Kirby
joined Gold Ribbon Rescue on December 19, 2006, when the family who had owned
her for most of her life found themselves unable to care for her any longer. We
picked her up at Town Lake Animal Center and loved her immediately. She is a big
girl with a big heart, and she thrives on attention. Kirby had large mats in
more places than could be counted, and she was so dirty that her fur, as she was
brushed, came out almost black and very dusty. We trimmed and brushed and
cleaned… and then it was time to introduce Kirby to her hostess, 8-year-old
Missy (GRR #05-004). Kirby got along with her new-found friend almost
immediately! After giving her a nice supper, we made her comfortable for her
first night in her new home. Trusting girl that she is, she slept peacefully the
entire night through.Early the next morning, off she went to the vet for a general check-up and bath!!! We had noticed that her ears were particularly filthy and inflamed, and sure enough the check-up revealed a severe infection in the left ear. Kirby was also overweight by several pounds. Lab tests confirmed our suspicions that she is diabetic and thyroid deficient—but fortunately, both conditions are highly treatable.
Kirby also seems to have suffered from allergies for some time that have resulted in sore, itchy ears – which led to ear-scratching and head-shaking – which led to spongy scar tissue in her earflaps. She was placed on an allergen-free food that she absolutely adores. It apparently agrees with her, because her coat has improved substantially.
Every morning Kirby gets a Soloxine tablet for her thyroid deficiency, and following her morning and evening meals, she receives an insulin injection. Her ears are treated and medicated every day. She has responded beautifully to her medications, frequent walks, and her measured 1-cup portions of food morning and evening: she has already lost eight pounds, she walks more briskly, she runs and plays, and her ears are well on their way to being trouble free. She is definitely on the road to better health!
This loving big girl is a joy to have around. She is learning how to play catch with a tennis ball and is mostly quiet and well behaved. Kirby probably never was walked on a leash, but after the first few walks she no longer tugs and trots along beautifully. She responds to several basic commands like “sit” and “down.” She has no interest in counter surfing or reclining on the furniture. She lets out a woof and a bit of a growl when strangers approach, but is quickly quieted by a hand on her head and being told that all’s well.
She gets along well with Missy, who is a pretty dominant little girl. There has been no strife whatsoever! We walk them on two separate leashes, but one person can walk them. It’s a beautiful sight to see the two girls jogging along together. They also run free throughout the house sharing toys for short periods. At night, Kirby sleeps on her own rug in a large gated area at the end of the hall.
Kirby is great with other dogs (just ask Missy) and pays friendly attention to the cats at the vet’s office. She does bark at deer in the yard, as well as when a stranger approaches the front door. She loves people—she does not jump on them, but demands lots of attention in her own loving way.
Kirby is ready to settle down with a forever family who wants a wonderful, loving companion. She is waiting to hear from you soon!