Kodi's Page

Ch. Statussam's Kodiak Bear

October 23, 1986 - June 21, 2000

You have found "Kodi's" page. Kodi came to us by way of Dr. Mary Ellen Torrez and was bred by Liz Dickson and Marie Greene-Radcliffe. We had already acquired Juneau from Mary Ellen, but with one of my first visits with the Torrez family, I was greeted at the door by Ch. King Kody of Kondako. I recall that my first words were, "If you ever breed this boy..." As you have guessed, a breeding took place and Kodi was Mary Ellen's pick in return for stud services. Click here for Kodi's four generation Pedigree.

With only 6 months difference in age, Kodi's personality was far different than that of Juneau's. He is still the loving boy that we brought home well over 13 years ago, who's goal in life was that of pleasing us in every way. With that said, Kodi was a pleasure to show and adored being in the ring. He was easy, he animated without abandon, and had a knack for catching the judges' eyes with his wonderful personality. We knew that he lacked sidegait and reach, but he still finished easily. In fact, his first pointed win was a three point major, just shortly after he was moved to the Open classes. Prior to that, Kodi was awarded 3 Reserves from the puppy classes. To his credit, he earned 4 BOB's, all but one was from Open, and 2 Group placements.

Kodi, Juneau, and I were reunited in '93, after a two year separation during my relocation to Colorado. I was elated to once again provide a comfortable home for them. Late in life, Kodi has become a diabetic and is administered insulin as a means of controlling his blood/sugar. His eyesight has diminshed, but remains the loving little boy I've always known. I'm very proud of Kodi. The following are a few images, old and recent, that I felt best depict his incredible nature.

And, the part of loving dogs that I find so difficult bear, I offer the following:

With tears in my eyes, Ch. Statussam's Kodiak Bear left us today. Nearly five years ago, Kodi said goodbye to his soul mate, Juneau. With courage, he'd been dealing with diabetes for the past four. Till the final hours, Kodi had not lost his appetite, yet found it increasingly difficult to remain mobile. Today marks the end of an era, in many ways. Kodi was and will always be my pride and my joy.

A direct descendent from the Kondako line, Kodi was sired by Ch. King Kody of Kondako, in October, 1986, a gorgeous boy who greeted me at the door of Mary Ellen's home that year. The pretense of the visit, was an initial screening by Mary Ellen, as I was a potential client for a litter she had co-bred with Jo Geletich. Captured by the beauty of this doorman, it was then, that I told Mary Ellen, I was extremely interested if she were to breed Kody. Six months later, Kody sired his last litter of puppies, and the pick male would be become our dear sweet Kodi.

Kodi lived his life to please others. Never a show of assertive behavior, gladly let the girls assume an alpha role. The show ring was his playground. The spark in his eyes was evident, his attitude elated, when out came the grooming table and crates packed in the car. Even in his later years, long after his career had ended, it was obvious his elation during those evenings of trimming feet and nails. His eyes gleamed at the very thought of again entering the ring. His very first pointed win came with a major at the Los Encinos Kennel Club. I remember it well. It was a windy day at Hansen Dam, and at just a little over one year and very much a puppy, he was very distracted as the difficult decision came down to either Kodi or Brill, a much more experienced dog. Ms. Fournier moved them extensively and somehow, he pulled it off for Winner's Dog. Unfortunately, when he finished his championship, I was not able to be in attendance. It was with a handler, in a driving rain at Portland, OR.

What a presence this boy would emit. He had his faults, naturally, and movement was not his greatest asset. Attitude was. Clearly, to his final days, Kodi lived to make me proud and joyful of having had the opportunity to share with me, his love. I'm very saddened that I must say goodbye, yet could not have been more fortunate to have had the most wonderful years of my life. Thank you Kodi, for everything that you've given me. I hope and I pray, that your life has been as delightful as my own.

I love you my dear, sweet Kodi. In your short time in our world, you have taught me so much. From you, I have learned your version of love, patience, strength, gratitude, joy, perseverance, devotion, trust, laughter, and tears. Never, will I forget the nearly fourteen years that you so unselfishly gave me. Goodbye my dearest friend.

Ch. Statussam's Kodiak Bear
October 23rd, 1986 to June 21st, 2000

Kodi at 6 1/2 weeks. The 'bear' head comes primarily from the Kondako line. What a sweet boy! >
	< Another photo taken of Kodi, at about 6 1/2 weeks.
Approximately 6 months of age, taken in the backyard at nearly dusk. >
	< First Best of Breed, although it was just a match.
Still very young, but another blue ribbon earned at a match. >
	< Showing his age, but still the sweet, precious boy.

"A dog teaches a boy fidelity, perseverance, and to turn around three times before lying down."

-Robert Benchley