Mocha Kim was born in South Korea on August 4, 2021. We were the first real home she had ever known, rescuing her from a meat trafficking organization where likely her and her sister's fate would have been nothing. After being rescued, most of the dogs were adopted or labeled as "taking up space," and a number of totally innocent and traumatized animals were euthanized through cruelty.

In the spring of 2023, we arrived at Chicago O'Hare International Airport to meet them after traveling for the fourteen-hour flight from South Korea. They were traumatized, uneasy, and full of anxiety. In the beginning, both Mocha and Luna attempted to escape many times. One of those times would tragically end with Mocha getting hit by an SUV. Fortunately, she survived with only a broken front right leg, although that kind of injury for animals is more than a couple of months' rest for them.

The break weakened Mocha's immune system and caused her to have mineral buildup in her bladder. This continued to worsen over two years until it caught up with us. Mocha was very sick and was experiencing a bladder stone blockage in her urethra, causing her to experience urinating and to be almost impossible to urinate. The buildup was so old, it had given her a serious bacterial infection and minor and major tearing around her vagina.

Mocha died, tired, in pain, and distressed but still beautiful. Through all the struggle, all the injuries, and all the close calls, Mocha continued to fight with that same infinite spirit that she always had. Hearing those cries broke me, Mocha.

After Mocha’s death, we were relieved of the over $10,000 medical bill but left without the best dog a person can ask for. Within minutes, we were asked for billing information and working out “money,” the whole root of this problem. Although we were saved from the huge bill, we were left with a $3,000 medical bill stacking up just from general checkups from two hospitals, X-rays, medicine, and then ultimately euthanasia. Anything towards our cause will help, and hopefully allow Mocha to encounter the higher power and rest easy.

Mocha, we love you. I’m sad I can never analyze your fur and realize how pretty of a color it really is. You live through your sister Luna and will not be forgotten. Fly high, pretty girl.