A chocolate Labrador named Koda, lost for nine days in the Alaskan wilderness, has been reunited with his overjoyed owners thanks to the kindness of a stranger and a persistent social media campaign. The 10-year-old dog disappeared during a Fourth of July camping trip near Carmen Lake, leaving his family heartbroken and launching an extensive search.
The Disappearance
Lewis and Amber Ekle, Koda's owners, recounted the moment their beloved dog vanished. During the camping trip, Koda became startled, slipped his collar, and bolted into the dense Alaskan terrain. "We tried to grab his collar," Lewis explained. "He grabbed his frisbee, and we told ourselves, if he hadn’t grabbed his frisbee, he would have come back. But he grabbed his frisbee and said, 'No, I’m out.'"
The Desperate Search
The following nine days were filled with anguish and relentless searching. Lewis and Amber spent countless hours navigating the challenging landscape by boat and on foot, covering miles in every direction, desperately calling for Koda. They were joined by friends, family, and even strangers who were moved by their plight.
Lewis described the difficulty of the search, "That terrain is just crazy back there. I know what we went through: hiking through it, cutting trees down, and searching areas, and calling for him. I can only imagine if he could tell us what he went through."
Social Media to the Rescue
Recognizing the limitations of their physical search, the Ekles turned to social media, posting pleas for help on various Facebook pages. Amber noted that their posts garnered thousands of shares, sparking an outpouring of support and offers of assistance.
"People were constantly messaging me, saying 'where was he lost at? I want to go help,'" Amber said. However, the remote location presented a significant obstacle, as access to the area was limited to those with boats or the ability to fly in and pack raft.
A Pilot's Calling
John Kagerer, an Anchorage resident, saw the posts on the "Alaska Packrafting" Facebook page and felt compelled to act. Despite the daunting size of the search area, Kagerer couldn't shake the feeling that he could help bring Koda home. "I was thinking, wow, that’s a huge area," Kagerer said. "Then, as time went by, I kept thinking, wow, I should just go down, and I might be able to get that dog."
Driven by an inexplicable sense of purpose, Kagerer decided to fly to Carmen Lake on Sunday to search for Koda from the air. "I just had a real feeling. I don’t know, a gut feeling that I was going to find the dog," Kagerer explained.
The Discovery and Rescue
Kagerer's intuition proved correct. After flying upriver, he landed his plane about a mile and a half from where Koda had gone missing. Almost immediately after securing his plane, Koda emerged from the surrounding wilderness.
"Here comes the dog out of the alders over to me," Kagerer recounted. Initially, Koda was wary, keeping a distance of about 10 feet. Kagerer then retrieved some milk bones from his plane, and Koda's demeanor changed. "I’d break off a bit of the milk bone and kind of tossed it to him, and they got a little closer."
Using the treats as bait, Kagerer gradually gained Koda's trust, eventually managing to secure a rope around the dog. He then safely transported Koda back to Anchorage in his plane, where the long-awaited reunion with the Ekles took place.
A Joyful Reunion
The reunion was an emotional moment for everyone involved. "That sucker punch in our stomachs for nine days and afterwards it was just like this huge weight lifted off your shoulder. It’s just amazing to have him back home," Amber said, expressing her immense relief and gratitude. Lewis echoed her sentiments, calling Koda's return "a miracle."
Koda's Recovery
Back home with his loving family, Koda is now recovering from his ordeal. The Ekles reported that he had sustained some minor injuries, including scratches on his nose and eyes, and sore paws. He had also lost weight during his time in the wilderness. Despite these challenges, Koda's spirit remains strong, and he is enjoying plenty of playtime and cuddle sessions with Lewis and Amber. The family is incredibly grateful for Kagerer's selfless act and the outpouring of support they received from their community and online.
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