Kaxan, beloved KXAN mascot, dies after brain cancer battle

AUSTIN (KXAN) – KXAN’s beloved mascot Kaxan, who was diagnosed with brain cancer in February, has died.

Over the past decade, Kaxan has served as the handsome ball of fluff that appeared alongside KXAN Senior Forecaster Jim Spencer.


Kaxan wins community service award

Kaxan was found in an alleyway behind the KXAN studios more than a decade ago. He was taken to Austin Animal Center by Spencer, and his former owners were notified. They decided to surrender Kaxan back to the shelter, and Spencer decided to make Kaxan a part of his family and KXAN’s. 


KXAN mascot finalist for Capitol of Texas awards

Kaxan began radiation treatment in February after his diagnosis.

Toward the end of 2022, Kaxan’s story was adapted into a children’s novel called “Becoming Kaxan.”

Read Kaxan’s obituary below:

Kaxan with the weather team on his final visit to the KXAN studio (KXAN Photo)Kaxan poses for a photo (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan at a book reading for “Becoming Kaxan” (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan at a book reading for “Becoming Kaxan” (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan on a boat as part of the ‘Top Dogs’ Super Bowl spot (KXAN Photo)KXAN’s Kaxan looking cool at the Fans 4 Paws fan drive (KXAN Photo/Mariano Garza)It’s Jim Spencer and Kaxan out at Whittlesey Landsapce Supples taking donations for the Family Eldercare Summer Fan Drive. (Courtesy Family Eldercare)Kaxan and other therapy dogs from Divine Canines visited the staff Thursday at St. David’s Medical Center in Austin. (Courtesy St. David’s Medical Center)Kaxan is honoring all frontline healthcare workers this Halloween with his costume! (KXAN Photo)Kaxan sitting at the KXAN anchor desk. (KXAN File Photo)Kaxan on the cover of Austin Pets (Courtesy Austin Pets)KXAN and Jim Spencer at the 2020 Fan Drive (KXAN Photo)Kaxan kisses a Fort Hood soldier (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan celebrates his third rescue day (KXAN Photo)Before and after photos of Kaxan once he was found and then adopted (KXAN Photo)Kaxan and Jim Spencer (KXAN Photo)Kaxan and Jim Spencer with the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce award (KXAN Photo)People weren’t the only ones participating with kites, Kaxan made an appearance flying his very own kite. (KXAN Photo)KXAN mascot and award winner Kaxan sharing the love will all the puppies for National Puppy Day (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)KXAN mascot KAXAN cooling off for a Happy Independence Day! (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Seth Myers poses with Kaxan and Jim Spencer (KXAN Photo)Kaxan reads a book (KXAN Photo)Kaxan celebrates Mardi Paws (KXAN Photo)Kaxan stays cool during the 2019 Family Eldercare Fan Drive (KXAN Photo)Kaxan bundles up for a cold day (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan poses with Jim Spencer (KXAN Photo)Kaxan poses (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan poses with a tie and his therapy dog vest (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan decked out in Longhorns gear (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan meets new friends as a therapy dog (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan on a film set (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan with one of his friends (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan and Edward Flores (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan and Jim Spencer (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan in his therapy dog vest on a beautiful day (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan and Jim Spencer at a promo shoot (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan and Jim at a promo shoot (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan ready to help others (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan in the bluebonnets (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan and Jim Spencer at Family Eldercare helping with the Fan Drive (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan and Jim Spencer (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan at work as a therapy dog (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan with an award recognizing him, Jim Spencer and Edward Flores as Heroes of the Decade (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan studying hard (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan and friends (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan and a friend (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan at Kaxan’s Korner (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan and Jim Spencer outside the KXAN newsroom (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan ready for the day (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan looking sharp in a suit (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan in one of his many fun outfits (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)

Longtime KXAN mascot and spokesdog Kaxan died Friday after a brief battle with brain cancer.

Kaxan was diagnosed with a brain tumor in early February, but despite his doctors’ best efforts and a brave struggle, he passed away peacefully Friday morning.

After nearly 11 years of on-air appearances, Kaxan became a local celebrity, with many fans and a large social media following. He received numerous awards and much recognition from many local animal welfare and rescue groups and other nonprofit organizations, as he promoted their causes over a decade with Jim Spencer on KXAN weathercasts. 


