26 • March 11 - 24, 2016 • The Log Cody, 5, Husky


It may have been happenstance or serendipity when Jon Koehler, who creates kinetic sculptures, stumbled upon his dog Cody in 2011. The Point Loma resident was simply dropping by the pound to make a donation when the Husky caught his eye. “I had two dogs


prior to Scoobs, they passed away in 2009 at 19 years old,” said Koehler. “At the time I really was not look- ing to adopt but I immediately fell in love with him.” Koehler brought 3-month-old Cody, or Scoobs, to his home which dou- bles as his work- space.


Born into a San


Diego boat building family, Koehler was raised around his family’s boatyard, Koehler Kraft Boatyard on Shelter Island in San Diego, where he learned many of the skills he uses every day. Several of his public art pieces are on displayed on Shelter Island and Coronado Island, as well as on yachts both local and abroad. In his work space located behind his Point Loma home, Koehler has created several metal sculpture and industrial components including marine fabrica- tions specializing in stainless steel. Cody is always nearby keeping him


company. “Having Scoobs as a loving compan- ion brings happiness to my life beyond explanation,” Koehler said. “Dogs are so


Stella, 14, mixed breed If you listen closely you may hear the


distinctive bark of Shelter Island’s beloved harbor dog, Stella. Her howl and bark are well known throughout these parts as the canine sticks her heard out of owner Randy Spicer’s truck as they make their way to the island for work. “She not only affects my mood but


everyone else’s around us,” said Spicer. “She sings and barks and you can see peo- ple smiling as we come down the street. People have told me they can hear us coming from a block away.” Spicer, owner of Yacht Docktor a


marine woodworking business in San Diego, hired Stella as his business partner 12 ½ years ago after adopting her at a pet adoption fair held in Balboa Park. The rescue had just given birth to a lit-


ter of puppies, her hair was badly matted, and she smelled but there was something about her that allowed Spicer to overlook all the grunginess. “She is the best companion ever,” he


said. Jon Koehler enjoys spending time with his workmate, Cody, or Scoobs.


intuitive; they know their master’s so well, they will appear at the exact right moment to break the monotony of the workday or just to bring fresh energy into the room with a big smile and a sloppy kiss.” However, Cody also enjoys his space and will leave Koehler’s side to hang out in the special kennel Koehler built for him that sits 6 feet off the ground. The Husky loves to climb the ramp to his tower and feel the cool ocean breeze as he lies under the umbrella people watching. Clients – and the UPS man who brings him treats – also look forward to seeing Cody when they come to the shop.


“Some clients take the


time to play with him and forget why they came,” Koehler said.


Cody befriends a sea lion during his daily outing with Koehler.


Tidbits about Cody Nickname: Scoobs Daily Ritual: At the end of every day we bike to sun- set cliffs and watch the sunset and unwind the day making new friends, bringing smiles to them as well, Koehler said. Favorite Activities: He likes to explore the tide pools at low tide where he smells and makes friends with all people and crea- tures. He loves to chew on cow ears. A Boat Just for Him: Koehler is building a kayak with an outrigger for Cody to swim from since the canine prefers running and stretching his legs than sit- ting around on the boat.


Stella instantly became Spicer’s right- hand girl as she joined him at his shop on Shelter Island Drive and down at the docks.


“I didn’t want to leave her at home,” he


said. "Nothing good comes from a dog playing with imaginary friends.” A statement all dog owners know to be


true. At the shop she welcomes visitors and


is known to take walks with Spicer to area marinas. Locals often stop by to say hi to Stella, sometimes dropping off treats or toys or stopping by to give her a belly rub. Stella does not board boats that Spicer


works on out of respect for customers. However, she will find a sunny spot by the vessel and people watch until Spicer tells her it’s time to go home. The only time Stella can be seen with-


out Spicer by her side is during the morn- ing rush at a local food truck as locals line up for a breakfast sandwich or coffee. Spicer said he gives Stella the okay to head down to the truck where she patiently waits in line for the owner to toss her a sausage link or patty. “She won’t take French Fries because


she doesn’t eat junk food, “Spicer joked. Stella makes her way back to the shop when the truck closes up for the day. Then it’s back to work.


“She is one in a million dog,” Spicer said.


Tidbits about Stella Favorite Pastime: She loves swimming and playing at dog beach. Fun Fact: Stella has her name stenciled on the passenger side of the truck. Favorite Playmate: Stella and a sea lion that regularly visits the dock behind the shop will bark at one another. Daily Ritual: Spicer will set a doggy bis- cuit beside him each night and Stella will not eat it until he tells her “okay”.


thelog.com


Yacht Docktor owner Randy Spicer is rarely seen without his pal, Stella.


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