Koda's Story

The  first week, Koda lay in a corner for over 23 hours a day. She was  scared of everything. She was so withdrawn that her eyes did not move,  her ears did not perk and her nose did not sniff. She lay in a corner  and would not move. If approached, she would cover her head with her  paws and try with all her weak might to back as far into the wall as  possible. She would shake and cower. Her eyes were still dark and she  would stare off into some faraway place. Taking her outside was  extremely difficult as well. She was terrified being in the house, but  even more terrified of being outside. She would get so low when walking  in an army crawl position that her belly would almost touch the ground.  It was difficult to tell if she had even gone to the bathroom because  she was so low there was no need to squat. The only time she would try  to eat or drink anything was at night when it was quiet and all the  lights were off. She never made a sound and rarely even moved when we  were around. 

Koda’s health was also of great concern. She was very thin, her coat was brittle, dull and speckled with dandruff, and it became apparent that she was eaten up with worms. We also noticed several scars on her and a ripped ear as signs of her past struggles. We immediately took her to see our amazing veterinarians, Shannon Hait and Suzie Powell, at Crosswinds Animal Hospital. We knew they would provide her with the best medical care possible. She had to go through three rounds of treatments to finally rid her of the worms and she had to receive dental care which allowed her to eventually start eating hard foods and treats. The compassion and care they showed her and continue to show her is priceless. Through their care, she has begun to gain weight, develop a beautiful coat, and physically feel better. 

Within a couple of days after talking with our vets, we knew that we would need more professional guidance to work on Koda’s mental health, so we started researching dog trainers. We also knew that the trainer would have to be a special person who was experienced, compassionate, patient, and kind. After reading many reviews and talking with some friends, we decided to call a local dog training group. A week later, another of Koda’s saviors appeared at our door in the form of Tara Allen with the Greenville Dog Wizard. As Tara walked in the door, Koda bolted out of her corner, onto the sofa, across an end table (about knocking over a lamp) and into another room…..peeing the entire way. Tara, very calmly and compassionately, looked at us as we stood there with our eyes wide opened and said, “So, I see what you’re going through. Let me help you.” After we took Koda out and cleaned up the mess, Tara sat down and began to simply listen to us but more importantly to Koda. By the end of our visit, she was able to sit down with Koda without her freaking out and even coaxed her out of her corner.  She showed us some simple exercises we could do to start building her confidence before she could begin a 3-week training program with her. We religiously did those exercises and often sought guidance from Tara as we eagerly awaited the start of Koda’s training. We were in awe of the knowledge, compassion, responsiveness, and genuine care she showed for our sweet girl. 

The time finally came for Koda to leave for her training, and we were both nervous and excited. This was another new beginning in Koda’s long journey, and we knew it would be difficult for her but we had confidence that she was in the perfect hands for the task. As the days and weeks went by, we saw a consistent improvement in Koda as Tara posted videos and pictures. We would text every day for updates and insight and Tara was always so open and responsive. She would tell us when Koda had great days and also tell us when Koda had not so great days. Tara persisted with Koda even when Koda was seemingly ready to give up. Those three weeks proved to be the most instrumental weeks in Koda’s life. She became more confident, active, interactive, and began to start enjoying life.   

Tara has always been honest with us and she has told us that breaking through to Koda will be a very long process and one with lots of ups and downs, but she also told us that consistency is the key and that she would continue the journey along with us to insure that Koda has the best chance at a normal and fun life. The promise that she made to us regarding her support for the life of the dog has held true. 

Crosswinds Animal Hospital, Tara, and the Greenville Dog Wizard have been by our sides every step of the way and continue to offer the support and guidance that we desperately need.  The many talented people who make up “Team Koda” have become Koda’s lifeline. She is now healthy, engages in life, takes joy in watching the world, sniffing things, grooming herself, and just being a much loved dog. She still has a long recovery, possibly years, ahead of her; but little by little Team Koda is allowing her to come out of her shell and discover a world that is not quite as cold and scary as the one she once knew.  

After seeing Koda experience this incredible transformation of no longer desiring to engage in or live life to the place where she is now enjoying life, we were inspired to replicate this on a larger scale than our family could do on our own, so we started Rescued Life to inspire others, to encourage others, and to help fund the rescue of many other “Kodas” that are in need of our help. It makes our hearts full to see her transformation, and we wish for other animals in her position to have the same opportunity. Thank you to Drs. Hait and Powell of Crosswinds Animal Hospital and to Tara Allen, of the Greenville Dog Wizard for being Koda’s saviors and integral parts of Team Koda.  Not only have they helped us save Koda but they have inspired us to save many more like her!  

With Love for Koda...

To see more photos of Koda as she continues on her journey of learning to love life click below.