Koda the shining star, rescued from a high kill shelter

missykel3 · 10-01-2011, 01:59 AM

I rescued Koda 6 years ago from a high kill shelter. He was brought out to me with a rope around his neck (the kind you use for a lynch or something). His adoption fee was $50. I took one look at him, didn't think he was the result of any kind of 'good' breeding, but decided to give him a chance. I was working with a dog trainer at the time as his assistant, so this was my chance to turn him into the best he could be.

Koda excelled in basic and advanced obedience. I even did a little schutzhund training. He became our demo dog for dog training class, and was involved in training over 100 dogs and their owners.

Today, he is 7 years old and although he has hip dysplasia, medical treatment keeps him strong and active. He is a protector and companion not only to me, but also to my two kids who are 4 and 2, and both can boss him around and as a good boy, he listens and never overwhelms them. He is also a big brother to a 13 week old rambunctious young puppy, and he does an amazing job showing him the ropes. He is the result of bad breeding, but luckily that is only in the way he looks. His personality and temperament outshine any flaws you may see at first glance (like a curly tail, and too many bright points in his coat, or a 'bitch' stripe, or hip dysplasia). Koda has shown me that any dog can be a great dog, it just has to have the patience, time, and above all...given a chance! I think anyone who wants a shep, should consider rescue. It is rewarding when you can take a dog from almost being put to death just for being alive, and turn him into an amazing dog!

Pictures are in chronological order from what he looked like when I got him, to what he is now.

katieliz · 10-02-2011, 01:13 AM

that's a beautiful story. rescue is so rewarding!!!

msvette2u · 10-02-2011, 02:02 AM

He's so handsome! I love pics 4 and 5

And rescued dogs are the best!!

Daisy&Lucky's Mom · 10-02-2011, 08:11 AM

He sounds like a true gentleman. Great story.Your pictures are Heis very handsome.

mosul210 · 03-28-2012, 09:50 AM

Great success story, thanks for sharing.

JillyBean40 · 03-28-2012, 09:58 AM

Fantastic story! Koda is one lucky boy to have someone like you give him a chance, and look how far he's come!

GSDBESTK9 · 03-28-2012, 10:03 AM

Great story and results.

Stosh · 03-28-2012, 02:09 PM

What a wonderful story, he's a beautiful boy

Scarlettsmom · 03-28-2012, 04:35 PM

He's beautiful!

10-01-2011, 01:59 AM	#1 (permalink)
missykel3 Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Hillsboro, OR Posts: 34	Koda the shining star, rescued from a high kill shelter I rescued Koda 6 years ago from a high kill shelter. He was brought out to me with a rope around his neck (the kind you use for a lynch or something). His adoption fee was $50. I took one look at him, didn't think he was the result of any kind of 'good' breeding, but decided to give him a chance. I was working with a dog trainer at the time as his assistant, so this was my chance to turn him into the best he could be. Koda excelled in basic and advanced obedience. I even did a little schutzhund training. He became our demo dog for dog training class, and was involved in training over 100 dogs and their owners. Today, he is 7 years old and although he has hip dysplasia, medical treatment keeps him strong and active. He is a protector and companion not only to me, but also to my two kids who are 4 and 2, and both can boss him around and as a good boy, he listens and never overwhelms them. He is also a big brother to a 13 week old rambunctious young puppy, and he does an amazing job showing him the ropes. He is the result of bad breeding, but luckily that is only in the way he looks. His personality and temperament outshine any flaws you may see at first glance (like a curly tail, and too many bright points in his coat, or a 'bitch' stripe, or hip dysplasia). Koda has shown me that any dog can be a great dog, it just has to have the patience, time, and above all...given a chance! I think anyone who wants a shep, should consider rescue. It is rewarding when you can take a dog from almost being put to death just for being alive, and turn him into an amazing dog! Pictures are in chronological order from what he looked like when I got him, to what he is now. Attached Thumbnails Last edited by missykel3; 10-01-2011 at 02:08 AM.

10-02-2011, 01:13 AM	#2 (permalink)
katieliz Crowned Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: york township, mi Posts: 6,324	that's a beautiful story. rescue is so rewarding!!! __________________ mom to seraphina blue & the cashman miss jeni-take-a-ride, rescued 7/07 shangri la's great white caesar, rescued 4/09 hearthside's cinderfella (RIP 4/20/09) shep von bellefontaine (RIP 6/9/10) voodoo lily (dsh) & cricket (african grey)

03-28-2012, 09:58 AM	#6 (permalink)
JillyBean40 Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: South Western PA Posts: 78	Fantastic story! Koda is one lucky boy to have someone like you give him a chance, and look how far he's come! __________________ Furry Family Members: One of A Kind GSD Thunder - DOB 1/10/12 Our Cool Cat Lola - DOB 12/26/06

03-28-2012, 10:03 AM	#7 (permalink)
GSDBESTK9 Crowned Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Maryland Posts: 28,438	Great story and results. __________________ Carolina Johnson http://www.johnsonhaus.com http://www.carolinak9photography.com

03-28-2012, 04:35 PM	#9 (permalink)
Scarlettsmom Master Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Chesapeake, VA Posts: 734	He's beautiful! __________________ Scarlett WGSD 2/07 CGC TDI Paige Husky/GSD mix 2/95-12/08 In a life and death situation, do something. . .. It may be wrong, but do something!

10-02-2011, 02:02 AM	#3 (permalink)
msvette2u Crowned Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Beautiful Pacific NW Posts: 5,533	He's so handsome! I love pics 4 and 5 And rescued dogs are the best!!

10-02-2011, 08:11 AM	#4 (permalink)
Daisy&Lucky's Mom Knighted Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,437	He sounds like a true gentleman. Great story.Your pictures are Heis very handsome.

03-28-2012, 09:50 AM	#5 (permalink)
mosul210 Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 181	Great success story, thanks for sharing.

03-28-2012, 02:09 PM	#8 (permalink)
Stosh Crowned Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: tyler texas Posts: 8,434	What a wonderful story, he's a beautiful boy

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