2025 Pet Cover Contest Winner
Parents: Lindsay and Travis Griggs
Breed: Golden Retriever
Age: 6
Swimming, surfing, boat rides—this dog was made for Pensacola. Koah has an extra sweet demeanor, lighting up the face of every person she meets. Her playful spirit makes her an excellent companion for life in the Western Gate to the Sunshine State!
How did you and Koah come into each other’s lives?
We drove to Mississippi and picked her up from Rhonda’s Retrievers, a family that raises field golden retrievers.
What inspired her name?
Koah’s name was inspired by the brand name of the spearfishing gun my husband uses. It means strength, courage and fearlessness. There is also a Hawaiian Koa tree, and she and the wood are the same color.
What are some of your and Koah’s favorite Pensacola spots to get outside and play?
Koah loves to go to Sand Island (just inside Pensacola Pass) on our boat, where she runs and plays up and down the hill and all along the beach, never meeting a stranger. She enjoys sunsets at Dog Park East on Pensacola Beach, swimming in the ocean and retrieving, of course!
She’s the first to jump aboard to accompany us on fishing trips in the bay, always excited when a fish comes over the rail, dancing on deck and a part of the action. She also loves playing in the backyard with our neighbor’s golden doodle, Lucy. Ever since she was a tiny puppy, we would skateboard with her around the neighborhood for exercise.
Can you tell us a little more about the photo you submitted?
The photo we sent is a picture of Koah standing on the front of the boat with her life jacket on during a fishing trip in Pensacola Bay.
How has Koah become an important part of your family?
From skiing the mountains in Colorado to boating through the Bahamas, Koah is a well-traveled dog and a joyous companion who is always ready for an adventure!
CLICK HERE to view all of this year’s photo entries!