KOA

Hello kind hoomans! My name is KOA and here is some info about me:<br/><br/>PHYSICAL INFO:<br/><br/><br/> Breed: Shepherd Mix<br/> Age: 7.5 years<br/> Gender: Female<br/> Weight: 61 lbs, 28 kg <br/> Height (paws to top of head): approx. 72 cm<br/> Length (nose to bum): approx. 92 cm<br/> Current Location: MEXICO CITY<br/> Medical Condition: Dermatomyositis (click this link to read about my condition)<br/><br/><br/>RESCUE STORY – I was found abandoned on the streets of Mexico City. Given my skin condition, I was either avoided or abused by passerby's. Luckily, I was rescued by an amazing hooman and I received top-notch veterinary care and have been living safely in a local shelter since. I am looking for a very special home with hoomans who are prepared to help me manage my inflammatory disease and let me live life to the fullest. If you are the special hooman I've been waiting for, I promise to pay you back with all the love I am so eager to give!<br/><br/>TEMPERAMENT - I am friendly to all and crave hooman affection. I am lively and playful with people and other dogs, although I can never play rough because of my sensitive skin. I coexist peacefully at the shelter with other dogs of all shapes and sizes. Good news: I don't show any resource guarding! I really like having outdoor time where I can just sniff yummy things and enjoy the fresh air. Given that I have suffered so much pain before my condition received treatment, I am still very sensitive and react as if in pain even if I'm bumped into or touched without my knowledge. If I see you coming to give me affection though, I welcome it and am happy to receive gentle love :) My rescuer says I will be an amazing companion, I'm just looking for a very special person who's ready to open up their heart to me.<br/><br/>My skin condition is currently doing well, although I will always need careful management because dermatomyositis is a lifelong condition. I am especially sensitive to UV exposure, so my future family will need to be committed to protecting me from the sun and monitoring my skin closely. New videos of me (Feb 2024) here, here, and here. Here's another new video (Nov 2024) of me getting some scritches from one of the shelter volunteers.<br/><br/>Here is what my Rescuer says about my condition:<br/><br/>Koa is not in pain now, but she was for a long time because of the skin infections she used to have. She was crying constantly. Luckily, that is under control now. If she sees that you're about to touch her, she is completely silent and she actually loves to get cuddles. But if you touch her while she doesn't see you, she will start crying. Both vets said she used to be in so much pain that she's reacts as if she still was. When the vet cut her nails, she screamed. The vet said that there was no physical pain, but her skin infection used to be so bad on her feet (they were swollen) that she's very sensitive if anyone touches her. She's not aggressive at all, she just cries. Her skin is quite oily and more subject to infections than normal skin. It also breaks easily. She cannot be exposed to the sun (even through windows). She would need to be walked in the morning and evening, avoiding sunlight between 9am and 5 pm. I know her condition sounds awful, but a person who understand this and gives her appropriate treatment and a good life will make Koa the happiest dog. <br/><br/>(RESCUER UPDATE SEPT 2026): Koa is currently doing well. She is not taking medication specifically for her dermatomyositis at this time. Her current veterinarian feels that, because she is doing well, a conservative approach may be appropriate, including strict UV avoidance, close monitoring of her skin, Vitamin E/Omega-3 supplementation, and addressing any secondary skin infections promptly. Her dermatologist in Mexico has recommended immunomodulatory treatment, symptomatic treatment for secondary skin infections, and frequent veterinary monitoring. Her future veterinarian in Canada may ultimately recommend a different treatment plan based on her condition and how she presents. Koa has previously required treatment for a significant secondary skin infection, including antibiotics, Apoquel, a special shampoo and a Cytopoint injection. Cytopoint was discontinued because it did not appear to have an effect. These treatments were for her secondary infection and associated symptoms rather than being established long-term treatment for her dermatomyositis.<br/><br/>ENERGY LEVEL - Medium/Low. I really enjoy going for walks with the shelter volunteers, however I can't be exposed to harsh sunlight (UV rays), so my opportunities for walkies in Mexico are limited to before 9am or after 5pm. Once I've had daily walkies, I am a chill gal who is eager for affection.<br/><br/>GETS ALONG WITH:<br/><br/><br/> Kids – Unknown (I haven't been tested around children) <br/> Dogs – Yup! I live with lots of other dogs at the shelter and we get along just dandy. I greet other dogs nicely on leash (video 1, video 2, video 3)<br/> Cats – Unknown<br/><br/><br/>PREY DRIVE - Unknown. I'm not too sure how I'll react around new things in Canada like cats/squirrels/rabbits etc., so my adopter needs to be prepared and willing to train me through these behaviours, should they arise. <br/><br/>TRAINING:<br/><br/><br/> Leash skills – Pretty good! As you can see from my videos, I don't pull much and am just such a happy gal out there!<br/> House trained – Work in progress. I know I should do my business outside in the courtyard at the shelter, but living with so many other dogs, I don't get the 1-on-1 attention needed to become officially house trained. Frequent potty breaks and positive reinforcement in my new home will help me learn quickly :)<br/><br/><br/>Please Note: WCP highly encourages adopters to do some research and training on their own before their dog arrives. <br/><br/>HEALTH NOTES:<br/><br/><br/> I am spayed and vaccinated. I will come to Canada with proof of all my vaccines and test records.<br/> I receive a monthly pill to prevent heartworm.<br/> I have Dermatomyositis, an inherited disease of the skin, muscles, and blood vessels that causes dramatic inflammation of these tissues in the body. Dermatomyositis is a condition that is managed rather than cured. Most dogs with dermatomyositis can be managed at home, rather than in the hospital. It is important to avoid activities that could traumatize the skin or muscles of affected dogs. Ultraviolet light exposure may worsen skin lesions, so it is important to be mindful of the time these dogs spend outdoors.<br/> <br/> My dermatomyositis is currently doing well, but it is a lifelong condition that will require ongoing management and veterinary monitoring. I am not currently taking any medication specifically for my dermatomyositis.<br/> My previous significant secondary skin infection was treated with antibiotics, Apoquel, a special shampoo and a Cytopoint injection. Cytopoint was discontinued because it did not appear to have an effect. These treatments addressed the infection and/or associated symptoms rather than serving as long-term treatment for the dermatomyositis itself.<br/> My dermatologist in Mexico has recommended immunomodulatory treatment, symptomatic treatment for any secondary skin infections, and frequent veterinary monitoring. However, because I am currently doing well, my current veterinarian has indicated that a conservative approach may be appropriate for now, including strict UV avoidance, Vitamin E/Omega-3, close skin monitoring and promptly treating any secondary infections.<br/> My future treatment plan will ultimately need to be determined with my veterinarian/dermatologist in Canada based on my individual condition. This could include immunomodulatory medication or other treatments in the future, and adopters should be prepared for potential ongoing veterinary expenses.<br/> Luckily, I do not have any symptoms that suggest megaesophagus or affection of the esophageal muscles – there is no difficulty eating, drinking or swallowing. I do have a stiff gait, but this seems to be very focalized to physical contact on my paws, which were infected when I was rescued. My previous skin infections have improved with treatment, although my skin remains sensitive and prone to secondary infections.<br/> Strict UV avoidance is an important part of my care. My adopter will need to be mindful of sun exposure, including sunlight coming through windows, and plan outdoor time accordingly.<br/> West Coast Paws/DogMex Rescue will provide a copy of my Dermatologist Veterinarian Report from Mexico and all associated medical records. We strongly recommend that my prospective adopter share these records with their veterinarian before I come to Canada so they can discuss my condition, potential treatment options and anticipated ongoing monitoring costs.<br/> My future adopter needs to be prepared for potential ongoing medical costs related to my dermatomyositis and secondary skin infections. Because treatment needs can change over time, we cannot provide a reliable fixed monthly medication estimate. WCP highly recommends purchasing pet insurance if Koa is adopted.<br/> <br/> <br/><br/><br/>ADOPTION FEE:<br/><br/><br/> My adoption fee is $616.00 CAD ($550.00 GST and PST), which includes my airfare, if a flight volunteer is found directly to Vancouver.<br/><br/><br/>-------------------------------------<br/><br/>DISCLAIMER: <br/><br/>Please visit wcpdogrescue.com to read about West Coast Paws Dog Rescue and it's adoption process.<br/><br/>The info included in each WCP bio is provided to us from the international rescuer. WCP does not have in-person access to overseas dogs and cannot always verify the accuracy of their descriptions, although we ask for video proof of a dog's attributes wherever possible. Every dog is an individual and can act differently in different situations based on the person(s) adopting them and the environment in which they live. <br/><br/>WCP is unable to guarantee the accuracy of a dogs age and/or breed. These are strictly "best guesses" based on veterinary exams and their educated estimates.

