Big East Akita Inc

This may be Misses Meeks’ final walk. At 13 years old, she’s living with diabetes, blindness, and now arthritis — but her heart is still full of love and purpose. This year, she’ll be walking proudly beside Abel and Ginny Gin to help raise funds for Big East Akita Rescue (B.E.A.R.), an organization very close to our hearts.

We walk in memory of those we’ve lost along the way — Nina Ann, Gentle Jacob, sweet Sasha, and our original mascot, Cain. They all loved being part of this event and are still with us in spirit.

Abel, a gentle and loyal Akita, walks for those still waiting in rescue. Misses Meeks walks to show that love and determination know no limits. And Ginny Gin, our spirited Collie mix, will lead us across the finish line with her sunshine energy.

We’re walking to raise funds and awareness for Big East Akita Rescue (B.E.A.R.), an organization that gives Akitas the safety, care, and second chances they deserve.

Please consider sponsoring Team Abel & Misses Meeks. Your support means the world — not just to us, but to the Akitas who need it most.

Team Fog Dogs members include Roxy, and Rebel. Our Angel Walkers are Primo, and Porter. Rebel is a Shikoku that likes to add chaos to life with the Akitas. Roxy lives up to her name as the life of the party, but she also responds to the name wigglebutt. Roxy is the mother of Porter who gained his wings in Feb of 2025 . Primo gained his wings in May of 2021. Both are still very missed in our pack.

The Fog Dogs live in the foggy city of San Francisco and love to be out in the cool fog. They can often be spotted hiking around Golden Gate Park and the Presidio. They love to meet new people and show how beautiful and friendly Akitas can be. Rebel is less interested in people and more interested in squirrels.

Team Fog Dogs wants all their friends to know that they are walking to support Akita Rescue. Their goal is for every Akita to have a chance at a happy life like theirs. A life with a warm bed, food, and most importantly a family to love and that loves them. No Akita should be lost or forgotten. Akita Rescue’s mandate is to be there for those Akitas.

If you sponsor Team Fog Dogs, you will be helping them meet their goal. Every sponsorship no matter how small will help an Akita in need.

Tracy West

Rebel is the Shikoku

Roxy is the Akita

Hi! I am Gabby!

I have lived such a full, eventful life and my absolute favorite thing is making people laugh and smile. I have slowed down now and can't be silly like I used to, but even though I don't hear or see well, I still love those big smiles. I have done so much in my life as there is nothing better than sharing my life with my best friend. Traveling is great fun and such an adventure! I have always been so willing to try anything for her. I really wasn't very fond of getting in the Black Hawk helicopter ... it seriously came out of the sky ... are people crazy??? But, seeing how excited the teachers and children were, especially the special needs children, I was excited for them. I will keep my paws on the ground, thank you very much.

I just retired from the hospital where I have been visiting a couple of times a week for several years and they threw me an awesome party. Even though I get tired easily and sometimes lose my balance (and, yes, I drool because I am missing half my teeth), I have always been so excited to see my friends and meet new people. Some are so happy to see me that they talk to me even when they won't talk to anyone else or they hold me and cry. I am sad that I won't be going back, but I will still be visiting my silly ladies who maul me and say the same things over and over and over again. That's okay ... they share their snacks with me that they have saved on their clothes.

I almost 100 years old now and this may be my last hoorah to support Whisper Walk for Big East Akita Rescue. In honor of my life, we are Team Memory Lane. I hope that we can pay it forward to all of the Akitas who have yet to have the opportunities that I had in my life with the hope that they will find their special someone like I did. Please sponsor our team and help Akitas in need! All proceeds go to BEAR.

Thank you!!!

Gabby & Barbara

In Memory of Therapy Dog Keeva, 2015 (adopted)-2023.

This is Toshi’s very first Whisker Walk! Toshi is also adopted from Big East Akita Rescue (like Keeva!). Toshi, a long coat Japanese Akita Inu, was rescued after the shutdown of a large puppy mill operation. Even though area rescues were full, BEAR did not give up on the dozens of dogs that needed help. Today, Toshi is in training to become a certified therapy dog like her “brother,” Tomo.

