It was a crisp October day,  I woke up to the other dogs whining as the shelter workers let us all out of our kennels. 
Yes! Freedom! I ran so fast to the playroom to play with my friends! Today was going to be a big day - I can feel it! 
I played for hours and hours, until I had to have a nap. After lunch I saw two humans walk in and sit on the floor. Everyone crowded around them, jumping on them. Get yourself together guys I thought. I quietly walked over and sat by the mans huge feet. I knew the drill, people visited us all the time and had a few cuddles. As I sat watching the commotion of Simba getting silly all over this ladies lap. I met eyes with the lady human, she immediately picked me up. My legs were dangling and I thought jeez lady I just had breakfast. I stared into her and she stared back, she said "its you, your the one." I said to myself ok lady, do you have food or a ball? The lady stood up and talked with a shelter worker, she came back and said "I'm going to be your new Mom" and I thought "Mom?." She said she would be back, she came back with a new collar and name tag with the name "Koda." 

Koda the Queen

A black lab mix with blue eyes and white-tipped paws races excitedly across a shelter playroom. Sunlight streams through windows, illuminating the crisp October day. Other dogs play in the background while shelter workers stand by the kennels.

It was a crisp October day when I woke up to the other dogs whining as the shelter workers let us out of our kennels. Freedom at last! I ran so fast to the playroom to meet my friends. Today felt special - I could feel it in my paws!

Shelter Days

A black lab mix with blue eyes and white-tipped paws sits quietly beside a man's feet on the shelter floor. The dog looks up, making eye contact with a young woman who gazes back with interest. Other dogs crowd around the couple in the background.

I played for hours until I needed a nap. After lunch, two humans walked in and sat on the floor. While everyone crowded around them, I quietly approached and sat by the man's huge feet. That's when I met eyes with the lady human.

The Meeting

The young woman holds a black lab mix puppy with blue eyes in the air, their gazes locked in a moment of connection. The puppy's white-tipped paws dangle as they stare into each other's eyes. A shelter worker stands nearby with paperwork.

She immediately picked me up, my legs dangling in the air. I stared into her eyes and she stared back, saying, "It's you, you're the one." The lady stood up and talked with a shelter worker before returning with exciting news.

Chosen

The young woman kneels beside the black lab mix puppy, fastening a new collar around her neck. A shiny tag with 'Koda' engraved on it catches the light. The puppy tilts her head curiously, her blue eyes bright with wonder.

"I'm going to be your new Mom," she said, and I tilted my head curiously. She promised to return and did, bringing a new collar with a shiny tag. The tag had a new name for me - "Koda."

A New Name

Inside a car, the black lab mix puppy with white-tipped paws sits nervously on the passenger seat. The young woman with long brown hair reaches over to pet Koda's head reassuringly. Through the window, the shelter building grows smaller in the distance.

The next day, Mom came back with a soft blue leash. I said goodbye to my shelter friends, especially Simba who licked my ear. The car ride was scary but Mom kept petting my head.

Going Home

A black lab mix puppy with blue eyes and white-tipped paws stands in the center of a spacious living room, surrounded by dog toys. Through large windows, squirrels can be seen playing in a yard. A cozy dog bed sits in the corner with Koda's name on it.

Mom's house was huge with so many rooms to explore! I sniffed every corner and found my very own bed. There were toys everywhere and a yard where squirrels played.

My Kingdom

In the backyard, the young woman kneels beside Koda, who sits attentively with perfect posture. Mom holds a treat above Koda's head while the black lab mix with white-tipped paws focuses intently on following commands. A designated potty area is visible in the corner of the yard.

Mom taught me where to potty and which furniture was off-limits. I learned to sit and stay when she asked. Each time I did something right, I got treats and belly rubs!

Learning Rules

At a sunny dog park, Koda the black lab mix with blue eyes and white-tipped paws plays with Max, a golden retriever. Both dogs have their tongues hanging out from exhaustion but continue to chase each other joyfully. Mom watches from a nearby bench, smiling.

Mom took me to a dog park where I met other dogs. A golden retriever named Max became my best friend. We chased each other until our tongues hung out.

Meeting Friends

In a bathroom, Koda sits in a tub filled with warm water and bubbles. The black lab mix with white-tipped paws has soap suds on her head and is mid-sneeze as bubbles tickle her nose. Mom gently pours water over Koda's back, a towel ready nearby.

One day Mom filled the tub with warm water. I wasn't sure about this bath business at first. The bubbles tickled my nose and made me sneeze. After drying off, I felt so clean and fluffy!

First Bath

Koda stands alertly by the front door, ears perked up and blue eyes watchful. The black lab mix with white-tipped paws has an attentive posture as she guards the entrance. Through a window, a mail carrier can be seen approaching. Mom watches proudly from the hallway.

I learned that my job was to bark when strangers came to the door. Mom called me her "little guardian." I took my job very seriously, watching over Mom while she slept.

Protecting Home

In the living room, Koda the black lab mix with blue eyes balances on her hind legs with one paw raised for a high-five. Mom kneels across from her with her palm out to meet Koda's paw. Treats sit on a nearby table, and the room is warm and inviting.

Mom taught me to give high-fives and spin in circles. People always clapped when I showed off my tricks. Mom seemed so proud, giving me extra treats and cuddles.

Special Tricks

Koda, the black lab mix with striking blue eyes and white-tipped paws, sits regally on her plush dog bed that resembles a throne. She wears her blue collar with the shiny name tag. Mom sits beside her, arm gently draped around her furry friend. Photos of their journey together decorate the walls of the cozy home.

Now I understand why Mom called me Koda - it means "friend" in a special language. I'm no longer a shelter dog but Koda the Queen of this wonderful home. My white-tipped paws and blue eyes make me special, but Mom's love makes me royalty.