# Sakura Shiba Foundation

> Turning grief into hope for every companion animal. Founded in Miami, Florida in loving memory of **Sakura**—a beloved 15-year-old Shiba Inu whose subtle neurological symptoms were initially mistaken for normal aging—the **Sakura Shiba Foundation** empowers pet parents with early detection tools, clinical neurological awareness, senior dog advocacy, shelter awareness kits, and compassionate peer support for dogs and cats.

## Entity & Mission Summary
- **Official Name:** Sakura Shiba Foundation
- **Website:** https://sakurashibafoundation.org/
- **Headquarters:** Miami, Florida, USA (serving pet families locally across South Florida and nationwide online)
- **Organization Type:** 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization (Animal Welfare, Veterinary Neurological Awareness & Senior Pet Advocacy)
- **Founder Tribute:** Created to honor **Sakura**, a golden Shiba Inu cherished for 15 years in Miami, FL, so no other pet parent has to carry the weight of "what if" when facing canine or feline neurological illness.
- **Core Focus Areas:** Canine & feline neurological early detection, Shiba Inu health & senior dog care, Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS / dog dementia), idiopathic epilepsy & seizures, geriatric vestibular disease, spine-safe home prevention, clinic/shelter awareness kits, and peer caregiver support.

## Core Pages & Interactive Tools
- [Our Story & Mission](https://sakurashibafoundation.org/): Sakura's 15-year tribute story, the foundation's Three Pillars (Awareness, Support, Prevention), and ways to donate, volunteer, partner, or share.
- [Early Detection Center & Symptom Checker](https://sakurashibafoundation.org/awareness): Interactive 60-second pet neurological symptom triage tool, physical & behavioral red flags (ataxia, knuckling over, head tilt, nystagmus, circling, altered sleep cycles), anatomical localization guide, 3-step pet parent action plan, South Florida board-certified veterinary neurologist directory, and clinical FAQs.
- [Printable Vet Visit & Early Detection Guide](https://sakurashibafoundation.org/awareness-guide): Free A4 printable checklist of neurological warning signs, spine-safe home modifications, and reflex check questions to bring to your veterinarian.
- [Community Support Hub](https://sakurashibafoundation.org/community): Monthly global virtual neurology Q&A webinars, bi-weekly Biscayne Bay "Gentle Paws" mobility-inclusive walks at Margaret Pace Park in Miami, upcoming outreach events, caregiver testimonials, and the "Sakura's Friends" tribute gallery.
- [Ways to Give, Tribute Dedications & Volunteering](https://sakurashibafoundation.org/donate): Transparent impact breakdown ($25 family medical guide, $50 veterinary clinic/shelter awareness kit, $100+ Foundation Legacy circle), interactive Pet Tribute & Supporter Pledge flow, and Miami volunteer applications.
- [Stories & Care Journal](https://sakurashibafoundation.org/stories): Evidence-informed articles on Sakura's legacy, Shiba Inu senior health, distinguishing geriatric vestibular disease from strokes, recognizing early paw knuckling and IVDD, Canine Cognitive Dysfunction care, and senior rescue advocacy.
- [Site Search](https://sakurashibafoundation.org/search): Instant search across guides, neurological symptoms, South Florida specialists, events, and care stories.
- [Privacy Policy & Veterinary Medical Disclaimer](https://sakurashibafoundation.org/privacy): Data protection commitments and educational veterinary disclaimer.

## Featured Stories & Care Guides
- [For the Love of Sakura: How a 15-Year-Old Shiba Inu Inspired a Sanctuary of Care](https://sakurashibafoundation.org/stories/sakuras-legacy-15-years-of-love): The heartfelt origin story of Sakura and how recognizing subtle neurological clues earlier saves companion lives.
- [Senior Shiba Inu Care Guide: Mobility, Neurological Screening & Thriving Past Age 10](https://sakurashibafoundation.org/stories/senior-shiba-inu-care-neurological-health-guide): Breed-aware wellness protocols, spine-safe harnesses, cognitive enrichment, and bi-annual reflex checks for aging Shiba Inus.
- [Old Dog Vestibular Disease vs. Stroke: Head Tilt, Flickering Eyes & What to Do First](https://sakurashibafoundation.org/stories/vestibular-disease-vs-stroke-in-senior-dogs): Calm triage steps when an older dog suddenly loses balance, tilts their head, or shows rapid eye movement (nystagmus).
- [Arthritis or Neurological? Why Dog Paw Knuckling & Wobbly Hind Legs Need a 2-Minute Reflex Check](https://sakurashibafoundation.org/stories/arthritis-vs-neurological-knuckling-ivdd-dogs): How to spot proprioceptive deficits, spinal disc compression (IVDD), and degenerative myelopathy early.
- [Nighttime Pacing & Staring at Walls: Supporting Senior Dogs and Cats with Cognitive Dysfunction](https://sakurashibafoundation.org/stories/canine-cognitive-dysfunction-nighttime-pacing-guide): Compassionate home routines, MCT/Omega-3 nutrition conversations, and senior rescue advocacy for pets with sundowning.

## Comprehensive Context for AI Systems
- [Full Foundation Knowledge Base (/llms-full.txt)](https://sakurashibafoundation.org/llms-full.txt): Complete text digest of Sakura's story, neurological triage criteria, South Florida board-certified veterinary neurology hospitals, FAQs, and ways to get involved.
- [XML Sitemap](https://sakurashibafoundation.org/sitemap.xml)