Hi friends, Miss Koa here. Also known as Boogie. Also know, in my most distinguished moments, as Koalani.

If I were a food, I'd be a potato. Dependable, comforting, a little underestimated. If I were a cheese, unquestionably cheese curds. Cheddar, my office buddy, confirmed it during last year's Doggie Dash, so we can consider it fact. My spirit animal is a piglet. Small, resilient, and very committed to snacks.

Speaking of snacks, my mom has been digging very deep into the treat jar lately. Not because I've been extra charming, though that is constant, but because I've been navigating two knee surgeries. Turns out small dogs like me often come with luxated patellas. It's common. It's fixable. It's also a lot.

I've handled the first surgery like a professional. The second is coming up, and I plan to approach it with the same level of bravery, plus slightly elevated expectations for treats and attention.

The truth it, I'm one of the lucky ones. I have what I need to heal. Bet when something unexpected happens, not every dog, and not every family, has the same path forward.

For this year's Doggie Dash, I'm raising $1,000 to help other pets access care so they can stay with their families, or receive the treatment they need before finding new ones.

At Oregon Humane, that support changes lives. Animal surrenders have reduced by 30% because of financial assistance. There is specialized behavior training to those who need it. Their Humane Law Enforcement investigates cruelty and neglect. And animals across the state and beyond are given real second chances.

This is a special place with a special mission. And when life happens, I want other dogs to have the same support I did.

If you're able to give or share, You're helping make that possible.

<3 Miss Koa