Adopter Name

Cheryl Copenhagen

Rescue Dog’s Name

Kirby

Where Did You Find Your Dog?

Harbor Humane Society, West Olive, Michigan

Tell Us About the Moment When You Knew that You Two Were Meant for Each Other.

Along a wall were several small kennels, all containing various small dogs. The only one not barking and carrying on was Kirby, he just sat there looking at me with a crooked ear, wagging his tail. He just really focused on me and every time I looked at him he would move his crooked ear and wag his tail.

How Has Your Hero Changed Your Life?

After adopting Kirby, I discovered he had severe separation anxiety and behavior issues. Kirby destroyed a metal crate, and four door frames (he was only about 13 pounds when I adopted him!). I worked with my vet in regards to all these issues and he helped me with some behavior techniques but the best advice he gave me was to get Kirby into some classes. He said we both needed confidence building in each other. So we started with a basic obedience class, which led to an advanced obedience class where Kirby got his Canine Good Citizenship. In that class we had an intro to Rally Obedience and I discovered Kirby really liked it. So we were given the name of and instructor and went to Rally Obedience classes. Kirby has now earned Rally Novice title. Our Rally class instructor was opening an agility class and asked if we wanted to try it. So we did and now we compete at trials and we have actually qualified at some! We got involved with Freestyle and even entered a compe tition. We didn’t Q but boy did we have fun! We are also doing Nosework and have our first Odor Recognition test coming up soon and if he passes we can enter our first trial in June. You might think, geesh that’s a lot going on, but each of these classes have taught Kirby and I how to rely on and trust each other. Rally first taught us how to work together, agility has taught us to trust each other, nosework has taught me to trust Kirby and his nose and freestyle has taught us how fast Kirby catches on to tricks! We have also met so many people and have made so many friends. We have received so much support from everyone. We get together with these friends and do freestyle practices and demos and agility and have a blast together. Find something your dog loves to do and do it…you never know where it may lead you…My hero led me to a life I never knew was out there, one we now enjoy together.