Koa is a friendly, affectionate 7.5-year-old Shepherd mix who was rescued from the streets of Mexico City. She enjoys gentle companionship, walks, outdoor sniffing, and spending time with people and other dogs. After her daily walk, she is a calm girl who loves affection.

Ideal Home

Koa needs a patient, compassionate home prepared to manage her lifelong dermatomyositis. She is friendly with dogs and coexists peacefully with dogs of all sizes. Her behavior around cats and children is unknown. Because she is sensitive to unexpected touch and cannot play roughly, gentle handling is essential.

Ongoing Health

Koa's dermatomyositis is currently doing well, but it requires lifelong management and veterinary monitoring. Her skin is sensitive, oily, prone to secondary infections, and can break easily. She must have strict UV protection, including protection from sunlight through windows, with outdoor time planned outside the strongest sunlight hours. Her future veterinarian will determine the appropriate treatment plan. Her adoption includes vaccine and test records, and her medical reports will be provided.

Koa is spayed and vaccinated and receives monthly heartworm prevention. She has no difficulty eating, drinking, or swallowing. Her adopter should be prepared for potential ongoing veterinary expenses and secondary skin infections.

Training & Support

Koa has pretty good leash skills and does not pull much. House training is still a work in progress; frequent potty breaks and positive reinforcement will help her continue learning. She is playful but must avoid rough activity and situations that could traumatize her skin or muscles.

Application Details

• Adoption fee: $616 CAD, including airfare if a flight volunteer is found directly to Vancouver.
• Applicants should research her condition, share her medical records with their veterinarian, and be prepared for ongoing veterinary care and potential treatment costs.
• Applications start by contacting the provider through Wags.

Transportation

Airfare to Vancouver is included in the adoption fee if a flight volunteer is found directly to Vancouver.