Memorial-Pond Hollow Kodiak's Blizzard CD

Our beloved Kodi passed away Tuesday at the age of 12. He was in fine health up to about two weeks ago when his rear legs rapidly began to fail. He was increasing unable to walk or stand and the vet saw major problems with his liver. It was the hardest decision I've ever made. His mind was still clear to the end and he went peacefully, surrounded by the people who loved him. We brought him home and buried him in a sunny spot on our farm.

Kodi had great life and we will always miss him. He was never overweight and always in excellent shape. He was well trained, earned his CD with second or third place ribbons, and won first place in two brace competitions teamed along with our rescue Chessie. The one that really meant the most to me was when he won at the Chesapeake National Show in 2005. We hunted birds together and he loved to hike and camp with me. He swam regularly and loved crashing through the waves when we visited the ocean. We've lived on a small farm for the past six years where we walked the fence line every day – rain or shine. He was never mean to anyone and loved his vet and she loved him. The entire office was in tears when he passed.

He loved to sing along with his favorite songs on the radio – Elvis's "Suspicious Minds" was the one he howled longest and loudest with. He was calm around horses but never liked cows for some reason. He was incredibly smart and frequently seemed to be able read my mind. He wasn't overly affectionate but calmly and strongly loyal. He asked for nothing more than to be by my side. He completely ignored people and dogs he didn't know and when we walked together with other people and dogs Kodi always walked with the people when the dogs took off ahead to explore. He was never lost, rarely ill and his only injuries ever were a deep cut on a pad and a torn ACL. He did have a scar on his face where a groundhog grabbed him and was bit the face once by a blacksnake (life on a farm J). He did occasionally bully around his brother Remi, our 13 year old rescue Chessie, but for the most part, they got along well together.

We treasure the time we had with him and will remember our adventures with him for the rest of our lives.

He was my very first dog and I will never forget him.

Jeff & Becky Baldwin
Knoxville, Maryland