Awareness
Helping pet parents distinguish normal stiffness from paw knuckling, ataxia, head tilt, seizures, and cognitive shifts before emergencies strike.
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In Loving Memory of Sakura (15 Years) • Miami 501(c)(3) Sanctuary
For the Love of Sakura — Protecting Every Paw Through Early Neurological Care.
Created to honor our beloved golden Shiba Inu, Sakura, whose subtle neurological signs we first mistook for ordinary aging. Today, we turn grief into hope—equipping pet parents, senior rescues, and clinics with free early-detection tools and compassionate support for dogs and cats.
"A legacy of love that continues to protect every paw in Miami and beyond."
Our Founding Tribute
Sakura's Story: Why Early Clues Matter
Sakura was more than a companion; she was a spirited, 15-year-old golden Shiba Inu who filled our Miami home with quiet loyalty and warmth for over a decade. When subtle signs of neurological decline first appeared—slight slips on tile floors and restless twilight pacing—we mistook them for ordinary aging.
By the time we learned she was facing a complex neurological condition, the optimal window for early intervention was closing. The Sakura Shiba Foundation was born from that heartbreak—built on the truth that a simple 2-minute reflex check and informed eyes at home can change everything.
Today, Sakura's spirit guides every free checklist we ship to shelters, every senior Shiba care guide we publish, and every family we welcome at Biscayne Bay.
15 Years
Of Unconditional Love
< 2 Mins
Bi-Annual Vet Reflex Check
100% Free
Guides for Families & Rescues
What We Do
Our Three Program Pillars
We bridge board-certified clinical neurology and compassionate daily care for dogs and cats with neurological needs.
Support
Hosting inclusive Miami Gentle Paws stroller/wheelchair walks and global webinars for families navigating IVDD, epilepsy, vestibular disease, and CDS.
Join a support circlePrevention & Rescue
Advocating for spine-safe Y-harnesses, traction runners, neuro-protective senior nutrition, and awareness kits that keep senior dogs in loving homes.
Read care & Shiba guides
Sakura Care Journal
Browse All Guides
Essential Guides for Senior Dogs & Shiba Parents
Shiba Inu Care
Read 7-min guide →
Senior Shiba Inu Care Guide: Mobility & Screening Past Age 10
Why stoic Shiba Inus hide discomfort—and five spine- and brain-safe daily habits for their golden years.
Early Detection
Read 6-min guide →
Old Dog Vestibular Disease vs. Stroke: Head Tilt & Flickering Eyes
Calm triage steps when an older dog suddenly stumbles, tilts their head, or shows rapid eye movement.
Neurological Care
Read 6-min guide →
Arthritis or Neurological? Spotting Paw Knuckling & Early IVDD
How scuffed toenails and swaying hind legs reveal spinal nerve compression long before paralysis.
Together in Care
Join Our Circle of Pet Advocates
You never have to navigate a neurological diagnosis alone. Connect with fellow pet parents, senior dog advocates, and Miami Gentle Paws walkers sharing practical wisdom and hope.
