Grand Junction, Colorado – A one-year-old Australian cattle dog named Kirby sits quietly in her kennel at Mesa County Animal Services, watching the world with cautious brown eyes. Staff say she is smart, gentle, and just needs the right person to show her that life outside the shelter can be wonderful.

Kirby has already learned sit, shake, and lay down, and shelter workers believe she could excel at almost anything with a patient owner.

A Diamond in the Rough Waiting to Shine

Kevin Bozarth, a longtime employee at the shelter, knows Kirby better than most.

“She starts off shy,” Bozarth told reporters this week. “But once she trusts you, she’s all in. She just needs someone willing to take it slow and prove the world isn’t scary.”

That slow-burn personality is common in cattle dogs pulled from tough situations. Kirby arrived as a stray, thin and unsure. Now, after weeks of care, she greets familiar staff with a soft tail wag and a hopeful lean against the kennel door.

Perfect for an Active Colorado Lifestyle

Australian cattle dogs, often called heelers, were bred to work all day on ranches. Kirby is no exception.

She is compact, muscular, and built for adventure. Staff say she lights up on walks and would thrive with hiking, running, or even learning agility or herding games.

“She’s the kind of dog who will go anywhere you go,” Bozarth said. “If you’re out on trails every weekend, Kirby wants to be right there with you.”

Good News for Multi-Pet Homes

Kirby passed the shelter’s dog-to-dog test with flying colors. She showed zero aggression toward other dogs during structured meet-and-greets.

Cat compatibility looks promising too. When walked past the shelter’s cat room, Kirby remained calm and curious rather than reactive.

Staff still recommend a proper introduction for any home with existing pets, but early signs are encouraging.

Here’s what potential adopters should know:

• Kirby knows basic commands and is highly food-motivated
• She walks nicely on leash once she feels secure
• She would do best in a calm, adult-only or older-kids home at first
• Daily exercise and mental games are non-negotiable for her happiness

Ready to Meet Kirby?

Mesa County Animal Services is located at 971 Coffman Road, Unit A in Whitewater, just minutes from Grand Junction.

The shelter is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. No appointment is needed to visit Kirby and the other adoptable animals.

Her adoption fee is $150 and includes spay, vaccinations, microchip, and a free vet exam.

Every day Kirby spends in the kennel is a day she isn’t curled up on someone’s couch or chasing balls in a backyard. Staff hope her story reaches the right person, someone who sees past the initial shyness and recognizes the loyal, brilliant companion underneath.

If you’ve been thinking about adding a four-legged adventure buddy to your life, Kirby might just be the one.

Come meet her. She’s waiting to show you how big her heart really is.