Kirby GH-1185

Lucky Kirby (previously a GoldHeart LTF since July 2021 – see background info below) found an amazing forever home, landing safely on March 23, 2024.  He now resides with a licensed veterinary technician and her family. Kirby has a new older Golden brother; a Newfoundland sister, also with a congenital heart condition, who is about the same age, and Kirby already adores her; and a friendly male cat. Thank you Van Cott family for welcoming Kirby into your home. No doubt his 3rd chapter will be fantastic! 

BACKROUND — Adorable Kirby, was born June 6, 2021. The  family surrendering him to GoldHeart on July 31, 2021, got him from a  breeder, and they took him to a vet shortly thereafter, and a grade 3 heart murmur was detected.  They next took Kirby to a cardiologist specialist, and sadly he was diagnosed with severe tricuspid valve dysplasia (TVD).  The cardiologist indicated it would get worse as he got bigger and the future was bleak.  Due to the unexpected expenses and emotional toll dealing with a puppy with this diagnosis, the family turned to GoldHeart, wanting the quality of his short life to be the best possible. GoldHeart welcomed him into our Long Term Foster program, landing in the experienced and loving Gilchrest home, where he would live a laid back lifestyle where his playtime and health will be closely monitored, for whatever time he has with us. 

We watched Kirby grow into a playful, fun and loving dog, enjoying life with his foster siblings, and having a team of vets that helped his foster mom ensure he had the best care.  He appeared as Mr. October 2023, in our GoldHeart Calendar. In 2022, the cardiologists extended his life expectancy from 1-3 years to up to 7 years which was a wonderful surprise! Donations helped support Kirby’s expenses, additional health challenges requiring many vet visits, and supporting medications. He was also diagnosed with Hypothyroidism, bilateral medial patellar luxations —  (In the simplest terms this condition is when the patella, or “knee capâ€, slips in and out of its natural position), and poor Kirby also suffered a right cranial cruciate ligament tear. Corrective surgery was not recommended due to his heart. Despite all his challenges, this golden boy loved his family and they loved him. Then a heartbreaking event would change Kirby’s life again, when his foster mom (the amazing Debra Gilchrest) died on March 2, 2024, after a short illness, leaving behind Kirby and his rescued foster sister, Gracie.  Happily, the family was able to keep Gracie, but due to extensive medical needs, Kirby needed a new home. Our prayers were answered and a new permanent home was found and Kirby went to his new family on March 23, 2024. No doubt his Mom Deb is still looking out for her sweet Kirby boy.