Kimba came into our family this past spring. We were looking for a companion for ourselves and for our energetic two year old Shiba. We were going to ask a couple of breeders that we knew for an adult dog, but then came across the Northeast Shiba Rescue Association, Inc. web site. It was several months before we found a match, but then Kimba, a year old Shiba, and ourselves were perfect for each other.   

      We began basic obedience training with Kimba the week after we adopted him. At first, he was very hesitant around other dogs and in unfamiliar situations. He soon learned to love daily long walks on the beach with Kuma. He loves digging in the sand and watching it fill with water! He also learned to swim!  

      He learned to enjoy being with other dogs at the local dog park where we regularly have 7-12 dogs playing together in a field under the attentive care of their owners. The owners also enjoy the social time together! It is a regular group of dogs and owners and at first Kimba was a bit overwhelmed by the number of other dogs. He had only been socialized by his foster mom while in the care of Northeast Shiba Rescue Association, Inc. He stayed close beside me at first, but soon found a couple of dogs whom he felt comfortable playing with and joined in the fun.   

      Since my husband is a priest, we spend a lot of time at church. Kuma, our other Shiba, is the official greeter for visitors and staff. Kimba with some tribulation soon joined him. It took some time for him to not run and hide in the office when too many people attempted to pet him, but he soon learned, following Kuma's example, that there was nothing to fear.   

      After basic training, Kimba, proceeded to Advanced Companion Classes. He earned his AKC Good Citizen Canine Award within four months of living with us.   

      One major hurtle for Kimba was learning that children are okay. He had either not been exposed to children or had been abused by them, since he initially would bark then run and hide behind me when children approached him. After supervised exposure to kids via our church families, he is now comfortable being near children.   

      As professional church staff, my husband and myself do alot of pastoral care visits at nursing homes, hospitals, and rehab centers. Kuma, our other Shiba, is very outgoing and loves being around people. Kimba is a more normal aloof Shiba, but being a part of our family means being with people. Kimba and Kuma both earned their therapy dog certification in the past month and can now accompany us on our pastoral visits.   

      Kimba has adopted incredibly well to his new home and social situations. In only four months he has gone from being homeless and unsure of himself to a confident, friendly ambassador for his breed!

 

Written by Wendy Wilkinson

 

 

Kuma and Kimba

 

 

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