hou kakou, my loves Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest VaGreymom Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 What an inspiring beautiful tribute to your boy. He sure was special, and he was lucky to have such a loving family to care for him all those years. Thanks for sharing his story and all those beautiful photos. Run Free Sweet Kodi. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest PiagetsMom Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 Kodi was a beautiful boy.......I'm so very sorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Pipi5 Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 Thank you for sharing his story with us. That is a beautiful tribute. Great pictures of Kodi & Herman. I'm so sorry for your loss... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobinM Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 Beautiful and much loved boy, you will be missed. I am so sorry for your loss. Quote ROBIN ~ Mom to: Beau Think It Aint, Chloe JC Allthewayhome, Teddy ICU Drunk Sailor, Elsie N Fracine , Ollie RG's Travertine, Ponch A's Jupiter~ Yoshi, Zoobie & Belle, the kitties. Waiting at the bridge Angel Polli Bohemian Ocean , Rocky, Blue,Sasha & Zoobie & Bobbi Greyhound Angels Adoption (GAA) The Lexus Project Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest vahoundlover Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 I am so sorry What a beautiful tribute to a special fella. I hope the beautiful memories you created together will help heal your broken heart. Godspeed Sweetheart Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.