Bethesda, MD - Thai Ridgeback/Hound (Unknown Type). Meet Kirby a Pet for Adoption

My basic info

Breed

Thai Ridgeback/Hound (Unknown Type)

Color

Black

Age

Young

Size

Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg) (when grown)

Weight

–

Sex

Male

Pet ID

–

My details

Good with cats

Shots current

Spayed / Neutered

Housetrained

Microchipped

My story

Here's what the humans have to say about me:

Meet Kirby, a beautiful boy rescued from the streets of Thailand, by Soi Dog Foundation.

Kirby is a Thai Ridgeback cross (see the unique little ridge along his back) with soulful brown eyes that have seen a lot in their 4 1/2 years.
Kirby is in foster care in Ontario, and needs a forever home of his own.

Having never lived in a home before, it did not take Kirby long to adjust to the comforts of an indoor life. His favourite spots in the house are the front window where he keeps watch of the neighbourhood and the living room couch where he likes to snooze with his head on a pillow. With the warm weather, he also likes to lie on the deck and catch some rays. Kirby has never had an accident in the house, nor has he destroyed anything in the home. He does not yet understand how to play with a ball, but he sure does love his squeaky toys. Kirby is very quiet in the house, aside from occasionally barking when someone comes to the door. Kirby shares a home with three cats and has always been respectful of their space. Due to his gentle nature, the cats are at ease around him.

Kirby needs a quieter home, and would be best suited for a couple or single person without children in the home. Previous dog experience is also recommended so Kirby can receive consistent and ongoing guidance. He can be shy when he first meets new people, but warms up with time. He’s extremely lovable once he gets to know you, giving you lots of kisses and wanting belly rubs. He is a minimal shedder, and has no smell, due to his breed. He’s adjusting to everything new in his world and needs an adopter who will give him their patience and support. People tend to want to pet Kirby right away, but Kirby needs his space to sniff and establish trust before he is comfortable with that. He bonded very quickly with his foster mom and has proved capable of being a loving and loyal companion dog.

Kirby continues to make progress and gain confidence in the outside world. Initially Kirby was apprehensive on his walks with all new sights and sounds, but has made progress in this area.
He has attended doggy school for a month which increased his overall confidence outdoors. He is very food motivated, which has helped in his training. He now walks well on a leash and moreover enjoys his walks. He loves going for hikes in the woods and is excellent at navigating the trails. Kirby has also learned sit, stay, down and shake paw, and is working on leave it. Kirby is always excited to go for a car ride and will lie patiently in the back seat until you reach your destination.

Kirby can be timid around other dogs, so his new family will need to continue to help build his confidence in this area. On his walks, Kirby is not interested in meeting other dogs, but he is better at ignoring them and continuing his walks. As he did get along with dogs in his shelter run, we believe that with positive introductions and a little patience, he can learn to enjoy the company of another dog.

Kirby tends to bond strongly to one person but will let other people into his life. He’ll often remain a little shy until he is completely confident, and likes to be given his space until he’s ready to come for attention. He tends to have a harder time bonding with men and is apprehensive around small children because they frighten him which can make him nervous.

Kirby will make a wonderful companion & family member to someone who will see his potential and give him their love and support.

Here is what Kirby had to say about his life at the Soi Dog shelter:

I was living on the streets with lots of other dogs but some people got fed up of us hanging around. Soi Dog came to our rescue as our futures looked uncertain.
I am a healthy dog and did not come to the shelter with any medical problems; rather I just came for my own safety. I live in a nice open air run with other dogs and I am a favourite among the volunteers here.

I can be a little nervous when I first meet you but I soon find my courage. Once I become friends with the volunteers I love to go for walks and sometimes just sit and look out over the pond here. I have heard the volunteers describe me as ‘alert,’ ‘elegant’ and ‘beautiful!’ Fancy that! Praise indeed for a street dog like me who thought I would never amount to anything!
I have made my life here sound rather romantic haven’t I with casual strolls and scenic grounds, but let's face it, a shelter is no place for a dog to live long term. Ultimately I feel unwanted and left out and all I want is a home of my own.