We would like to introduce you to our new family member – Kirra the Trail Dog.
Formerly known as ‘Honeybun’ to those at the shelter that rescued her in Tennessee, Kirra became a Canadian citizen in Niagara Falls, Ontario on February 26th, 2017.
We found her on Petfinder.com and contacted the organization, Niagara Dog Rescue, that was rescuing her from a high-kill shelter in the states. This was the first time we had used the internet. When we were looking to adopt 14 years ago we had to drive around to local shelters and pounds to look at each dog. This process was definitely easier, in some ways, but completely different in other ways.
This was her ‘bio’ on Petfinder:
Honeybun, at your service! Honeybun is just too proud to be homeless.
She is an approximately 2 year old Red Heeler/Shepherd mix.
She is a little timid at first but warms up to you quickly. She just needs a little reassurance of the situation.
She likes to play with other dogs, but does have the nipping instinct of a cattle dog.
She loves to run will need a job or activity to keep her busy such as long walks or hikes.She is super sweet and loves to get treats.
If your family loves going on adventures, like hiking, and wants a best friend to join in on the fun, you might be the right pick for sweet Honeybun.
It was the eyes that sealed the deal for us.
One thing we learned about rescue organizations is that every potential adoptee must fill out a fairly long application and supply 2-3 references, plus your vet. We submitted our online application and waited to hear whether we would be interviewed to see a dog. We had no idea that she wasn’t in Canada yet or that we would be picking her up in less than a week in a ‘foster to adopt’ situation. What a whirl wind experience!
The entire team from Niagara Dog Rescue was amazing. From the interview, to answering questions, obtaining more information, to coordinating volunteers to transport the dogs from foster care and finally the updates while your pet is in transit – they were in constant contact with us and made us feel like a part of the whole process.
We cannot thank everyone involved more for all they do to rescue dogs in need and find them loving homes.
The transportation team for Niagara Dog Rescue informed us that ‘Honeybun’ would be arriving a bit later than expected and that we should be at the meeting point for about 7 pm, Sunday evening. Instead of anxiously waiting at home, we left after lunch to make sure we were there on time and to make a few stops on the way.
Leaving Petrolia to pick up our our next adventure dog.
First stop – a little break at a 401 service centre.
Once we were closer to Niagara Falls we made a few stops to ‘kill time’ and be productive. A quick tour of Ikea and then dinner helped us calm the nerves of picking up a dog without ever seeing her. The process is necessary, but a bit stressful. We did receive information ahead of time by her foster mom in Tennessee, which helped us to visualize what to expect. The organization was great at planning and keeping us in the loop.
Waiting at the ‘meeting spot’ to pick up Kirra.
We got the text that ‘Honeybun’ was at the border and then we received one that told us she was now a Canadian citizen and that we would see her soon.
Longing to see her playmate – Moby.
Kirra had been fostered with another dog, Moby (formerly known as Nutty Bar), whom she grew quite attached to. He was also being adopted to a family in Canada, so they were lucky enough to make the two day trip together. She whined for him for a short time after they were separated and while we drove away. It was very sad to have to see them part after such an experience and journey together.
Kirra (which is an aboriginal word for leaf or ‘to live’)is a 2 year old Australian Stumpy-Tail Cattle Dog with the red Merle colouring and a Bentley mark on her forehead. She is descended from English herding dogs, Scottish Smooth Collies and the Australian dingo. These dogs are born and breed with their stumpy tail and their pricked (upright) ear characteristics.
We arrived home at about 10 pm and we were all exhausted. Kirra hadn’t eaten her dinner yet and we were advised to wait until she arrived home. The foster mom had sent the food she had been eating in order to help with the transition to whichever food we decided to put her one.
She wasn’t sure what to think about us or the situation and considering the circumstances, who could blame her. 
We each hand feed her some of her food and gave her some positive attention. Then it was time to catch some zzz’s.
She curled up on the dog bed beside ours and slept through the night.
