 Northeast Shiba Rescue Adoption Success Stories: Keiko |
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 My story begins when I was searching for a companion for my springer mix, named Shemp. I was looking through the different dog sites, I really wanted a dog, different from any breed I ever had. One day, at one of the sites, I came upon a picture of a Shiba Inu. I knew right then and there that was the dog I was looking for. I did some research into the breed, for about three months to be exact. There were two breeders in NY I thought I would try to do business with, to get a Shiba puppy. It was also in the back of my mind that if all else failed; I would go to the local shelter and perhaps get a little older dog that might not otherwise have had a chance. As I was sitting at my computer one afternoon, thinking what to write to these breeders, I came upon a link, Visit Shiba Rescue. At that time, I never knew such a thing existed, but the further on I read, the more I knew, this is what I wanted to do. I could get the breed dog I wanted and give an older dog the second chance they deserved. I contacted by email, Valerie Whiteley, who is a breeder of Shibas and who is involved with the rescue of this breed. At the time, she said she had no dogs available and if I wasn't in a hurry she was sure one would come in. I had originally inquired into a red female as Shemp was a male and I thought the transition might be easier, but really, I wanted a red male. About three weeks later Valerie emailed and said she had a red male that came into rescue, about 1‡ years old. He was found wandering the streets of Brooklyn and was taken to the shelter there. Valerie said it seemed he suffered some sort of trauma to his hindquarters, but showed no ill effects other than to have a hoppy little walk. She asked me if I would be interested in adopting Keiko and I said I would be. She sent me a picture via email of him and I knew right there, he was going to be mine. I didn't care if he only had three legs to stand on, this all felt so right to do! The only thing left was to drive the 240 miles to Valerie's and pick him up. When she came out to greet us, Keiko was right there with her! He immediately came right up to me and jumped up at my hand and did a little circle in the air, almost like he knew he had found the right owner to adopt as his own! When we arrived back home, I was so happy to see that Keiko and Shemp would get along. They both had the same laid-back personalities! I was so proud to see Keiko running around my back yard with Shemp, I had never seen a dog that could run that fast or be so happy! Keiko had found his forever home. I always think that things happen for a reason, that the reason I found Keiko when I did was to make Shemp's last days happy ones. Sadly three weeks after I got Keiko, Shemp took ill and went on to Rainbow Bridge.  Several weeks passed and I finally emailed Valerie and told her what happened to Shemp. I mentioned to her that I would like another shiba, preferably a female this time and to let me know if one came into rescue. Three months later, one finally did, a red female named Penny. She was 1 year old living in the same house as a 9-year-old female pug. Neither dog was spayed by the previous owners and the two dogs were not getting along. In a desperate attempt to have Penny and the pug co-exist, the owners decided to have Penny spayed. However, the damage had been done and the two still didn't get along and they decided to place Penny into rescue. Valerie notified me when she finally received her. She said Penny was still sore from her operation, confused, and scared from her ordeal. She said she would like to keep Penny for several weeks in order for her to heal and to also work with Penny in conjunction with her other Shibas. I told Valerie to please take as much time as she needed. About two weeks later, Valerie emailed and said Penny had calmed down and was actually getting along with her other dogs. She said to come down and have a look and I could make my decision. I made the drive along with Keiko to pick her up. The two Shibas seemed to size each other up and looked like they were able to get along and under Valerie's watchful eye; she thought the two dogs would be all right together. They were complete opposites in personalities, Keiko being quiet and laid back and Penny being more vocal and outgoing. Valerie thought they would compliment and learn to co-exist from each other.  When we arrived home with Penny, there was some initial aggressive behavior shown towards Keiko, but this was to be expected. Through crate training, time and patience, in about 6 weeks time she over came this aggression. True to Valerie's prediction, both Shibas learned and helped each other, and the two have since become inseparable! They are now the best of buddies!! I would like to advise anyone who is looking into adopting a dog to check into a rescue organization. There are many fine people who foster and work with these dogs to make sure they are well attended to before being placed in their new forever homes. Also, it would be advisable for anyone adopting a dog, no matter the breed, to do the proper research, not only into the history of the breed, but also as to any potential medical concerns. With proper research and handling, adopting a rescue can be a very rewarding experience. I would also like to say Thank You to Valerie Whiteley for having enough faith to place two rescues in my care. It is so rewarding to see these dogs adapt to their new home. Not a day goes by that I realize just how lucky I am and how happy my two dogs are. Finally, Thank You to Laura Paquette and Northeast Shiba Rescue for providing such a fantastic site, to inform a potential dog owner of the benefits of adopting a rescue dog. Written by Bob Ciaburri |
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Unless otherwise indicated, all text and images were created by Laura Paquette.
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