My Heart. Koda.

By: Sheree Peart

There are moments in our lives that don’t feel life changing when they first happen.

They start out as small quiet decisions or in my case an unexpected surprise like my

four-legged companion Koda. I had a big loss over 3 years ago and I wasn’t ready, or I

should say, I didn’t feel like I was ready to handle a dog, but when I saw her photo on a

Facebook Post from one of my coworkers, I knew she was meant for me. I learned that

she is an Aussiedor puppy which is a mix of Australian shepherd and Labrador.

I remember heading out into the early morning to meet my coworker near a park. I was

nervous because I had no idea how to care for a puppy. When I met her for the first

time, my coworker apologized because she mentioned she was in a rush to head back

to work. She helped me to place her in her carrier, and I took a rideshare back home.

During the ride she kept sniffing close to me and then whimpering. I’m assuming that

she wanted to come out and so I opened the carrier and she found her way into my

arms and immediately she snuggled against me in my lap. No more crying as she

stared up at me for a long time before closing her eyes. She was so quiet. I felt

surprised and I just stared with a million questions in my mind.

Of course, she wasn’t human but the amount of trust it takes for this tiny being to plop

down into my lap and go to sleep. The audacity was too cute for words. I was still in

shock that she was mine, but she knew that I was her human. It felt so surreal that I was

now the owner of this small trusting ball of fur and she would depend on me.

When we arrived home, she had a bed set up, bunch of toys, and all she could ask for

but she just lay next to the entry door. I spent the entire day researching, taking her

outside, enticing her with toys and treats to make sure she was alright. She was, she

just liked the doorway for some reason.

Her big dark eyes stared at me from across the room. I suppose when it comes to love,

there is an adjustment period. I was feeling self conscious as it felt like her eyes were

watching my every movement. I researched again and saw that dogs will stare at you

when they love you or if they are curious and I just kept saying to myself no way. It’s too

soon for her to love me and well, I’m doing pretty boring work.

It turns out a year and 9 months later she does love me. A little too much. And as for

me, I have never known anyone I have had to redirect over 100 times to, “leave it” or

“drop it” or “come here my cuddle bug” while giving belly rubs.

She taught me how to be present and happy because dogs don’t care about yesterday

or tomorrow and what will happen a year from now. She’s ready right now to play,

cuddle, go for walks or whatever she is feeling in the moment.

Getting Koda was one of the

best decisions I’ve ever made. She has been my companion, my protector, my emotional mirror, and my laughter when I needed it most.

She came into my life at a time when I didn’t realize how much I needed her brand of

love.

Life with love is so beautiful and one with an unexpected love, is even moreso.