04/14/2026
Dear All Who Love Koda;
This is a message l never wanted to write and words I never wanted to say; Koda is dying. As earth shattering as this news is, I am grateful to know so that we can love him hard while he is here and send him off peacefully, hopefully at home with his brothers and free of suffering.
Koda was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma cancer originating on his kidney. An unseen and documented presentation of this cancer. He has had a chest/abdominal xrays, abdominal ultrasound, CT scan, multiple bloodwork and a biopsy of the tumor on his kidney. At this moment, he is not showing any signs of distress and is his happy, spicy, sweet, playful, bossy self and expressing all his shepherd opinions. If he had not had the vomiting episode (cause unknown), we'd have no idea of the cancer. I am choosing to not do chemotherapy due to several reasons: the amount that the cancer has spread, unknowns of how this cancer will progress due to its rarity and location, and the unlikely outcome of more genuine quality time.
I would give anything for this dog to have more time with me but I will always put his quality of life first.
My current goal is to give him the best experiences and memories for as long as he is happy and enjoying it.
I want the end to be as peaceful as possible, with no distress, pain, or discomfort.
Koda is my soul dog and imagining a world where he no longer exists is breaking my heart. I plan to spend every moment I am able loving him and allowing all who know him to do the same. I am aiming to take a step back while DK Canine is still supporting clients through everyone's support and Koda centered classes and events. I will also be arranging training hikes with all of Koda's dear friends.
With deep sadness and gratitude;
Kara, Koda, Sam & Foster Godebu