Tomo is a 2 year old American Akita that works with Animal Assisted Therapy Services MA and visits schools, colleges, nursing homes, alcohol rehab facilities, prisons, and more within Massachusetts. Toshi, a supercharged and extremely fluffy puppy, already shows excitement for meeting new people and is picking up on new tricks and commands quickly. We think she will be a wonderful therapy dog and also serve as an educational tool to teach others about the Akita Inu breed and the dangers of puppy mills and animal hoarding.

We are forever indebted to BEAR for Keeva; the Whisker Walk is important to us so we can raise funds so they can continue their mission of rescuing dogs like Toshi and provide care for other akitas in need!

Hey y’all! My name is Moose. I have been doing the Whisker Walk for so long that I’ve lost count but I think about 8 years. It’s kind of hard to count toes when they are as hairy as mine! Anyway, I am here to support Big East Akita Rescue who saved me through Zac’s Mission.

When I was a puppy and dreaming of puppy things and the fun that was to come in my life, I was devastated when my “breeder” sold me to a puppy mill! Yes, a puppy mill! You and I both know that anybody who does that cannot call themselves a “breeder” when they are actually a “greeder”! She was a bad person. I lived 2 horrible years there being mistreated and forced to breed. Luckily, this mill was forced to close due to violations and I found myself up for auction. I had been shaved since my long coat was matted and dirty and there were so many people bidding including other puppy mill owners who wanted to keep me a slave. But that was not my destiny because an angel named Sherry Lockrem was there too and she kept bidding and bidding and saved my life.

I stayed in boarding a couple weeks and two nice humans came to see me and they brought their Akita girl, Kodi, to meet me. I guess they really liked me because I went home with them a couple weeks later. I loved my new home. I could run around a large yard and chase squirrels and I even had my own big, soft chair to climb into and sleep if I wanted. I have the best of everything – lots of food, plenty of room, vet care, but most of all, a loving family who showers me with kisses every day.

So, on behalf of all the Akitas that are abandoned, neglected, or still stuck in puppy mills, please help me reach my goal for the Whisker Walk so that more can be saved and find great homes! As the saying goes “Rescuing a dog will not change the world, but it will change the dog’s world”, it sure changed mine. Thank you in advance for any donation or share of my link. Wiggles and licks to you all! Love, Moose.

Hi, I’m Aria. Eddie and I are walking this year to support the good people of (B.E.A.R) Big East Akita Rescue. We walk this year in remembrance of Bobby, a B.E.A.R. rescue who passed away last year. He was the victim of abuse and unfortunately succumbed to injuries he sustained in his past life. Bobby spent his final years as a member of our pack at Casa Kirchner. Bob was an amazing guy. Even though he was neglected and abused he still had a lot of love to give.

Eddie & I are proud to carry on the tradition that began with Bear & Carly followed by the infamous Raymond Charles. Your support of Team A & E will help feed, house, transport and fund the medical needs of Akitas in need. Our goal is a modest $1000. Any support you can give will help us achieve that goal.

Another year, another Akita, this time named Kiki who stole my heart as Rosie did. We will be walking in memory of my heart Rosie and to celebrate Kiki’s accomplishments.

I saw Kiki on BEAR’S website and fell in love yet again. In the beginning it was ruff, LOL. She was a youngster for me and took some getting used to. But with help from an amazing trainer, Kiki and I made it over the fence. She was never a difficult dog, I was just not used to the young in her after so many seniors.

Oh, what fun she is. We had some in home training and then off to Manners 2. Passed with honors. Then on to her CGC certificate. She will be a PAL AFC and then be able to pass her Pet Therapy Test. What a unicorn of an Akita.

BEAR has done so much for the Akitas over the many years I’ve known them. Kiki is my 4th Akita from BEAR, and 8th Akita since 1994.

If it weren’t for BEAR, JoAnn and Matt, I don't know what I’d do. Kiki has saved my life. Won’t you help us at BEAR and raise money for all the dogs in their care? That’s the least we can do. They are love bugs whose only fault was not having a good home. Well….. Now they do!!

Let’s go, Whisker Walk Team Kiki. Raise that money for BEAR and help all the Akitas!!!

Team Mooch and Teaka a.k.a. Trouble and Maker!

