Update: 01/16/07

Although Kodiak's foster home has diligently administered Kodiak's eye care per the vets instructions, there is reason to believe Kodiak may be going blind. 

Over the past three weeks Kodiak has become more and more hesitant about exploring the back yard and has become quite content walking on a leash. One night, while walking Kodiak, his foster parent spotted a coyote about 100 yards away - but Kodiak didn't see or react to the coyote. When they got about 50 yards away, still, Kodiak had no reaction (although the coyote took off).

Kodiak will be going to the vet to have his eyes evaluated and have a prognosis made on his condition. Another update will be posted after the evaluation.

Update: 10/20/06

After four months of treatment with every known medication, we were not successful helping Kodiak produce tears. Now, we have to keep his eyes clean of mucous, wet & lubricated to prevent discomfort and loss of vision. His eyes have improved with this program and he has only slightly diminished vision. Currently, Kodiak requires the following protocol to help reduce eyesight loss and keep him comfortable:

Materials: Saline solution & a lubricant called Genteal Gel Drops. 

Protocol: 

• First flood his eyes with saline.
• Gently message the eye.
• Flood the eye again with saline. At this this time, most of the mucous will ooze out.
• Then a gentle wipe with a paper towel gets the rest out.
• Lastly, a few drops of the lube gel gets him bright eyed & happy.

This takes only a few minutes. He sits nicely with his head up for treatment (he's the perfect patient). During the day, he needs this protocol done about every 4 hours. Overnight, he tends to have a larger buildup. The goal is to prevent the mucous from hardening. Also, a few drops of Artificial Tears as often as possibly during the day is helpful.

Kodiak is everything you ever heard about Chessies and more. He is loyal, protective, powerful, tireless & smart - oh yes, and stubborn (but he always gives in). He is a great house dog - not demanding of attention - just needs to be near you. Inside he is calm and laid back, but pick up his leash and watch him jump and dance.

Kodiak needs time outside to burn of pent up energy. Yes, he can run, jump and swim. He does respect 4 ft. fences, but thinks pet gates in the house are fun things to hurdle over.

Kodiak is at home in the water, field and woods. He no doubt did some hunting in the past. He takes flying leaps into the lake and will not quite until every last splash that hit the water is brought back to shore. He responds well to directional voice commands should he lose sight of his retrieve. He will chase cats, coons and coyotes. Also, every squirrel must be chased and treed. Kodiak is a fun dog. 

Once Kodiak gets his exercise, he calms down and carries himself like a show dog. Then, he is perfect on leash - unless he sees a cat, coon or coyote. He is adapting well to suburban life and needs a little more work on basic obedience. He is very good with people and loves car rides. All-in-all he is a classic Chessie, perfectly proportioned with a thick glowing dark brown, semi-soft coat. 

Kodiak's working ability is very good in spite of his vision. Here are the commands he knows: sit, come, stay, heel, speak. He also shakes right or left paw, both paws and he dances on his hind legs.