This site is about my angel Kirby and a particular quest I have. Kirby passed away in my arms on December 18, 2001, after a year-long battle with lymphomatic cancer. Although we had gone to chemotherapy diligently, Kirby's cancer never entirely went away; last weekend, it came on abruptly and my poor little friend had to be put to sleep, to avoid suffering. My heart broke that day and I still grieve intensely for his loss. For the past ten years, Kirby had been my best friend, my furry heating pad, my homework buddy, my escort out to start my car, my announcer of the mailman's visit, my teddy bear, my comedian, my joy. I have loved and lost other dogs before, but Kirby has always held my heart in his paw.

To help my grieving and, perhaps, to steer me to a dog choice far along in the future (when I am ready for that), I would like very much to know what kind of dog my little buddy was. My brother found Kirby running loose; we looked for his family (he had no tags) but it was apparent he'd been abused, so we scrapped any idea of finding the scum and instead we kept him. It would help me a lot to know what kind of dog Kirby was. Therefore, I will list some details about him and give you a flood of pictures, of a range of quality, to help you see him. If you can identify his breed, I beg you to email me at erikog@one.net. Thank you. --Krista

Body type/stats: Kirby weighed about 20 pounds in the year leading up to his death, when he was slightly puffed up from the steroid he was given by his vet. (He was then approx. age 12.) I don't know his height/length details for certain, but he would have been about 12 inches in length (not including tail length); he covered my lap. He stood, at the prick of his ears, about another 12-15 inches in height. Beyond his pricked ears, which he could lay back to indicate guilt or contentment at will, his other distinguishing characteristic was his tail--it could either be held behind him or arced a bit over his back, to indicate excitement, joy, etc. His tail was long and arched. Physically, other than his lymphoma, Kirby only suffered previously from chronic ear-related problems (mites, a tendency to build-up). He also had dry skin, which led him at one point to lick his little feet into having bald spots.
Personality: Kirby overflowed with personality; I've never met a dog that was this close to a human being in character. His "person" was clearly my brother; I came in a tolerable number 2 on his scale. Kirby was a lap dog--he would always want to jump in my lap if I were sitting in the living room, or curl up on my hip/side if I were to be resting on my side on the couch. He also had an amusing habit of climbing on my back if I were to flop face-down on the floor, as I did often when I had a back injury. He was happy and outgoing with people and animals, with a very definite playful streak for both. (He enjoyed playing hide-and-go seek, I'm Going To Get You, even tug-o-war, even in the last month of his life.) He loved pillows, blankets, and above all, human laps for cuddling. He was typically a quiet dog, softspoken--he'd sigh or huff pointedly to get your attention, make an "arr" yawning noise when he wished to make a comment; less typically, he'd yip pointedly to get your attention when he was hungry or when he wanted to come inside, or he'd howl outright when the other dogs barked at the mailman. Kirby was not an excessively affectionate dog like some others I have, who lick and wag their tails for you 24/7, but he showed his affection on the sly, to surprise you: he'd tap your ankle with his nose as he walked past you, or when I was resting on the floor, he'd "accidentally" sit beside me, then scooch backwards, without looking, so that our sides were in contact; not like little Mr. Tough Guy was looking to cuddle, oh, no, just pure accident. ;) Kirby was bossy and insistent when he wanted something (usually my lap when I was doing homework and had books all over the place--I always made room for him, but if I didn't do it fast enough, I might end up with a lap full of books *and* Kirby, and/or he'd literally bump them aside with his head to make room.) At the same time, he was very patient about submitting to his humans' requests--like when I dressed him up for Halloween, as you'll see below.

In short, this dog was and is my angel and I would really like to resolve once and for all the question of his breed. Please help me.
Any questions? Again, please tell me if you know anything about Kirby's breed (erikog@one.net).