28/05/2026
A Tribute to Koa
Koa came into our lives in the summer of 2022.
He was found abandoned outside the boarding facility where he had once stayed, pacing up and down the fence, stressed, confused, and desperately trying to get in. It seemed his family had decided they no longer wanted him and had left him at a place he recognised — perhaps hoping someone there would take him in.
And of course, we did.
Koa quickly became a huge part of the Paws family. He was friendly (mostly!), excitable (always!), full of character, and always wanted to be the centre of attention. Sometimes he could be a little overzealous, but that was Koa — larger than life, bursting with energy, and impossible to ignore.
We all grew to love him immensely. There was never a day where Koa wasn’t the focus of someone’s attention, whether he was making us laugh, demanding affection, or simply reminding us that he was very much present and waiting to be loved.
Over the years, we came to realise that Koa was going to be difficult to rehome. He had a few trials here and there, but sadly they resulted in him being returned. Still, we never gave up on him. Although he had a reactive side at times, he also had the most beautiful soul, and we knew he would always have a place within the Paws family.
A few months ago, things took a heartbreaking turn when Koa was diagnosed with lymphoma. After speaking with trusted vets and running the tests needed to confirm our fears, we realised that all we could do for him was love him, keep him pain free, and allow him to remain in the comfort and familiarity he had always known with us.
So that is exactly what we did.
Koa was surrounded by love, visits from his friends, familiar faces, gentle care, and, of course, the very best chicken dinners. He was treasured until the very end.
Last week, when it became clear that his body could no longer carry him comfortably, we had to make the decision no one ever wants to make. We had to say goodbye to him in the most graceful, gentle, and loving way we could.
Koa, you will always be missed, big man. We will love you forever, and your memory will live on in everything we do.
Run free, beautiful boy. You were, and always will be, part of the Paws family.
A special thanks to his best friends - Humphrey, Ajay, Zameer, Scot, Eve, Susan and Yamini ###