Hello kind hoomans! My name is KOA and here is some info about me:

PHYSICAL INFO:


Breed: Shepherd Mix
Age: 7.5 years
Gender: Female
Weight: 61 lbs, 28 kg
Height (paws to top of head): approx. 72 cm
Length (nose to bum): approx. 92 cm
Current Location: MEXICO CITY
Medical Condition: Dermatomyositis (click this link to read about my condition)


RESCUE STORY – I was found abandoned on the streets of Mexico City. Given my skin condition, I was either avoided or abused by passerby's. Luckily, I was rescued by an amazing hooman and I received top-notch veterinary care and have been living safely in a local shelter since. I am looking for a very special home with hoomans who are prepared to help me manage my inflammatory disease and let me live life to the fullest. If you are the special hooman I've been waiting for, I promise to pay you back with all the love I am so eager to give!

TEMPERAMENT - I am friendly to all and crave hooman affection. I am l

Hello kind hoomans! My name is KOA and here is some info about me:

PHYSICAL INFO:


Breed: Shepherd Mix
Age: 7.5 years
Gender: Female
Weight: 61 lbs, 28 kg
Height (paws to top of head): approx. 72 cm
Length (nose to bum): approx. 92 cm
Current Location: MEXICO CITY
Medical Condition: Dermatomyositis (click this link to read about my condition)


RESCUE STORY – I was found abandoned on the streets of Mexico City. Given my skin condition, I was either avoided or abused by passerby's. Luckily, I was rescued by an amazing hooman and I received top-notch veterinary care and have been living safely in a local shelter since. I am looking for a very special home with hoomans who are prepared to help me manage my inflammatory disease and let me live life to the fullest. If you are the special hooman I've been waiting for, I promise to pay you back with all the love I am so eager to give!

TEMPERAMENT - I am friendly to all and crave hooman affection. I am lively and playful with people and other dogs, although I can never play rough because of my sensitive skin. I coexist peacefully at the shelter with other dogs of all shapes and sizes. Good news: I don't show any resource guarding! I really like having outdoor time where I can just sniff yummy things and enjoy the fresh air. Given that I have suffered so much pain before my condition received trea