Keena

Some bonds are so strong that they carry us through our darkest moments.

Keena and Kaju spent their entire lives together. When they were surrendered to the shelter, they arrived side by side—two elderly German Shepherds who had only ever known each other. While Kaju leaned on Keena for comfort, Keena was carrying a burden of her own: a massive ulcerated growth covering her side that desperately needed medical attention.

Finding help for one geriatric German Shepherd can be challenging. Finding a foster willing to open their home to two senior Shepherds with extensive medical needs felt nearly impossible. It truly took an army of volunteers, supporters, and advocates to make it happen.

Before beginning treatment at CARES, they spent a few quiet days decompressing in their foster home. After everything they had endured, they finally had a soft place to land. Watching them settle in together reminded us that sometimes healing begins long before the medicine does. Both Keena and Kaju were suffering from severe muscle loss in their hind legs and painful arthritis, making every step difficult. Despite their age and physical challenges, they never stopped looking for one another. Once medically stable enough for surgery, Kaju underwent a neuter, a preventative gastropexy, and a dental procedure. Keena had her large ulcerated mass successfully removed and sent for histopathology, and she also received a preventative gastropexy.

Then another hurdle appeared.

Shortly after leaving the shelter, both dogs developed pneumonia and required hospitalization. Their recovery became uncertain, and there were moments when we weren't sure either would make it. We became especially frightened for Keena. She stopped eating, and despite every effort from her medical team, she simply wasn't interested. But Kaju had other plans. Somehow, her lifelong partner reached her in a way no one else could. His presence encouraged her to eat again. He gave her a reason to keep fighting. We truly believe Keena survived because Kaju refused to let her give up.

Just when it seemed both dogs had overcome the worst and were preparing to return to their foster home, tragedy struck. Kaju suddenly collapsed.

He was rushed into emergency surgery, where our greatest fears were confirmed—he was suffering from a colonic torsion. These cases are exceptionally rare, develop with devastating speed, and are often associated with abnormal gastrointestinal motility or underlying intestinal disease. Despite the incredible efforts of the surgical team, there was nothing more that could be done. With broken hearts, we said goodbye to Kaju. Before he left us, Keena was able to spend time with her lifelong companion, saying goodbye to the friend who had walked beside her through every chapter of life.

In the midst of unimaginable heartbreak, there was one piece of joyful news. Keena's pathology results came back. Her mass was not cancer. After everything she had endured, it felt like the victory she deserved.

Today, Keena continues to live her life carrying Kaju with her in spirit. We know he is still beside her—in every slow walk, every peaceful nap, and every new day she gets to experience. We chose to share Kaju's story alongside Keena's because you cannot tell one without the other. Without Kaju's unwavering love, encouragement, and determination, we truly don't believe Keena would be here today. Sometimes the greatest medicine isn't found in a hospital. Sometimes it's found in the heart of your best friend.