Kimberly ~ A Story of Resilience
Last April, experienced animal care staff in Florida were shocked when a timid, trembling and profoundly malnourished black and white dog arrived at their shelter. Confiscated during a cruelty and neglect case, Kimberly was flea-covered and struggling to stand due to muscle loss. Living for months in unsanitary conditions had led this sweet girl to suffer from infected paws, intestinal parasites, severe dermatitis and eye and ear infections.
The skilled Florida shelter caretakers wasted no time addressing their new charges’ urgent needs. Recognizing the importance of establishing an appropriate refeeding regimen, the caring team offered small amounts of food every six hours, four times daily to prevent refeeding syndrome. Despite seeming counterintuitive to limit food intake, it is crucial for the animal’s well-being. Additionally, they initiated a comprehensive treatment plan consisting of various medications to address Kimberly’s infections, skin conditions and parasites. Once her condition stabilized, this pretty young pup was transferred to Baypath for a fresh start.
Baypath’s staff and volunteers immediately admired Kimberly’s resilient, gentle nature and forgiving disposition, despite the extreme challenges she had faced in her first two years of life. She craved human affection and could often be seen canoodling on a bench with volunteers, eagerly leaning in for pets and snuggles. Even during daily medicated baths, Kimberly would happily wag her tail, earning her the endearing nickname ‘wiggly butt.’
Only five days into Kimberly’s stay, Betsy, Arthur and their dog Rocky came to the shelter for a meet with another adult dog. When the two dogs did not jive well, staff introduced Kimberly to the amazing family and they instantly fell in love! Guess it’s true what they say – some things are truly meant to be.
In just a few short months, adopter Betsy shares that Kimberly (nicknamed Kimmie) is thriving in her new home, complete with a doggie door into the large fenced yard she shares with her canine brother, Rocky. Betsy explains that there was an adjustment period following adoption where Kimmie had to learn appropriate chewing behavior as well as potty training. Through it all, her new family led with love, kindness and patience, which helped her through this learning period.
Kimmie at home with Betsy and Arthur
Kimmie’s doting family describes her as affectionate, loving, playful and trusting – as well as mischievous! Betsy caught this resourceful girl “pulling her dog bed outside through the dog door to bask in the sun.” Betsy and Arthur adore Kimmie’s spunky personality and say to meet her is to love her.
Best buddies Rocky and Kimmie sharing a dog bed
Betsy gushes about her newest addition to the family, stating, “She’s added happiness to our lives, even Rocky’s. At first, Rocky wasn’t excited about sharing his parents’ attention, his bed, his toys, or his home, but as you can see, she has won over his heart.”
As Kimberly’s story of resilience and love shows, there’s a heartwarming tale waiting to unfold for all shelter animals, in which compassionate people play a vital role.
