Dakota Michael - KODY!

This is very hard for me to do as I've always felt each and everyone of my goldens deserved a book written about their lives....

• Cinda's story of failing as an assistance dog and becoming KPETS very first therapy dog
• Podley's story with his all too short life with his disability, but the amazing effect he had on people when he met them
• And precious Sammy, the co-founder of KPETS who was with me from the first filing of legal documents for the organization to our 10 year anniversary. By my side, every step of the way!
• And then there's dear little Max, whose love of life is enthusiastic and contagious but his therapy career cut short due to the dang c-word!
• And our Zekey Zekey Zoo - chicken man himself - afraid of kids but what a superstar at the rehab hospital. He knows his job and does it amazingly well! AND he actually comes when we call him!

But now with a totally new controlled start with a new puppy, I'm going to try my best to document his travels and experiences in life as our pet and as a KPETS registered therapy dog! 

Dakota Michael, you were needed in the Gerth family when you arrived! 

Jane and blue boy

From the very first time I picked you up, you nestled your little (big) head on my chest and stayed there and my heart just melted.

But the final decision to actually add  you to our family was Daddy's. Mommy was grieving the loss of Sammy in August and Daddy was grieving the loss of his brother, Mike. But Mommy told Daddy that she would be ok either way - that she'd be ok if he said ''yes" or if he said "no".  But it didn't take Daddy long to tell Mommy "Go get him". As so she did. Jane went along to get you. What a wonderful day! 

Lambert - looks just like his brother Sammy!

It was even made better because Gramma Janet was taking care of Lambert, Sammy's litter mate - 12 years old. It was unreal how much he looked like Sammy. What a bitter-sweet experience that was. And he was a little pistol, just like Sam. I would have taken him home too, but Janet wouldn't let me.

But our new life together was something Mommy & Daddy were very excited to start!

Naming you was a real challenge. Mommy wanted to name you Mason (kinda like Samson, but backwards). She wanted to name you Scampz (S- for Sammy, C-for Cinda, M-for Max, P-for Podley and Z-for Zeke. The only name we could agree on was Kody - Dakota. And we both agreed on your middle name - Michael. Michael was Sammy's middle name and it was Daddy's brothers name. You're middle name was a comfort and remembrance to two very special loved ones we had both just recently lost.

Another chapter has begun....I pray  it will be a long healthy meaningful one for everyone!