In the heart of Colorado’s Grand County, a young hound named Koa embarked on an unexpected adventure that would test the limits of trust and the strength of community bonds.
Koa, a 15-month-old walker hound, had recently been adopted by David Ingram from a breeder in Utah. Accustomed to the rugged life of a mountain lion hunting dog, Koa was more familiar with the wilderness than the comforts of a home.
Her early life, spent in kennels or roaming the woods, made her wary and sensitive—a trait that, while endearing, posed challenges for her new owner.
On May 5, 2025, Koa slipped away from Ingram’s property in Hot Sulphur Springs. What followed was a two-week odyssey across the county, with sightings reported near Murdoch’s shopping center and Safeway in Fraser.
Despite numerous attempts by locals to coax her with food and kindness, Koa remained elusive, her instincts keeping her at a distance.
Enter Jeanette McQuade, a seasoned animal advocate and 30-year resident of Fraser. Recognizing the urgency and the unique challenges posed by Koa’s background, McQuade took it upon herself to intervene.
Understanding that traditional methods wouldn’t suffice, she employed patience, expertise, and a deep understanding of canine behavior to approach Koa on her terms.
After days of careful observation and gentle persuasion, McQuade succeeded in gaining Koa’s trust. On May 18, in downtown Fraser, the long-awaited reunion between Koa and Ingram took place—a moment filled with relief, joy, and a renewed sense of connection.
Reflecting on the experience, Ingram acknowledged the lessons learned about trust and understanding. “She felt more in her realm out there, just kind of running amok,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of respecting an animal’s nature and history.
Koa’s journey serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of animal adoption, especially when dealing with creatures shaped by environments vastly different from our own.
It also highlights the incredible impact that dedicated individuals like McQuade can have in bridging the gap between humans and animals, fostering bonds built on patience, empathy, and unwavering commitment.
In the end, Koa’s tale is not just about a lost dog found, but about the transformative power of understanding and the communities that rally together in times of need.