I'm ready for my new family!

This special boy needed a fresh start and a new outlook on life, so we named him Koa.  A Hawaiian name for one who confronts fear and adversities with courage and strength, and an unyielding resolve to overcome hardships.  

Koa is an active 9-year-old Beagle mix.  He weighed 39 pounds on his initial vet visit; however, he has been on a trim down plan in his foster home and he looks great now!  He has been neutered and has had a dental cleaning. He even trims his own nails and keeps them nice and short.  He is housebroken.

Before coming into the rescue, Koa lived with an older, disabled gentleman since he was a puppy.  Venturing out into the world and experiencing new people and new situations has been difficult and frightening for him.  He needs to take things slow and build trust.  

Koa is a sensitive soul and needs a gentle approach.  Encouragement, praise and lots of love is the way to his heart.  When you have earned his trust, he is loving and affectionate and will bring much joy into your life.

Now that Koa has settled into his foster home, his true self shines through.  He LOVES stuffed squeaky toys and balls, and it is so wonderful to see him being playful.  However, he is an aggressive chewer and must be supervised as he loves to shred it and eat some of the bits.  Even the toughest dog toys don’t stand a chance.  He also enjoys hard nylabones and “chuck it” balls which are a great and safer option.  

Koa is more of a country dog (vs. a city dog).  Cars and people and lots of noise… that’s all too scary for him.  A quieter neighborhood away from the hustle and bustle suits him best.  He enjoys quiet walks where he can take in all the smells and relax.  If you’re feeling high energy, he can bust out a 3-mile hike easy-peasy. If you’re feeling low energy, he’s content with a shorter stroll.  He has shown some reactivity while on a leash and does best when there is plenty of space between him and other animals and people.

He is also an expert couch potato and enjoys lounging when it’s time to settle.  He just loves being with his people and doing whatever they are doing.  Koa spent his entire life as a loyal companion to a disabled person and is used to being with someone all the time.  His response to being left alone has been mixed.  At times, he has been able to settle and is fine for a few hours, other times… he had an emotional reaction and was very upset.  He would do best with a person who is home most of the time.  

After a lifetime of conditioning, (so far) he hasonly been willing to potty while on leash. Which may be an important note for those hoping to just let him out into their secure dog area to do his business.  Nope.  Not happening.  Gotta leash up.  This may or may not change. A few quick outings throughout the day and then a longer walk at some point is ideal.

He has some food sensitivities to things like gluten and grains, which are super easy to avoid with all the higher-quality options available nowadays.  The foster family will provide specific details.

Koa will do best in an adult only home.  He hasn’t lived with other animals for many years,and it would be ideal for him to continue to be the one and only.  He needs a low-key lifestyle without many visitors or comings and goings.  A quiet setting where he can be walked without being at close quarters to other people makes the walk enjoyable for all. Patient, loving and experienced dog people who are willing to give him space and time to come out of his shell and build trust is important.  Confident handlingskills and the ability to manage him appropriately when he meets new people is a must.

Koa deserves to live his best life with a forever family.  He wants nothing more than to feel safe and to be loved and cherished.  Ok, well…maybe he wants some tasty food and walkies too.  Has this sweet boy captured your heart? Apply to adopt Koa today!

He is currently being fostered near Portland, Oregon.