Please help me get my soul dogs ashes out of the veterinary

Hi, my name is Kara, but most people know me as Sage. I’m 27 years old, born and raised on this beautiful land—Vancouver Island, BC.

When I was 17, I was lost. Life hadn’t been easy—I was navigating a hard upbringing, mostly homeless, drifting between places like Quadra and Tofino, just trying to find my people and a sense of home. One day, I decided I was ready for a companion, a best friend, someone to share my journey with. I hitchhiked from Campbell River to the Kootenays—Winlaw and Nelson—on a mission to find that friend.

That’s where River came into my life.

The last person who gave me a ride on that trip named him “River,” and it stuck. From the moment I met him, he changed my life. He grounded me. He gave me a reason to keep going. We went everywhere together—from lakes and rivers, sleeping in my car, a trailer, even a boat—until, eventually, I was able to give us both a real home.

We lived everywhere from Quadra to Cortes, Campbell River to Woss, Courtenay to Port Alberni, Tofino to Nanaimo. We had adventures in every corner of this island. Through it all, River was by my side—my guardian, my healer, my heart.

When I became a mother (not by choice, but by a miracle I’m endlessly grateful for), River was there. He laid beside me during my pregnancy, and he helped welcome my son into the world. We finally had a little home, the three of us. Some stability. Some peace. River got to be a part of that, and I’m so thankful.

River was a reactive dog, and through him, I learned patience, compassion, and the kind of love that makes you show up every single day—no matter what. He taught me how to listen, how to advocate, how to love unconditionally, and how to grow into someone stronger than I ever thought I could be.

On April 21st, 2025, we had to say goodbye. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. The cost to lay him to rest and receive his ashes is $650. I’ve managed to put down $250, but I still owe $400 before I can bring him home.

I’m a single mom living on a low income, doing my best to get by. I went to the vet today and they kindly returned his collar to me. Holding it broke me. I wept for hours. I realized that what I need now is the closure of having him home, where he belongs—with his family.

So I’m reaching out to my community, to kind strangers, to anyone who has ever loved a pet like family. If you are able to help, even the smallest donation would mean the world to me and my son.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Thank you for honoring River’s life with us.

With love, gratitude, and hope,

Sage (Kara)

Social Media:

Facebook: Sage Onyx

TikTok: @snowcoveredfern

✨ God bless.