Courtesy Maggie Stolzberg Photography
Four years ago, Katie Harris reached her breaking point.
Harris had endured a series of health issues since being diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a connective tissue disorder that affects the skin and joints, in 2013. There were countless hospital stays, surgeries, and waves of excruciating pain that became part of her daily routine. At one point, the Ballwin resident’s declining health left her wheelchair-dependent. It was all enough to make her question how much longer she’d be able to power through under such circumstances.
“I just wanted to stop treading water and sink,” Harris says.
And yet, at her lowest moments, a furry friend named Moxie refused to let that happen. In 2018, Harris adopted a Goldendoodle who later became her service dog. Harris named her Moxie, because, to her, moxie means “the ability to face difficulties with spirit and courage.” On one especially challenging day that year, while Harris sat in bed wailing over her pain, Moxie rushed into her room to console Harris, greeting her owner with the soft touch of her tiny paws. In that moment, Harris recognized how much Moxie cared for her—and how much love the pup had brought to her life. It made Harris want to stop feeling sorry for herself, and start helping others—especially those who could benefit from having a service dog of their own. With that mission in mind, Harris set out to form a nonprofit organization called Moxie’s Mission.
“Moxie changed my life,” Harris says. “She helps me be more independent and brings a light and a purpose into my life that I didn’t think was possible. Her personality, determinedness, and desire to learn makes us the perfect team, and she truly does have a lot of moxie in her. I am beyond thankful for her, which is why I have dedicated myself to helping others receive this same gift.”
Not only does Moxie’s Mission serve to educate others about the value service dogs can provide someone in need, it raises money that goes toward helping people acquire trained service dogs. In addition to accepting individual donations and business sponsorships, Moxie’s Mission holds fundraisers, like relay runs and tennis outings.
“I could never fund a dog myself,” Harris says. “The only reason I am able to do what I do is because other individuals are joining me and we are all doing our part.”
Moxie’s Mission has helped fund two successful matches so far, and is raising money for a third recipient. Harris also wants to make a veteran the focus of every other match. Meanwhile, Moxie the dog’s good work hasn’t gone unnoticed. She’s in the running for American Humane’s Hero Dog Award, which ends its first round of voting on May 18.
In recent years, in addition to Moxie’s unconditional love, medical procedures have helped Harris feel better. She speaks openly about the importance of mental health, and spreads awareness about the role a service dog can play in someone’s life. She’s also working on a children’s book centered around her relationship with Moxie.
“With kindness, courage and a little bit of moxie, all things are possible,” Harris says.
