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Koda's gone...
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Member Since:
2 March 2016
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1
6 November 2016 - 5:55 pm
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I'm sorry to say Koda is gone.  He had been doing great, even though his 8/23 chest scan showed spots in his lungs.  Slowed down a bit in October, but still liked to walk to the end of our street, just a bit more slowly with frequent rests.
Friday, 10/21 he decided he wanted to go on a real walk, not just a "potty walk" across the street.  Instead of walking to the corner, he walked me all the way across our big neighborhood -- almost 1/2 mile.  He was so happy, hopping almost the whole time with few stops, even though his legs seemed to hurt after a while.  I kept asking him if he was trying to prove something.  My husband drove out to get us, but Koda refused to get in the car -- tired as he was, he insisted on walking all the way home.  It was slow-going with a lot of rest stops, but we made it.  
I figured he had overdone it, and expected him to be stiff for a couple days.  His appetite never diminished and he almost never coughed, so we had convinced ourselves the cancer was moving slowly.  But his pain got worse and one of his legs turned out, like it was dysplastic.  I called the vet to ask if she thought the pain was possibly arthritis or something that might respond to prednisone.  She said the cancer was likely in his spine -- which explained why he'd stopped wagging his tail.  
Friday night, 10/28 he was in a lot of pain, didn't sleep at all.  I was with him on the living room floor most of the night.  Saturday morning he could barely stand up to potty, so we knew it was time.  
Can't thank you all enough for all the support and love and information throughout Koda's journey.  Since his diagnosis and amputation in early March, this site and you wonderful people have been my lifeline.  
Hugs and love to you all.  xoxo

Mom of Koda, 150 lb male Anatolian Shepherd age 6 1/2 (DOB 10/4/09).

TPLO both knees - one 11/2012 and the other 2/2013;
Underpants-ectomy (a/k/a blockage removal) 8/2013;
Osteosarcoma in front left leg diagnosed 3/1/16;
Joined Tripawd Nation 3/4/16

Forever missing Koda's big brother, Sully (a/k/a James P. Sullivan), our first Anatolian and the Original Big Man (tm), who passed at age 10 1/2 from degenerative myelopathy on 6/27/13.



Member Since:
21 May 2016
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6 November 2016 - 6:09 pm
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Oh Julie I am so so so sorry for your loss 😞

This damn stupid disease is just horrendous, it strikes whenever it pleases and takes our babies from us always way too soon 😔

Koda knew his time on this earth was getting to an end and he was ready to take his next journey but wanted to enjoy a last walk with his Mom ... 

I so feel for you sweet Julie 😞

The void our babies leave in our hearts is extremely hard to handle but you had zero options snd Koda knows you did absolutely everything for him.

He was your sweet boy and still is, just in a different form now but you can rest assure he is right there by your side and will remain there until the day you reunite. 

Love never dies and he is shining bright in the sky, all our babies become beautiful stars 💫💫💫💫💫 if you look you'll be able to see Koda's as he is the brightest star tonight 🌟

My heart is with yours and Koda's wish I could comfort you more and ease your pain but only time can help 😞

Eurydice 77kg/170lb Great Dane limping end of April 2016, amputation (right front leg/osteosarcoma) 4 May 2016 6 courses of carboplatin followed by metronomic therapy, lung mets found 30 Nov 2016. 3 courses of doxorubicin, PET scan 26 Jan 2017 showed more mets so stopped chemo. Holistic route April 2017. Lung X-ray 5 May 2017 showed several tennis ball size mets, started cortisone and diuretics. Miss Cow earned her XXL silver wings 12 June 2017, 13 months and 1 week after amputation and 6 1/2 months after lung mets, she was the goofiest dawg ever and is now happily flying from cloud to cloud woof woofing away :-) 

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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6 November 2016 - 7:14 pm
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Julie, my heart aches for you, I'm truly sorry. I think that Eurydice's mom is correct: Koda absolutely knew that his "assignment" here on earth was coming to a close and he wanted to make the most of the time he had left. That walk with you was one that allowed his spirit to soar and be free as an eternal form of joyful energy in the universe. You enabled him to happily run free on all fours forever, and for that he will surround your heart with love for all time.

It's hearbreaking when we lose a hero like Koda. It's the heartbreaking side of this community and it never gets any easier to cope with. There are no words that can take away your pain, but I hope that when you look back on how he touched everyone here, now and long into the future, you will be comforted knowing that his legacy lives on.

{{{{{hugs}}}}}

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet





Member Since:
16 October 2012
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6 November 2016 - 7:23 pm
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I am so sorry to hear about Koda's crossing.  Run Free sweet boy. 

This is the hardest part of our journey that we do have to go on.  Even though we support you its a journey that you complete.  No one can tell you when it won't hurt so bad. 

xoxoxo

Michelle & Angel Sassy

sassymichelle-sm.jpg

Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013

05/04/2006 -  Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19  fought cancer for 4 months.

"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."

Michigan
Member Since:
2 April 2013
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6 November 2016 - 8:07 pm
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Julie ~

I'm so sorry for your loss. cryingKoda gave you such a wonderful gift of that last walk! heart  You gave him so much, and he gave back what he could.

