Springfield, MO – February 20, 2025 – Local entrepreneurs and US National Team canicross competitors, Joy and Nick Weis, have founded a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Friends Of Oso Foundation. Friends Of Oso serves northern breed rescue organizations – such as organizations to help huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, & others – on a national level.
Friends Of Oso was formed in remembrance of Oso, the Weis’ husky who unexpectedly passed away. Oso was a rescue dog; after having been hit by a car, Heartland Husky Rescue helped with his veterinary care and ultimately led Oso to his forever home. Oso was a world champion level athlete in the sport of canicross, which is the sport of cross country running with dogs. Oso traveled overseas multiple times to compete at championship events with both Joy and Nick.
“The day we met Oso, we knew he was perfect for our family,” said Joy Weis, co-founder and executive director of Friends Of Oso. “Our goal with this foundation is to help other northern breeds like Oso find unconditional love and happiness.”
Previously serving as an executive director for another local nonprofit, Weis is no stranger to the nonprofit world and is looking forward to bringing this new nonprofit not only to Southwest Missouri, but on a nationwide basis. “I’m truly excited for this new journey to make a difference in our community, and to continue spreading Oso’s special legacy.”
Weis says while Friends Of Oso is geared towards northern breed-specific rescues, they will gladly accept and help general rescues with a northern breed dog in need of assistance.
Friends Of Oso is now accepting donations & fundraising opportunity requests. Grants will become available to rescues soon, and an endowment fund is being established.
About Friends Of Oso
The Friends Of Oso Foundation was created to honor an amazing rescue husky, Oso. The goal of the foundation is to provide funds to rescue organizations to provide food, routine veterinary care, and transportation costs for northern breed dogs. The funding will be in the form of grants, and the goal of these grants is to provide for the immediate needs of the rescue groups to help dogs today.
We are working to set up an endowment that will allow a portion of donations to help dogs well into the future.
We also would like to serve as a resource for rescues. Our process is designed to help rescues find additional resources and funding opportunities. For more information about Friends Of Oso, visit our website at www.friendsofoso.com.
Oso’s TV Appearance: S8 Ep16 | Joy, Nick Weiss, and Erin Bode
Co-Founder Joy & Nick Weis with Oso