Mooch is now 2 1/2, Teaka almost 10 - where has the time gone? Yet they still get up to some shenanigans!

Mooch has never met a mud puddle he didn't roll in.

I think he has had more baths than ALL 6 of my previous Akitas put together! We have thought about changing his name to Rain Man since he LOVES being out in the rain....and the resulting MUD!!! I mean seriously just LOOK at him - pouring rain and he tried to dig to the other side of the world!​

Mooch achieved his Canine Good Citizen and he still is - he's finally keeping 4 on the floor but he's still aggressively friendly not a bad thing right??

Mooch gets a bath!

One of many!

Teaka is the QUEEN of burying chewies - no one sees her take them but they suddenly disappear to turn up days or weeks later under the edge of a rug behind a curtain or pushed under the edge of my desk. Once I found one neatly tucked under my pillow.

​She is not only an AKC Champion, but an AKC Canine Good Citizen! Teaka has retired as a Therapy Dog, but still continues sharing her love with young and old alike!

But seriously my friends, Mooch had a very rough start in life. Had it not been for BEAR he would probably not have made it out alive, as a motherless 5 week old puppy. We and HE will be forever grateful that BEAR was there for him and all the other Akitas whose only chance at - not only a better life - but LIFE AT ALL...was BEAR.

Please support Mooch and Teaka as they walk in honor of Edie, Jazz and Kat, to bring a new beginning to all the Akitas who need help – all the Akitas who need BEAR!

BEAR cannot do it alone – they need our help! Now more than ever!

Please donate!

Hi, my name is Matsu,

As a California born puppy, I have quite the exciting life. Brought home at 9 weeks, my mom knew that socializing, training, and exposure to new things would make me the good boy I am today. She’s always taking me somewhere. Car rides to the barn, horse shows, dog shows, agility classes, trail runs, barn hunts, K9 Gladiator event, and road trips to Washington State. Heck, she even takes me to the nursery to pick up plants and mulch (I know where they hide the cookie jar.) And since my dad is a San Francisco Fireman, it’s super fun to visit him at his fire house because of all the people I get to meet.

My daily chores include chasing my stuffed toys and squeaking out a tune, keeping the squirrels and turkeys away from the bird feeder, and picking out socks for my mom. Sometimes, I even have to remind Dad that it’s dinner time. I’ve lately resorted to wooing to remind him.

As Team Matsu, we are walking in support of BEAR (Big East Akita Rescue). We believe that every Akita deserves a loving home, a full belly, and a soft place to sleep. As members of the Golden Gate Akita Club, we help educate the public about how great Akitas are, but also a big responsibility. Please sponsor our team so we can make our goal.

Hello. Brandi here, leader of Team Packie Runners. You read that correctly, "Leader" !

My family and friends say I am aging backwards. I sure do feel like I am still a youngster, and more than capable of participating in my 4th Whisker Walk for Big East Akita Rescue. I'm bringing along my bestest buddy Ridge - okay he's just a big dummy but boy can he sniff out donations!

Over the past year, there have been many challenging rescues, with some of my peers in very rough shape. I'm here to encourage my four legged friends to never give up, never lose faith.

BEAR works miracles. I am living proof of that !

Please donate to Team Packie Runners to keep the miracles going.

Thank Woo All !

This is Mace Windu and Jyn Willow - our two loved Akitas - who are also named after fighters in the Resistance in the Star Wars movies. Their characters were legendary heroes/heroines.

Mace and Jyn provide our family with endless entertainment and companionship. They are often the bright points of the day. They can be rambunctious and silly, but they also are loyal, protective, and loving to their family.

Dogs provide so much to their human companions, and ask little in return. Unfortunately, many dogs are placed in shelters and miss being a member of a family; having food; care and love.

So we walk each year to support Big East Akita Rescue (BEAR) to stand in the gap - to provide food, shelter, medical care and love to those Akitas that are left behind and hope to get a new home.

Giving love is a dog’s greatest pleasure and purpose and so we ask for your support. As we participate in this annual event we hope to make a difference! Please help BEAR to help those dogs that would welcome the chance to be a member of a loving family! We all can be a hero or heroine to a deserving Akita.

Please consider donating any amount you can to “Team Resistance”. May the Force be with You.