Before our three little girlies stole the spotlight in our hearts, there was Koda. Our spunky, fearful, wildly energetic snuggle puppy. We adopted her from the Moose Jaw humaine society six years ago. She came to us so very afraid of every one, except our cat-person-friend Tracy whose presence for some reason made Koda go wild with excitement and immediately start peeing all over everything! She spent her first week hiding in our closet until finally, in the middle of the night, she decided that in bed, with us, was the place for her! We could never convince her otherwise, and believe me, I tried! (Josh didn't try so much!)
She quickly stole our hearts and became our big awkward baby, whose whole body wiggled with excitement and who thought sitting right up on the window sill was the most reasonable cat watching location! We were pretty unsure of how she would respond to welcoming a new baby in the house, but our fears melted away almost immediately. Our sweet Koda went from fearfully hiding under the table, to positioning herself between Elise and any company who came calling. With a baby to protect, she simply forgot to be afraid!
We brought our second dog Jack home shortly after Elise was born, and Koda wasn't quite so welcoming. It took some time, but she eventually warmed up to the idea of having a big furry brother. The two of them ran away, every chance they got, and if Koda ever escaped without Jack she would stand outside the living room window barking at him to run away with her. That was the moment we knew, it was time to build a fence!
When we came home from holidays last weekend she was walking with a bit of a limp, so off to the doctor she went. We were not at all ready for the news that Koda has bone cancer and that our time with her will need to be cut very short. We are soaking up every moment we have left with her. Spoiling her even more than normal! She is as happy as can be with all her special treatment. We are so thankful for the time we have had with her! It feels like yesterday that we first met her silly self! It think her longer than usual wait to be adopted was simply her waiting for us! The perfect fit!
OOO, Snuggle Puppy of mine!
Everything about you
is especially fine.
I love what you are.
I love what you do.
Fuzzy little Snuggle Puppy,
I love you.
(Sandra Boynton)