Macho: The Dog That Changed My Life

I’m Kaja, and on January 1st, 2025, I lost the greatest battle of my life. I had to let go of my soulmate - my best friend of eight transformative years. His name was Macho, an American Pitbull Terrier who came into my life as unexpectedly as he left it.

From the moment Macho bounded into my world, everything changed. He didn’t just accompany me through life - he rerouted it, reshaped it, and, in many ways, gave me the courage to chase a dream I had barely dared to imagine.

The Beginning

We had only six quiet months together before life swept us into a whirlwind of change. A honeymoon turned into curious exploration, and exploration into a bold pursuit of a new life in America, career opportunities for my husband, and constant travel. Through it all, Macho was with us - unshakable, joyful, hungry for the world. Every border crossed, every state line passed, revealed new sides of his resilient spirit. He was our anchor in chaos, lifting our spirits when the weight of challenges threatened to pull us down.

A Hidden Talent

During those years of constant travel, I took my first timid steps toward a passion I had long kept hidden: storytelling. I started sharing glimpses of America through my eyes on social media. It was small, fleeting - enough to keep my dream alive, but never enough to make it real.

Then, in 2020, just as the world closed in on itself during the pandemic, I realized something profound. Macho wasn’t just special to me. He was special, period. His charisma, his expressions, the way he connected - it wasn’t only my love that made me see him this way. Others felt it too.

So, we started an account together, @kaja_macho. What began as roleplay and lighthearted posts exploded almost overnight. Millions of people laughed, smiled, and healed a little through him. Every morning, I had to pinch myself. He wasn’t just my friend anymore - he was a gift I was sharing with the world.

Paradise Found

Two years ago, life carried us to Puerto Rico. For Macho, it was heaven: beaches, ocean breezes, endless walks. But we also saw the truth of this island paradise - countless “Machos,” or satos, living homeless. They were everywhere. Some cared for by kind locals, many left behind. My heart ached knowing how many would never feel what Macho had given me.

The Night Everything Changed

On December 31st, 2024, as fireworks cracked through the night, our world shattered. Out of nowhere, Macho collapsed with symptoms that looked like poisoning. He was careful, trained, smart - I hadn’t seen him eat anything harmful.

Still, we rushed him to the vet full of hope, as we always had before. But this time was different. Despite every effort, his body began to fail.

January 1st, 2025 - I lost him.

Even now, months later, the pain is raw. My heart feels ripped from my chest. I replay the “what ifs” endlessly. But I also know this: grief this deep can only exist because of love that great. The pain is proof of our bond. And for that, I will always be grateful.

Macho’s Legacy

In the months after, I knew I had to honor him in a way that mattered. At first, I dreamed of founding a charity in his name, but realized it required more resources than I had alone.

Fate intervened when I was asked to serve as President of the American Dog Society - a role I accepted without hesitation. There, I worked on big-picture solutions to reduce shelter surrenders and improve dogs’ lives. But my heart kept pulling me closer to the ground - to the dogs I walked past every day in Puerto Rico.

That’s when I found Palmas Animal Welfare (PAWS), and instantly, I knew I was home. Palmas Animal Welfare does what once seemed impossible: they connect abandoned satos on the island with loving families across the United States. Initially they must cover medical care, shelter or foster care, and transportation - all of it resource-heavy, all of it lifesaving. I saw Elizabeth, PAWS’ founder, and I knew: this is the fight I need to be in.

Macho’s Hope

And so, Macho’s Hope was born. It’s not yet a full foundation, but it is a growing initiative - fueled by love, grief, and a promise I made to my best friend. We are channeling proceeds and energy to support Palmas Animal Welfare, saving lives one dog at a time.

Macho taught me to dream, to fight, and to love without limits. Now, through Macho’s Hope, I carry him forward. For every sato saved, for every life changed, a piece of Macho lives on.

Thank you, Macho, for finding me. You will forever live in my heart - and in the hope we now bring to others.


Author: Kaja Sonik Zon, Founder of PUPEYE