Kai giving a smooch to his counterpart at Tacoma City Hall.
Kai, our very own Akita, was just sworn in as Tacoma’s first-ever Deputy Pet Mayor!
It’s a title that reflects not just a popularity contest win, but a genuine journey of resilience that we’ve been a part of.
Kai’s road to office began with the Pet Mayor Photo Contest, an annual fundraiser the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County runs with the City of Tacoma to support local spay and neuter programs. The contest invites residents to rally votes and donations for their pets. Every dollar raised went toward preventing unwanted litters and expanding access to spay and neuter care.
Kai standing for his swearing in as deputy pet mayor.
Before he was a local leader (and before he joined our family here at Go Dog Go), Kai’s story looked very different. He was rescued in 2024 at just six months old after surviving a dogfighting ring in Graham, arriving covered in bite wounds and gashes, still bearing scars from wire that had been used to keep him from escaping, and battling a severe case of Canine Circovirus.
A community effort that included a 14-hour emergency surgery and careful follow-up care, along with the companionship of a new Bernedoodle brother named Calvin, helped him make a remarkable recovery. Today, Kai puts that same energy to work running our thriving dog-walking business alongside his mom, covering 10 to 15 miles with dogs of every shape and size.
Sambuca the Italian Greyhound took the top title of Pet Mayor, but Kai’s second-place finish earned him a brand-new honor. Because the contest raised nearly $12,000 this year, organizers decided for the first time to award the runner-up the title of Deputy Mayor, and that honor went to Kai. Both Sambuca and Kai were sworn into office on Tuesday, June 30th.
Kai with Tacoma mayor Anders Ibsen.
In his new role, Kai has turned his own history into a mission. As Deputy Mayor, he hopes to serve as a spokesperson for teaching children about respecting animals, aiming to help break the cycle of cruelty and neglect before it starts. We couldn’t be prouder to have this remarkable dog as part of our team — and as one of Tacoma’s newest civic leaders.
Meet the Mayor (Humane Society Tacoma Pierce County)
Pet Mayor for a Day Set to Return (Humane Society Tacoma Pierce County)
Kai and Sambuca with their owners accepting their new positions.