Adopt

Hi, Kirby here. I heard them talking about me the day I was rescued. “Big goofy puppy,” they said. “Somebody has to save him.” I didn’t really understand what that meant at the time. I just knew I was stuck in a loud shelter, watching people walk by while I pressed myself against the kennel door hoping somebody would stop. I wagged my tail so hard my whole body moved. I barked. I tossed my toy. I tried my best to say, Hey! I’m right here. Pick me.

Then my rescuer Val from LSC looked right at me while I bounced around like a complete maniac, and instead of walking away, she laughed. That laugh changed my life. Now I’m safe, neutered, microchipped, fully vaccinated, and officially searching for my forever home. But before you apply, there are a few things you should know about me.

First of all… I can be a lot. I’m a handsome white Labrador Retriever, maybe a mix, but honestly? I doubt it. I’ve got the Labrador appetite, Labrador enthusiasm, Labrador energy, and definitely the Labrador inability to understand personal space. I am absolutely convinced I’m a lap dog. You might be sitting peacefully on the couch drinking coffee one minute, and the next thing you know, I’ve launched my entire body into your lap like I weigh seven pounds instead of fifty. You’ve been warned.

Do I love belly rubs?  Of course! I also love chew toys, sticks, balls, stuffies, tiny toys, giant toys, and sometimes throwing toys across the room just to watch them fly. Entertainment is important. I’m crate trained and potty trained — mastered both, thank you very much. I sleep in my crate at night and for naps because apparently “Kirby needs downtime” is something humans say a lot.

Now let’s discuss my voice— I can be vocal. I bark when I’m excited, when I want to play, when I’m ready to get up from a nap, or when I think it’s time for food. I like being part of whatever is going on! The good news is, I’m learning better manners every day and getting better at settling when asked.

I’m also what humans call “mouthy.” That sounds scary, but let me explain. I’m still a big puppy, and I use my mouth the way little kids use their hands. Sometimes I grab your sleeve because I want you to stop walking away. Sometimes I gently mouth your arm because I want to play. Sometimes I try to guide you somewhere important… like my food bowl. I’m learning better manners every day, but my people need to understand that I’m not trying to hurt anyone. I’m just a giant puppy still figuring life out.

Because I’m young, big, smart, and bursting with energy, I’m also working with a trainer to help channel all of this puppy enthusiasm into good choices. My trainer is offering lifelong training — not because I’m bad, but because dogs like me are happiest when our brains stay busy and we know what’s expected of us. Apparently “training” comes included in the Kirby package.

Speaking of figuring things out — I’m working hard on leash training, and I’m making really good progress. I’m smart. I just get excited about literally everything.

Dogs? Usually yes. I like them. But because I’m big, loud, and sometimes clueless about my own size, I can accidentally intimidate smaller dogs. Cats? No idea. Tiny mysterious creatures. Teenagers are probably best for me when it comes to kids, because younger children could get knocked over during one of my famous zoomie explosions. And trust me… when the zoomies happen, you do not stand in the way.

Oh. Also. Water.  I love water in all forms. Ice cubes? Incredible. Water bowl? Amazing. You pouring water into the bowl? Best show I’ve ever seen. Hose? Spectacular. Watering plants? I’m helping now. I even blow bubbles in my water bowl because apparently that’s funny.

The humans say I come with “required equipment”:  Slow feeder. Snuffle mat. Snuffle ball. Lick mat. Chew toys Benebone preferred. Kongs.  Personally, I think this makes me sound very sophisticated.

The truth is, I’m not for everyone. I’m loud, busy, emotional, goofy, dramatic, affectionate, exhausting, hilarious, and full of personality. Some people will see too much dog.  But somewhere out there is my person. Someone who understands that puppies aren’t perfect. Someone who laughs when I blow bubbles in my water bowl. Someone who doesn’t mind sharing the couch with a giant white Labrador who thinks personal space is a myth. Someone willing to guide me while I grow into the amazing dog I know I can become.

If that sounds like you, complete an application and maybe you can meet me.  I’m ready for my forever home. But the real question is… can you handle me?