Koa's Road to Recovery

Back in April, we rescued a dog we later named Koa that was left on a roadside to die after being used in a dog fight and shot twice.  When he was taken to our vet, the amazing Dr. Vaughn of Columbia Hospital for Animals, he was nearly septic from the infection that had set in.  He was started on antibiotics immediately and given a couple of days before he was  sedated so that his hair could be shaved down and his wounds cleaned.  It was then that we learned just how extensive his injuries were.  His hair and dried blood hid a lot..  There were literally hundreds of bite marks all over his face, neck and chest area.  When I saw the photo, my hand immediately went over my mouth and I just sat there in a state of shock.  None of us had any idea it was that bad and he also tested positive for heartworms.  We knew then that Koa's road to recovery was going to be a long and expensive one, but we also knew that he had earned the right to a family.  We intended to give him just that, regardless of how long it would take.  

Months later, his wounds have healed and the hair has grown back leaving only a few minor scars.  He has been on kennel rest at our vet, has been treated for heartworms, as well been neutered and microchipped.  We didn't want to hurry any part of this process because he had a lot of medical issues to work through.  Now that he he strong, healthy and recovered, Koa has started a month long rehabilitation program at The Calm K9 in Clarksville.  This is a program where he will be trained in a home environment, will be exercised daily and will learn how to live peacefully with other dogs.  We felt this was a critical need in order to be able to safely and responsibly place him in a home.   When I walked him in the other day to drop him off, he looked around awkwardly at the TV and home.  Sadly, this led us to believe that he has probably never been in a home ever in his life.  Despite that, he is learning quickly and doing wonderfully in training.  He had not been there a day before he was laying quietly on the floor in the living room with three other dogs close by.  Koa has taught us what true strength is and how to persevere in the worst of situations.  We hope that when his training is over, we can find the perfect home for him.  Those interested in adopting Koa can contact Jamie at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..