Woof! Koda Lei, Rhyland’s Bernese Mountain Dog. I turned 5 years old in 2022 and got my first job as the O-ficial Rhy’s Above mascot. That same year I completed the beginning of my therapy dog training. Now, when mom pulls my pack out I know it’s time to go to work. I’m so excited I can hardly contain it, giving mom a good tigger bounce to let her know I’m ready to go do the therapies! Rhy always told mom, “Pet Koda mom, you can’t be sad when you' pet Koda” and he’s woofin’ right!
Becoming a therapy dog is how I chose to honor my best friend. I love him so, so much. When Rhyland went away I waited by the door and barked really loud when he should be home. I paced and cried, and begged mom and dad to take me out to find him. After a while I just laid around and didn’t bark anymore. I wouldn’t even go outside.
But then mom saw how excited I got every time one of my besties besties came over and she asked me if I’d like to be a therapy dog. I didn’t know, so I just wagged my tail and she took me to the BVSPCA for a test. The test was all about being a good boy and I’m great at that - I got so many treats! After that mom said I could be Rhy’s Above mascot and all these people wanted to pet me and that made me happy. Happier even than the treats mom brings when I’m the goodest boy. I love people more than anything. So mom said we could train together and being Rhy’s Above therapy dog’s been the bestest thing ever. Lots of hoomans need dogs like me and I need them too.
I just can’t wait to see you out in the community. I’m a big boy but don’t let that stop you. Please come by and give me pets and I’ll do my best to make you happy. And if you like, you can tell me I’m the goodest boy.
Rhy’s Above doesn’t incur costs on my behalf, but if you want to donate to help us end the stigma of mental health, you can do that here. You can even make it an automated monthly treat, woof! Hope I see you real soon!