Koda's Recovery
Koda was rescued in early 2009 from a Central Oregon shelter. He most likely came from the big "Burn's dog rescue." Koda had NO social skills. He had grown up fending for himself with over 100 other dogs. When I brought him to my rescue, AARRFF, he was terrified of his own shadow. I helped him learn to live inside of a "home" - even teaching him how to go through doorways and drink from a water bowl (both of which were concepts that he had never grasped as he had never been exposed to them). Koda proceeded to sit in rescue for over a year. No one would adopt him, as he was terrified of people and social settings. But Koda had four things going for him: 1) He was as gentle as the day is long; 2) He is a gorgeous Cattle Dog; 3) I LOVED him; and 4) HE MET MARK!!! Mark worked nothing short of a miracle for this lovely dog!!! I sent Koda to be part of Mark's live-in training program to try to give this lovely dog a second chance at life. I was a skeptic, expecting to get that call to come fetch him back every day. But that call NEVER came. The calls that did come were calls telling me of all of the progress that Koda was making. During his time with Mark, he shed some much needed weight. But more than that, Koda shed layers and layers of insecurity!!! Koda was adopted to his new home, straight out of Mark's live-in training program. He is now a well-adjusted member of a loving, dedicated, forever family (including his two dog buddies: Bubba and Punkin)! Koda would have spent his life in rescue if it were not for Mark. Even though I was the one who "rescued" Koda from the shelter, it was Mark who truly rescued Koda! I was so impressed with the miracle that Mark worked for Koda, that I have now sent my little Haiku to go through Mark's live-in training program. She is a deaf, and partially blind, rescued, Cattle Dog. After only 4 days, Haiku is already progressing in her training to the point that I am sure she will also now have a second chance in life! Mark, I can never thank you enough. But more importantly, Koda thanks you with every happy, secure breath that he takes!
Diana~ AARRFF rescue, Scio, OR |