Like any pet, Kuma depended on her owner for everything. And when they died inside their house without anyone knowing, she was stranded in the backyard all alone.
Days turned into weeks. And the large Akita slowly starved until her ribs started showing through her skin.
When finally she was discovered and sent to the RSPCA, it was hard to imagine a bright future for her.
Lee Gamble, the kennels team leader at RSPCA ACT, had rarely seen a worse case of malnutrition in her long career of caring for often neglected dogs. Kuma was just skin and bone, and it was a dangerous situation.
"When I touched her, I could feel every bone," she said. "She was in a very poor condition, but she still loved people."
It took her three months to recover. After the veterinary care and slow feeding plan, Kuma reached 40 kilograms, back to the normal healthy, large Akita dog's weight.
For a dog that was underweight, she did not have a lot of energy. But now, she can run happily in the yard and play with the ball.
In July this year, now almost four years old, Kuma got her second chance.
Jordan Gallagher said the moment she first saw Kuma, she decided to take her home. She was drawn to the dog's personality and the joy she seemed to have while playing.
Now, Kuma wasn't just living in the house anymore. She was actually enjoying her life, said Ms Gallagher.
"A normal day is really just a happy dog's life - walks, play, food, cuddles, sniffing around the neighbourhood and keeping an eye on what everyone else is doing," Ms Gallagher shared.
Before Kuma was too underweight to run and play, now running is one of the things she looks forward to the most. Ms Gallagher said: "she gets incredibly excited when my alarm goes off in the morning because she knows it means she is about to go on a walk."
There are still experiences that she is discovering for the first time. Ms Gallagher recalled how confused Kuma was when she first watched television, seemingly unable to understand why there were people inside her home.
Kuma has been through a lot, but she still approaches life with curiosity and enthusiasm.
"I wanted to give her the safe and happy home she deserved, and I'm so glad I took that chance on her," Ms Gallagher said.
From 19 kilograms to 40 kilograms, from an emaciated to a fluffy dog, Kuma had been through a lot, and got a second chance to build a home. She is living her happy life.
Kuma is lucky to have a second chance at finding a home. But there are many other animals still waiting for theirs. RSPCA ACT's annual Give to Get Them Home fundraising campaign is ongoing now. To donate, visit rspcagivingday.com/act.
