dear Kuma,

Kuma is my six year old German Shepherd Husky mix who takes his job as Chief Adventure Officer very seriously. Castle Rock, the Bridge to Nowhere, desert camps, forest trails — this guy has seen more of California than most people ever will, and he looks incredibly handsome doing it.

He is my off-road adventure buddy, my hiking partner, my camping companion, and my most loyal (if occasionally selective) listener. If you've ever had the pleasure of meeting Kuma in person, you already know — he's the kind of dog that makes you immediately want to cancel your plans and just hang out with him instead. Calm, smart, and quietly charming. An absolute sweetheart wrapped in fur and good intentions.

His hobbies include: hitting the trails, demanding bully sticks, being extremely handsome, and chasing rabbits with full confidence and zero results. The rabbits remain undefeated. Kuma remains unbothered.

He is, without question, a very good boy. And right now, this good boy needs a little help getting back on the trails where he belongs. 🐾

Kuma and I are hikers. Not casual strollers — we're talking 5 to 7 miles on weekends and at least 2 miles every single day. The trails are our thing. Our ritual. Our happy place.

And then one day, he started limping.

We're not entirely sure what happened. Maybe it was one of his signature zoomie sessions on the hardwood floor — full speed, zero traction, absolutely no regrets. Or maybe it was that muddy run through Big Bear Lake where he was having the time of his life. Knowing Kuma, it was probably both and he'd do it again in a heartbeat.

After a week of watching him limp around and break my heart with every step, we went to the vet. Then a second vet, just to be sure. Both agreed — it's a joint issue. But neither could tell us exactly what's wrong without X-rays.

So that's where we are. Step one: get the X-rays. Step two: make a plan. Step three: get this boy back on the trails where he belongs.

The X-rays run a little over $2,000. Kuma, despite his many talents, is unfortunately unemployed. So we're doing everything we can — including writing picture books and building this little website — to get him the answers he needs.

As of right now, he's still limping — but he's a fighter. We've got him on joint supplements and CBD to keep him comfortable while we work toward funding his recovery. He's not at his best, but he's still Kuma. Still sweet. Still silly. Still trying to chase rabbits he will never, ever catch. 

Every bit of support gets us one step closer. Literally. 🐾