Kaxan throws first pitch at Round Rock Express game

Kaxan appeared on KXAN in many public service and event promotions. Often seen in his tuxedo as he “emceed” fundraising events, he helped raise tens of thousands of dollars for many area organizations over the years, including Austin Humane Society, Austin Dog Rescue, Emancipet, and Family Eldercare , just to name a few. He annually promoted Puppy Mill Awareness Day in Texas, and his advocacy helped many of his own foster brothers and sisters, who were in and out of his home over the years, find their forever families. 

Kaxan’s most important role came about thanks to his favorite human and best friend, Edward Flores, who trained him to become a therapy dog with Divine Canines, after which he spent years at Edward’s side providing comfort to special needs students at schools, patients in hospitals and soldiers at Fort Hood, among many others who requested his soothing presence. 

Kaxan’s public service work was so recognized, he was named the top therapy dog in Texas and was one of only three finalists for the national American Humane Hero Dog award in 2019.


Starring Kaxan: ‘Top Dogs’ embody KXAN in Puppy Bowl Super Bowl spot

In addition to being featured in local magazines — sometimes as the cover story — state and national product brands took notice of Kaxan’s popularity, resulting in commercial work for Tito’s Vodka, H-E-B, the Texas Lottery, Stainmaster, Chevrolet, Hartford Insurance and various dog food companies.

Kaxan’s story with KXAN began in May, 2012 when the scruffy, dirty stray dog wandered up the alley behind the television station. A photojournalist brought him into the newsroom, where someone immediately said “we should keep him and call him Kaxan.” Jim Spencer volunteered to take him to Austin Animal Center in case he was just lost. In fact, he was a runaway, and had been adopted out of the shelter several times before. When his owners surrendered him, Jim, Edward and KXAN took him in. Estimated to be two years old at the time, Kaxan spent the next 11 years building an incredible legacy. 

Kaxan wasn’t just the KXAN mascot — he was an inspiration for many to advocate, rescue, adopt, volunteer and fundraise. Kaxan brought attention to the fact that there are thousands of dogs just like him sitting in shelters waiting for their chance to become someone’s hero.

Sadly, now Kaxan’s friends, fans and KXAN family must say goodbye to our little hero.

 

AUSTIN (KXAN) – KXAN’s beloved mascot Kaxan, who was diagnosed with brain cancer in February, has died.

Over the past decade, Kaxan has served as the handsome ball of fluff that appeared alongside KXAN Senior Forecaster Jim Spencer.


Kaxan wins community service award

Kaxan was found in an alleyway behind the KXAN studios more than a decade ago. He was taken to Austin Animal Center by Spencer, and his former owners were notified. They decided to surrender Kaxan back to the shelter, and Spencer decided to make Kaxan a part of his family and KXAN’s. 


KXAN mascot finalist for Capitol of Texas awards

Kaxan began radiation treatment in February after his diagnosis.

Toward the end of 2022, Kaxan’s story was adapted into a children’s novel called “Becoming Kaxan.”

Read Kaxan’s obituary below:

Kaxan with the weather team on his final visit to the KXAN studio (KXAN Photo)Kaxan poses for a photo (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan at a book reading for “Becoming Kaxan” (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan at a book reading for “Becoming Kaxan” (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan on a boat as part of the ‘Top Dogs’ Super Bowl spot (KXAN Photo)KXAN’s Kaxan looking cool at the Fans 4 Paws fan drive (KXAN Photo/Mariano Garza)It’s Jim Spencer and Kaxan out at Whittlesey Landsapce Supples taking donations for the Family Eldercare Summer Fan Drive. (Courtesy Family Eldercare)Kaxan and other therapy dogs from Divine Canines visited the staff Thursday at St. David’s Medical Center in Austin. (Courtesy St. David’s Medical Center)Kaxan is honoring all frontline healthcare workers this Halloween with his costume! (KXAN Photo)Kaxan sitting at the KXAN anchor desk. (KXAN File Photo)Kaxan on the cover of Austin Pets (Courtesy Austin Pets)KXAN and Jim Spencer at the 2020 Fan Drive (KXAN Photo)Kaxan kisses a Fort Hood soldier (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan celebrates his third rescue day (KXAN Photo)Before and after photos of Kaxan once he was found and then adopted (KXAN Photo)Kaxan and Jim Spencer (KXAN Photo)Kaxan and Jim Spencer with the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce award (KXAN Photo)People weren’t the only ones participating with kites, Kaxan made an appearance flying his very own kite. (KXAN Photo)KXAN mascot and award winner Kaxan sharing the love will all the puppies for National Puppy Day (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)KXAN mascot KAXAN cooling off for a Happy Independence Day! (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Seth Myers poses with Kaxan and Jim Spencer (KXAN Photo)Kaxan reads a book (KXAN Photo)Kaxan celebrates Mardi Paws (KXAN Photo)Kaxan stays cool during the 2019 Family Eldercare Fan Drive (KXAN Photo)Kaxan bundles up for a cold day (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan poses with Jim Spencer (KXAN Photo)Kaxan poses (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan poses with a tie and his therapy dog vest (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan decked out in Longhorns gear (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan meets new friends as a therapy dog (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan on a film set (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan with one of his friends (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan and Edward Flores (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan and Jim Spencer (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan in his therapy dog vest on a beautiful day (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan and Jim Spencer at a promo shoot (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan and Jim at a promo shoot (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan ready to help others (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan in the bluebonnets (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan and Jim Spencer at Family Eldercare helping with the Fan Drive (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan and Jim Spencer (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan at work as a therapy dog (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan with an award recognizing him, Jim Spencer and Edward Flores as Heroes of the Decade (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan studying hard (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan and friends (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan and a friend (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan at Kaxan’s Korner (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan and Jim Spencer outside the KXAN newsroom (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan ready for the day (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan looking sharp in a suit (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)Kaxan in one of his many fun outfits (KXAN Photo/Jim Spencer)

Longtime KXAN mascot and spokesdog Kaxan died Friday after a brief battle with brain cancer.

Kaxan was diagnosed with a brain tumor in early February, but despite his doctors’ best efforts and a brave struggle, he passed away peacefully Friday morning.

After nearly 11 years of on-air appearances, Kaxan became a local celebrity, with many fans and a large social media following. He received numerous awards and much recognition from many local animal welfare and rescue groups and other nonprofit organizations, as he promoted their causes over a decade with Jim Spencer on KXAN weathercasts. 


Kaxan throws first pitch at Round Rock Express game

Kaxan appeared on KXAN in many public service and event promotions. Often seen in his tuxedo as he “emceed” fundraising events, he helped raise tens of thousands of dollars for many area organizations over the years, including Austin Humane Society, Austin Dog Rescue, Emancipet, and Family Eldercare, just to name a few. He annually promoted Puppy Mill Awareness Day in Texas, and his advocacy helped many of his own foster brothers and sisters, who were in and out of his home over the years, find their forever families. 

Kaxan’s most important role came about thanks to his favorite human and best friend, Edward Flores, who trained him to become a therapy dog with Divine Canines, after which he spent years at Edward’s side providing comfort to special needs students at schools, patients in hospitals and soldiers at Fort Hood, among many others who requested his soothing presence. 

Kaxan’s public service work was so recognized, he was named the top therapy dog in Texas and was one of only three finalists for the national American Humane Hero Dog award in 2019.


Starring Kaxan: ‘Top Dogs’ embody KXAN in Puppy Bowl Super Bowl spot

In addition to being featured in local magazines — sometimes as the cover story — state and national product brands took notice of Kaxan’s popularity, resulting in commercial work for Tito’s Vodka, H-E-B, the Texas Lottery, Stainmaster, Chevrolet, Hartford Insurance and various dog food companies.

Kaxan’s story with KXAN began in May, 2012 when the scruffy, dirty stray dog wandered up the alley behind the television station. A photojournalist brought him into the newsroom, where someone immediately said “we should keep him and call him Kaxan.” Jim Spencer volunteered to take him to Austin Animal Center in case he was just lost. In fact, he was a runaway, and had been adopted out of the shelter several times before. When his owners surrendered him, Jim, Edward and KXAN took him in. Estimated to be two years old at the time, Kaxan spent the next 11 years building an incredible legacy. 

Kaxan wasn’t just the KXAN mascot — he was an inspiration for many to advocate, rescue, adopt, volunteer and fundraise. Kaxan brought attention to the fact that there are thousands of dogs just like him sitting in shelters waiting for their chance to become someone’s hero.

Sadly, now Kaxan’s friends, fans and KXAN family must say goodbye to our little hero.

Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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