It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Kenai's passing. Kenai was a fantastic ambassador for the breed and lived an amazing life filled with love, adventure, and unwavering loyalty.

A Heartfelt Farewell: The last few months since Kenai’s diagnosis with Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) have been incredibly challenging. We did everything to help keep him mobile, and he loved his hydrotherapy and acupuncture appointments, which may have given him a little more time. DM is a terrible disease that affects the spinal cord, causing gradual weakness and loss of coordination.

In the last few days, Kenai struggled to get up from laying down, often falling while walking, and started to lose control of his bodily fluids. Today, he gave us the signs that he was ready to let go.

We made the call to the vet, and it was a touching moment to see the staff, who had known him for the last 10 years, come through to say their goodbyes. He was given chocolate for the first time, and he loved it! We kept him comfortable and stayed by his side as he took his last breath in our arms. He was so peaceful and beautiful as ever.

Kenai’s Journey: When we adopted Kenai a little over 10 years ago, he was believed to be around 2 years old. He had been found in the desert of California and eventually made his way to the Washington German Shepherd Rescue. Kenai was a VERY active young dog with a drive to work and run, always ready for adventure.

Kenai quickly made our home his own, ensuring the property was well-secured. In his younger years, he hiked up Wallace Falls several times a week and ran alongside the 4-wheeler, clocking in over 25mph even in the snow! His activity monitor sometimes marked over 20 miles in a day.

Kenai was a frequent visitor at the dog ranch, where he had his second home for weekly romps with his canine and human buddies. In 2018, Kenai became a big brother to human baby brother Oskar. He would lay under the crib until Oskar fell asleep, and as Oskar grew, Kenai followed him around, keeping him safe.

Last spring, Kenai became a big brother again to a German Shepherd pup named Maverick. Kenai taught Maverick everything he knew, creating cherished memories together.

Memorable Moments: Kenai was even the guest of honor at a wedding, attending as the “shepherd of honor” and performing his duties to perfection. He was also the ambassador for Paws walk one year, featured in all the advertising, and started the race. Kenai made appearances on the radio and at the airport, becoming a beloved figure everywhere he went.

Kenai’s life was filled with love, adventure, and unforgettable moments. He overcame a difficult start and lived a remarkable life. We are forever grateful for the joy and love he brought into our lives.

Farewell, Kenai: Kenai, you will be deeply missed. Thank you for all you have done for us, taught us, and all the adventures we had together. We will meet again. Run free, Kenai—you have left big paw prints on our hearts and will always be with us.

With love, Anna, Rob, Oskar, Maverick, and the entire Washington German Shepherd Rescue family

Feel free to share your memories and thoughts about Kenai in the comments.