The Best Dog of Summer has officially been crowned… Malibu’s prize dog is Koda!
Koda, a black tri Australian Shepherd, has radiated pure happiness since moving in with his family two and a half years ago, owner Patty Phillips said. Koda’s family used the word “kind” when asked to describe him in one word. Before Koda, his family had lost its favorite dog and was working through a hard time.
“I prayed for a dog that would bring us happiness, and Koda did so much more than that,” Phillips told The Malibu Times.
Besides bringing happiness to his family, Koda loves summer activities. He lives in the foothills of Big Rock and embraces his surroundings by spending most of his time outside. Koda’s favorite activity is to go for walks on trails near his home, being described as a “great trail dog” because he doesn’t need a leash and stays by his owner.
On his hikes, Koda loves to herd anything that will follow including birds, butterflies and even the family cat, Ringo.
“[Koda] loves to herd and watch over our cat Ringo, especially when they are outside together,” his family wrote in his entry submission. “He always make sure he’s safe and when we tell him to bring Ringo back in, he will heard him back into the house… Funniest thing ever. They watch out for each other. When Koda wants to come back into the house, Ringo will meow at the door to let us know he wants in. They are truly best friends.”
Koda’s friendliness is one of his most admirable qualities: “He loves meeting new people and animals, is always well behaved, and makes friends wherever he goes,” Phillips described.
“Our dog Koda has never met a person, dog or cat that he didn’t think was his friend,” his family wrote.
The newly crowned Best Dog of Summer will not go home empty-handed. Koda will be the recipient of various wonderful prizes including a $40 gift card from Pacific Coast Pets, a $25 gift certificate from Eco Auto Spa, a dog grooming from Murphy’s Mobile Pet Services, a $25 gift certificate from Duke’s Malibu and two free days of Doggy Day Care from Canine Connection (if requirements are met). Congratulations, Koda. Good boy.
With over 40 submissions (a new record high!) choosing the top dog was no easy task. Here are the runners-up: Mali, and Ike and Mamie Fields.
Mali has lived in Malibu for 11 years. According to owners, this senior pooch loves hiking Solstice Canyon, napping under the sun, bird-watching, and enjoying the beach with the water and “warm sand under my paws.”
Ike and Mamie Fields have been Malibu residents their whole lives. According to their family, these pups love to guard the beach “when they’re not walking in the park or cruising the shopping centers.”
Congratulations to Malibu’s Best Dog of Summer, Koda, and the runner-up pups! Thank you to all the contestants for entering.
