KOTA

I've written quite a few tributes over the years, but this is my first for a dog.

Kota came to live with the Kerstetter family about twelve years ago as a pup.  She is a yellow lab and served as a hunting dog for Jon when she was younger.  

She truly impressed me on our first visit to the Kerstetter home after she joined the family.  Rylie was a toddler and Coltin was a baby.  They crawled all over poor Kota and hugged her.  I remember watching as Rylie pulled on her eyelids.  Never did Kota snip at either of the kids.  An earlier dog had snipped at Coltin;  that dog quickly came to live with us for a while.  

But Kota earned her place as the beloved family dog and guardian of the children!  She was an excellent watch-dog and was not happy when anyone drove up their 'Dead-End' street.  Her hearing was excellent and she was their early-warning alert system!  Earlier in their marriage, when Jon was going on rather long deployments, Kota was a great source of comfort and security for Tracie!  

When Debbie and I visit several times a year, Kota always greets us warmly with lots of licking and rubbing up against us.  She has a sweet disposition and makes friends quickly and easily.  

It may sound funny, but I've thanked the Lord for Kota many times in my prayers!  I've viewed her as God's helper in protecting my grandkids!  She did a GOOD job of that and earned their love - and the family does, indeed love her!  

For those of us who love our dogs, we know how they endear themselves to us.  They truly become part of the family!  They bond with us and their faithfulness amazes us.  Did God have this in mind when He made them?  I wonder...

Kota has been experiencing difficulty getting up and moving around during the last year.  I've watched Jon tenderly help her stand up so she can eat.  She's been spending a bit more time on her bed lately.

There's so much happening in the Kerstetter home right now with a major move anticipated soon from Connecticut to Florida.  Preparing the house for sale, sorting through all their belongings, reducing the clutter, painting, cleaning - STRESS!!!!

When we were up for Coltin's birthday in March, Tracie wondered if Kota was going to be able to make the move.  Apparently, yesterday they decided she wouldn't.  

After training her replacement for the last year or so, Kota has now moved on.  There's tremendous sadness in the house today;  it will not go away quickly.  Many of you know this sadness and have experienced it.  Now Gunner will get all the love and attention.  Will Gunner live up to the expectations of his teacher?  I'm quite sure he'll get the same love and attention.  

Thanks, again, Kota!  You did a good job and you'll be missed!  

[Watch for my next blog article:  "Do Dogs Go To Heaven?"]