Meet Kayman, Snack Quality Tester
Kayman's journey is one of resilience and love. Before his first birthday, he faced more challenges than most dogs ever will. He crossed the rainbow bridge in January 2025, but he was with us from the start. Diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), an enlarged heart and lungs, megaesophagus, and a neurological condition, Kayman's health issues made every day a fight. Megaesophagus, a condition where the esophagus loses its ability to move food into the stomach, made him hungry all the time and he struggled to eat without help—and that also made him our #1 snacker.
Kayman's Story
Kayman was found abandoned in Waterbury, Connecticut, and was saved by a compassionate animal rescuer. Although he was a young, purebred German Shepard, because of his health conditions most rescues couldn't or wouldn't take him on—and municipal animal shelters would have likely euthanized him right away. Despite his tough start, he led with his heart, incredible sweetness, love, and gentleness over his three years with us. He was a cherished member of our pet team.
Our founder took Kayman on as a fospice pup knowing he would have a very short life. But he far outlived everyone's expectations at three years old! His health never kept him from living a full life. He loved his sister, Baby, wrestled with Dexter multiple times a day, chased SuChang around until she'd had enough, and kept a close eye on the bunnies and squirrels in his backyard, as we suspect he still does. He may have been fed a little differently (he was handfed small portions throughout the day) and took daily medications his whole life, but we always suspected he enjoyed the extra attention.
In January 2025, Kayman crossed the rainbow bridge after his heart condition finally took him. We miss his silly love, big heart, and larger-than-life spirit every day, but we know he’s still watching over us—and cheering on every pet we help find a home.
Kayman’s story continues to inspire our work. He’s a reminder that every animal deserves a chance at a beautiful life, no matter how long or short their time may be.
Kayman's Fospice Life
MEET THE REST OF OUR PET TEAM
Our pet team shapes our mission to revolutionize the pet adoption process. Their strength and courage in the face of adversity drive us to ensure that every rescue animal finds a loving home, just like they did. Meet them all here!
