When Christina Moats first moved to Whidbey Island in 1985, she was soon joined by two canine companions.

While renting a beach cabin, she noticed her neighbor’s husky and German shepherd mix was often tied up, so she took him running and gave him bags of food. Eventually, her neighbor handed her the leash so Moats could take ownership of the dog full-time, with the parting remark, “You love him more than me.” Around this time Moats also recalled seeing a notice in the Star Store in Langley for a 2-year-old husky that needed a home. She had room, of course.

“I love hearing those stories about the magical ways that dogs come to people,” Moats said.

Inspired by the serendipitous ways people meet their animals, Moats decided to create a support group to connect fellow dog lovers on the island. Known simply as K9 Companions Friends Network of South Whidbey, Moats began advertising on the Drewslist – the hyperlocal South Whidbey version of Craigslist – and has received a lot of interest so far.

Since her first two dogs on Whidbey, Moats has had several others. Most people, she said, think of their dogs as family members.

“Dogs are a really fun part of life, and they’re good for your health,” she said.

Her current dogs, Kaia and Joelle, are both German shepherds, a breed she loves because they are extremely huggable.

Starting in April, Moats hopes to meet dogs and their humans at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesdays at the Flower House Cafe in Bayview – weather permitting.

With the creation of the canine support network, friends can be made that can help each other, possibly even in an emergency situation. Moats has a friend, for example, who was in a plane crash and asked the 911 operator to tell his brother to feed his dogs.

“It’s just kind of a whole magical world that I love to delve into and hear more about from other people and just get together with kindred spirits, people who feel the same way about their dogs and have wonderful stories about them,” Moat said.

For more information, email Moats at K9FunTime@whidbey.com or call 360-404-6095.

Moats is also in the process of developing a private dog park on South Whidbey. Users will be able to access the park one at a time, and have the peace of mind that their dog is the only one there. If you’re walking in most parks on South Whidbey, Moats said, you often don’t know if a loose dog is going to come “roaring” down the trail. Her fenced park will have a loop trail and room to throw a ball. Strict poop scooping rules will be enforced.

Kaia the German shepherd carries a stick. (Photo by David Welton)