Honoring Steve W. – A Lifelong Koi Keeper Who Found Peace, Passion, and Perseverance by the Pond
As we celebrate Kodama’s 25th Anniversary, we are honored to recognize koi keepers like you, Steve, whose passion and dedication turn a backyard pond into a sanctuary.
Your story beautifully captures the joy, peace, and even the challenges that come with koi keeping. From the heartache of the 2016 heron attack to the resilience of Skeletor and the revival of your pond, your journey is a powerful reminder of the bond we share with these living works of art.
Customer Story By: Steve W. (Harriette’s Husband)
“My Koi adventure started fifteen years ago and I’ve learned a Koi Pond can give as much pleasure and take as much of your time as you are willing to give.
As a pharmacist, I dispense anxiety meds to patients. I think my pond is more effective to relieve stress. My wife knows that the one reason I will never move is because of our Koi Pond and the joy and tranquility it gives us.
The fish-tastrophe of 2016: After going on vacation with my family in the fall, I came home to the horror of a blue heron with one of my koi in her beak. The heron ate all the small koi and tried to rip the fins off the larger koi. A survivor, Skeletor, a Ki-Kikokuryu, has fins of slightly different size because of the attack. I went from 26 koi down to 6. Herons still come infrequently, mostly when the seasons change. You know how most people have “falling” dreams? I have stress dreams about herons and my koi pond. My dream usually entails me killing the heron. The blue heron is endangered, and it is against the law to kill them in Maryland without a special permit. The rest of my dream involves how I dispose of the heron’s body. The dream usually ends with my trash man turning me in to the police and me going to jail for Heron-ocide!
My pond has since been replenished back to its overstocked 23 koi. The six survivors of the 2016 heron attack are still with me. Of the 23 koi, 5 are from Japan, with 2 very special recent acquisitions from Kodama Koi Farm.
My koi pond has allowed me to bridge age divides with young relatives who often visit.
It is easy to have expensive hobbies like collecting cars, watches, or fancy artwork. A koi pond is living art. The return in enjoyment and health benefits—from less stress and more exercise—make my pond a tremendous value. I do not mind spending slightly more for that special Japanese koi from Kodama Koi Farm. With care and affection, and a good pond net during season changes, these special koi will outlast a new car for far less money and aggravation.”
CUSTOMER’S GALLERY : STEVE W.
Celebrating 25 Years of Kodama Koi Farm: A Legacy of Passion, Tradition, and Excellence
As we celebrate 25 years of Kodama Koi Farm, we extend our deepest gratitude to our loyal customers, partners, and dedicated team.
Your trust and support have been the foundation of our success, and we are honored to have you as part of the Kodama family. Every koi we deliver carries our passion and commitment, but it is your dedication to this beautiful art that keeps the koi community thriving. Learn more.
Ginrin Soragoi – koi #y0714s030
Kohaku – koi #y0619s008-re
Doitsu Orange Ogon – koi #y0619s005-re
Taisho Sanke – koi #y0618s013
Steve, I love that you were able to write about the loss of your beautiful koi and the process of rebuilding after such a loss. I also appreciated the elements of humor you included in your story.