Hugs to you,

Donna

Donna, Glenn & Murphy 

Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17  
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs

Donna.png

Schofield, WI
Member Since:
13 August 2015
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7 November 2016 - 6:51 am
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I'm so sorry Koda's journey has come to an end.  Know Koda will be the brightest star in the sky shining his healing light down upon you. May you find your peace in that light.  Fly free Prince Koda.  You've earned those Angel wings mighty warrior!

XXXOOO

Los Angeles, CA
Member Since:
13 June 2013
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7 November 2016 - 9:21 am
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I am so sorry to hear that Koda has crossed the bridge ... run free sweet Koda!!!

Hugs and love ... 

alison with spirit shelby in her heart 

Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.

October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014

Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife

Member Since:
23 May 2016
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7 November 2016 - 9:28 am
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Ooh I'm so sorry but couldn't have put it better than Eurydice's mum. He knew he was ready and was determined to share that special journey with you. He loved you, you were his world and you gave him all the love and comfort any pup could ask for.

Thoughts are with you all xx

Zuki Wuggafer 30/09/06 - 11/11/16. Right hind tripawd due to Osteosarcoma. He had a strong 5 and half months as a tripawd but unfortunately a secondary issue with his spine ended our battle. He loved life, loved our family and was the best dog I could ever ask for. Truly my first love, forever in my thoughts and heart.

Read our story: http://zuki.tripawds.com/

Member Since:
2 November 2016
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7 November 2016 - 1:59 pm
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Julie - we have only our deepest sympathy to offer you in this time of great loss.  Please keep us posted on how you are doing, and take some small measure of comfort in knowing that Koda's story serves to strengthen and support many others. 

with heartfelt compassion, 

hoppalong & Cooper

Member Since:
14 February 2016
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7 November 2016 - 2:39 pm
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So sorry to hear this!   I just loved Koda from your first post.  And interestingly enough, Otis had a really exceptional walk the night before he passed to - so full of energy and life.  Almost as if he wanted to make sure that was how he would be remembered.

Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016.  Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016.  Lung mets August 25, 2016.  Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016.   Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.  

Wherever they are, they are together.

Norene, TN
Member Since:
21 October 2014
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7 November 2016 - 2:42 pm
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My heart just breaks for you. heart

Harmony became a Tripawd on 10/21/14 (MCT). She left us way too soon on 11/1/14.

"We miss you so much; our love, our heart, our Harmony."

- Pam, Ron and Melody, Meesha, Doublestuff and Mariah Carey

London, UK


Member Since:
15 December 2015
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8 November 2016 - 12:01 am
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Your description of his last walk is deeply moving. I agree with the others that this was his way of saying goodbye, a final statement that he would not be beaten. 

I am so terribly sorry for your loss and want you to know that you are in my thoughts. 

Meg and Clare (and Elsie Pie) xxx

Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, 23 November 2023, adopted 12 January 2024.

Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...

The Amazing Adventures of Ruby Tuesday 

My Life as a Megastar

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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8 November 2016 - 12:34 pm
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I continue to shake my head in disbelief at the loss of another valiant and brave hero. Our hearts break once again as we cry with you and for you. I'm so very, very, very sorry.

Many of us know all too well the devastation you will feel for a long time. The void, the break in routine of not watching over yiur preciius Koda, will seem so unbearable. And when you have a day without crying in the future, the waves of grief will still hit you out of the blue.

For Koda to give you...And himself...such a great day shortly before he headed to the Bridge was a spectacular treasured memory he left with you...and took with him! As we know, dogs do not fear transition as we humans do. They understand they are here for a mission, they understand their Soul and Spirit continue on in a differe t form. So I have no doubt Koda k ew exactly what he was doing by celebrating life so joyously with you that day!

And Koda also knew when he got to the Bridge he could eat all the pizza and ice cream he wants to!!

A d he also.left us with one of the best avatar picture EVER so we could ALWAYS smile when we see it! And even through the tears, I can scroll up and see his picture and smile.

Thank you for the privilege of allowing us to get to k ow this extraordinary dog named Koda! We are forever touched by him....and your love for him and his for you. When you feel like it, we would love to hear more about your precious boy.

Surrounding you with Koda's lovi g heart and sloppy kisses

Sally and My Chunky Spiritual Being Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie
Koda will NEVER be forgotten here.

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

Copperas Cove, TX
Member Since:
12 May 2016
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9 November 2016 - 7:31 am
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Oh Koda, please find my Baby Bandit.  He crossed the bridge three days before you did.  Keep each other company until Julie and I can be with you again.  No pain, no sickness...I am happy for that, but our hearts are breaking at your departure.

Julie, I know how hard this is.  I'm going through it myself.  Hold on to the happy memories.  It helps.  Biggest hugs, Deb

Member Since:
30 August 2016
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12 November 2016 - 8:03 am
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wow what a story. I did not look at it this way until others pointed out, his last big walk with you was a special gift so you'd remember him that way. What a true fighter & hero! The tears are just flowing here.  My thoughts are with you. Please take care xoxox

Chris & Kylie

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