Most known for her love of peanut butter sundaes, chasing squirrels, hogging the bed, leftover pizza crust, and Sunday morning hikes, Akira made each and every day better.

After a heart-breaking series of new homes within her first 18 months as a pup, she found her forever home and rescued Aubrie and Charlie on May 30, 2015 in Salt Lake City, Utah. It was love at first run: on their first evening together, Akira went for a sunset run with Aubrie along the University of Utah campus, and they became inseparable. From running neighborhood routes to trekking through rainy trails, Akira joined on countless miles. She was the co-pilot in many milestones over the past six years including: Charlie's graduate degree, Aubrie and Charlie's wedding, moving to Oregon for new jobs, and welcoming new family and friends to the Pacific Northwest.

As a husky-akita, Akira was equally joyful and curious as she was bright and stubborn. She loved playing hide and seek and snoozing in the back seat during long road trips. She could recognize the sound of a peanut butter jar opening or the shake of a whipped cream can from miles away. She never really liked water, fireworks, or being away from her humans for long, and only kindly tolerated her raincoat and brushing her teeth at her family's request. She was known to unabashedly wedge herself into any hugs between her humans, and always wanted to be close to them, food or no food. While she had many nicknames, she was often known as Stinky Pete, Muffin, Muff, Protective Factor, Mow Mow, Angel, and 'kira.

On April 26, 2019, Akira was diagnosed with Multicentric Lymphoma. While the news was devastating, their family made a promise to make the most of any time they had together. New traditions (Sunrise Hike Sundays, Trail Tuesdays) and a newfound appreciation for the littlest things were discovered. Akira was promoted to a Work From Home specialist in March 2020 and helped her family through the toughest months of their lives. Coincidentally, Akira celebrated her 700th day of fighting on the same day as their household's final dose of the vaccine.

Akira's story was often described as an anomaly, and her battle with lymphoma was no different. Akira enjoyed 752 more days of tail wags and belly rubs. She passed away on May 17, 2021 doing what she loves most: hogging the bed. Everything about her will be missed and her humans are thankful to experience a bond like hers. Each special day wouldn't have been possible without the care and compassion that was found from the OSU Oncology department. Their encouragement, insight, and support will never be forgotten. A special thank you to her vet tech, Chelsey, and Dr. Mark Jeon. Thank you for your kindness, optimism, and continuing to show up for Akira and each patient during the pandemic.

Highlights of Akira’s favorite adventures and memorable moments can be found at Akira Highlights - YouTube

See you soon, sweet girl.