The Queen of Hearts 💕

Koda was rescued from a construction zone in Rosarito Beach in 2003 where she had been abandoned tied to a piece of rebar on the second floor of an unfinished building. PJ was volunteering with Baja Animal Sanctuary at the time and going through some major transitions in her own life. The fluffy puppy originally dubbed “Osa”, the little bear, came into her life at a juncture where they could both make new beginnings leaning and loving on each other. They’ve seen each other through the good and bad ever since.

Racing In Wolf Creek, Illinois

Hatteras

Maryland

I’m not sure where to start. Friday morning, I woke to find Koda unable to rise lying next to an unmentionable mess on the floor. I tried to get her up straining my surgical scars but not really noticing or caring at the time. Sandy came to the rescue as she so often does these days. Her and Dad got her on a sheet and used it like a stretcher to get her to the car. She was awake but her legs wouldn’t work. At the urgent care they did an examination and her kidneys had failed. We’ve known for a while that she had kidney issues but it was still a shock how suddenly the end came. She’d been showing her fifteen years lately, occasionally needing a boost to get into the RV and the biggest sign was when she no longer showed any interest in going in the water. This dog had never missed an opportunity for a swim as long as I’d known her.

Merremec River, MO

Helping Pete fold up the tarp

Lake Erie

After long tearful phone calls to PJ in Rhode Island and repeatedly asking the veterinarian for options and assurances that we were doing the right thing and getting a strong affirmative, Koda was quietly released from her suffering. I never thought it would affect me this hard. I held her until the end and her ashes will be spread out over the ocean she so loved to play in. Such a soulful, loving being.

Morning dew in Missouri

Julian Price in Carolina

Lo de Marcos

She had a charmed life, doted on and watched over by PJ, living in her large park like yard in Carlsbad. Daily walks in the lagoon and so many swimming days down at dog beach. She was the alpha of our little pack of three until age caught up with her. She has swam in countless lakes and rivers, the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific and the Gulf of Mexico in 34 states across the U.S. and eight states in her Mexican homeland. A great traveler, cheerful in all weathers, her ability to create peace and her calming presence whenever she was near will be deeply missed. Rest In peace sweet angel.

Red rocks of Sedona

Nayarit

Leading the pack when the crew was complete.