[Dog Parents: Jim Spencer & Edward Flores]

On May 19, 2012, I was running in an alley behind the KXAN news studio. I was dirty and skinny and didn’t know where to go. The kind folks at KXAN took me in and nicknamed me “Kaxan.” The news team saw something special in me, and I became their official mascot.

Then I really struck gold! Jim Spencer, the top-dog meteorologist at KXAN, adopted me! I have to admit, I didn’t have the best manners, so Edward Flores, a super amazing dog trainer, showed me how to be a good canine citizen. Edward and I became best friends. He was so patient with me, and pretty soon I passed my first Therapy Dog test! Whew, that’s when things really took off…

I became an official Therapy Dog with Divine Canines. Edward and I visit Fort Hood Soldiers who have PTSD and war injuries, patients at hospitals, special-needs kids, and seniors at assisted living homes. I’m part of the Barking Book Buddies, a reading program for kids with dyslexia. When they read to me, they feel more relaxed and their reading skills actually improve! I also visit students during finals week at University of Texas and Texas State University. All the students get pretty stressed out with all the exams and papers, so I show up, wag my tail, and give 'em a big smile. It makes everyone so happy! I get lots of treats and kisses on those days, so it’s a win-win for everyone!

I know just how lucky I was to find Jim and Edward and my KXAN family, so I do my very best to pay it forward by helping humans and dogs alike in any way I can. In the last seven years, I’ve helped raise $25,000 for local nonprofits. I’ve appeared on KXAN with Jim promoting dog safety and events, and I’ve been a judge for Barkitecture and a celebrity painter for Puppy Mill Awareness day. I’ve even been on some national TV commercials. And just recently, I was a semi-finalist in the American Humane Hero Dog Awards, meaning I was named one of the top three therapy dogs in the nation! Everywhere I go, people recognize me and even know my name!

My early years were tough, but that’s all in the past. I’m living proof that, if you give a rescue dog a chance, you’ll be amazed at what you can do together!