12-8-2015. Today, HUGS lost a beloved member and canine volunteer. Kai, a very sweet white GSD, just lost his battle with cancer at approx 9 y.o. His wonderful parents, Sandy and Gina, did everything within their reach to maintain his quality of life. Just yesterday, Kai had a wonderful time at the park with his doggy friends. But today, his body finally gave up. From the time that Kai was adopted by Sandy & Gina, he was a happy, loved, and pampered pup until the very end. Although Kai was originally adopted from another rescue, he was very much a HUGS dog. Kai was one of the original HUGS founding dogs and a wonderful breed representative who delighted everyone at our events. He loved his kitties and he was a fabulous mentor to all of the foster dogs that passed through his home. Our hearts go out to our volunteers and friends, Sandy and Gina. Kai will always be remembered.

3-9-2016. Kiah was a gorgeous, sweet, approx 1.5 y.o. girl who up until rescue lived as a stray on the reservation. Reservation dogs lead a very hard life with no shelter, little food, and no vet care. Many of them die young due to accidents, deprivation, and/or sickness among other causes. Kiah, was found with her litter of 7 puppies. The pups, would surely have died as the temperatures dropped. With below zero wind chills, nights can be dangerously cold at Rosebud & Pine Ridge Reservations for the more than 2000 stray dogs and puppies trying to survive out in the elements. Sadly, and despite everyone's best efforts, Kiah didn't make it, due to traumatic injuries and damage that she had suffered prior to coming into rescue. Luckily, thanks to their amazing foster parents, Kiah's pups all thrived and survived. We are sorry that Kiah didn't get to enjoy her second chance at a better life in rescue, but we are very glad that at least her pups will. Kiah's legacy lives on in her gorgeous pups, and this sweet girl will never be forgotten.

2-13-2016. HUGS has just lost another beloved member and canine volunteer. Koko was a gorgeous, long-coated GSD who just lost her battle with cancer at approx 8 y.o. Koko lived a pretty rough life that almost ended tragically, prior to rescue. She was a remarkable girl who rose above her difficult past when she was adopted by our very own Keri & RJ. Under her wonderful parents care, Koko Bean quickly became a breed ambassador who charmed everyone with her grace, poise, and elegance. Queen Koko was one of the founding HUGS dogs and our hearts hurt due to her loss. Her mom, Keri, could not have said it better: "We had just adopted her a year ago. I wish she could have been with us longer but sometimes we don't have a choice. Koko was such a wonderful part of our family and we were blessed she chose us. She has been such a great support for myself and my husband who also was battling cancer and lost his fight a month ago. Every dog who comes through my life teaches me more and more and whether they are here for a month, a year or more, I always feel blessed to have been able to rescue yet another one. You will always be a part of my heart, Pretty Awesome Kokobean!". Our hearts go out to you, Keri. Koko will not be forgotten.