REMEMBERING KODI

On May 30, 2011, Kodi, age 11 yrs and 7 months, took her final journey.   She is now reunited at Rainbow Bridge with her best buddy Bernie, and all who have gone before her.  Ben, Kinsey, Martha, Teddy, and Kita. She is in very good company.

I don't have many pics of her available on line but the few that remain are very special to me. Many were lost forever when my "hard drive" "bought the farm recently". 

                     

Kodi's life passed in the blink of an eye. As I drove her to Tufts yesterday, I reflected on how short a dog's life truly is. It seems like only yesterday this small pup was in the back of my truck and I was driving her home for the very first time.  Our life together had begun. We were official, a team, a family. The best was yet to come.
Hiking, camping, water holes, chasing squirrels and bunnies, double cheeseburgers, vanilla soft serve, homemade dog cookies, and relaxing under the very large rhody bush near the front door. Kodi loved her walks witht the Mighty Mann's, most especially the infamous Stratton Pond hike in 2009, and the many walks at Look Park with Miss Blu and Monette.   Kodi was an incredible "dog mom" to Bernie from the get-go and watched over him during his all too short life (5 years). She was a gentle giant, tolerant, patient, and totally committed to her pack. 

                                   Bernie and Kodi (2010)

                                     VT-Stratton Pond Trail

                                   "Yummee...my favorite!"

                          "Do you really expect me to eat this?"         

                                 "Now that's more like it!"

                                  GRIZZLY DETERMINATION

                     "Where did this come from? Not another BMD!"

                                      "I love you Molly."

Nap under the Rhody bush

       KODI...YOU WERE THE BEST!  WE LOVE YOU NOW AND FOREVER.

                                       CANIS MAJOR

                                    The great Overdog
                                    That heavenly beast
                                    With a star in one eye
                                    Gives a leap in the east.
                                    He dances upright
                                    All the way to the west
                                    And never once drops
                                    On his forefeet to rest.
                                    I'm a poor underdog,
                                    But to-night I will bark
                                    With the great Overdog
                                    That romps through the dark.
                                                -Robert Frost

                       
                                   
 

Drovers Run

5/17/11

We had renamed our farm "DROVERS RUN!" This was done in honor of Molly who hails from a long line of cattle droving Bernese Mountain Dogs in Switzerland. I am certain this accounts for her fierce independent streak and intense drive to keep busy, regardless of what that entails.  I will leave it to your imagination. She is after all a working breed.

                      

                                            MOLLY
       
                               DROVER  EXTRAORDINAIRE! 

A first...Rattlesnake Gutter Road

5/13/11

We're moving up in the world.  Molly was 7 months old yesterday and we embarked on a 4 mile hike in Leverett.  I have been conservative with her because Berners are prone to serious orthopedic issues.  Gradually increasing the mileage and degree of difficulty is highly recommended. Not a great idea to place a lot of stress on joints when pups are growing.

It was a beautiful bright sunny day.  The visuals were outstanding.
We parked at the coop and I had some homemade broccoli/cheese soup.  Yummy!  This was to be the starting point for our hike. Molly was as usual raring to go.  We promptly dismissed the two small "yappers" that greeted us as we passed by and moved on to the horses. Now MOLLY thought these were real "dogs" of substance.  Of course when one weighs 70 lbs at 7 months,  size and substance are critical. "Bigger is better."

After paying homage we moved on.

Molly barks out "Times a wasting. Let's get hiking!"

We headed down to the river and Molly was duly impressed.  She has experienced a river but nothing quite like this.  This one has a giant waterfall and much care was taken so that  she would not experience it "up close and personal".   I didn't get a good pic of the falls this time.

Molly then made an independent decision to have a good roll. There is nothing quite like a roll when one is soaking wet. Odors are absorbed 100 fold.  Noxious to humans is a big plus!

Total bliss!  We press on.  The gutter itself is magnificent.  Leverett's "little grand canyon."  I am in awe of it all four seasons.  Pics never seem to do it justice.

 I could not capture the dimensions of the gorge down below and the large rock cliffs.    My camera is broken and the cell isn't very good.

We pressed on to the end and back.  Molly very much enjoyed the terrain and small rivers beds.

On the way out we stopped  for another look at the waterfall and dip in the river. For a grand finale, Molly enjoyed more fun and frolic at the farm.

Next think I hear  "Would you like one for dinner mom?" 

Off we went and ended the day with a stop at Sugarloaf Dairy Bar.

Vanilla soft serve...Molly's  favorite.  Perfect ending to a perfect day! 

 

Remembering...

 

                                       
                                "THESE COLORS DON'T RUN!"

               "And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
          Gave proof through the night, that our flag was still  there."     
 

In memory of all who lost their lives on 
                         9/11/01
                     NY- DC- PA

Bernie 2004-2010