Kato

From Kato's Dad, Tanner: Meet Kato. He is the definition of a classic golden retriever - loves everyone and everything unconditionally. Kato adores every person he meets, soaking up scratches and attention on our walks, and nothing makes him happier than being outside. His perfect day is filled with fetch, swimming, and hiking. His Dad, Tanner, shares his life with a 10‑year‑old Mini Australian Shepherd and Kato, and the three of them have been adventuring together since moving from Minnesota to Washington in 2017. Fun fact: Kato is actually named after Tanner's hometown: Mankato. Kato was officially diagnosed with lymphoma on 7/22/2025. Just a couple of weeks earlier, Tanner noticed some large nodules on his neck. Kato showed no other signs that anything was wrong—still the same bright, goofy, happy boy—and if not for those nodules, Tanner never would have imagined something was going on inside.

Kato continued to greet each day with joy and energy. He unfortunately didn't respond to chemotherapy so a difficult decision was made to pursue palliative care. He still wanted to play in the water, play with his ball, loving his walks, and reminded us every day why he was so special. Kato passed away on October 16, 2025. Your kindness and support you provided though Toby's Hope, both emotionally and financially, truly made a difference. I will always be grateful for the extra time and comfort we were able to give him with that help. Kato was surrounded by love and was the best I could have asked for.