When Ashlyn Dibiase moved into her first apartment alone, she was excited for her independence but also felt some loneliness. She longed for companionship and decided that adopting a dog might be the perfect next step.
While browsing the Wake County Animal Center’s website, Ashlyn came across Kino and something about him immediately stood out. She had been going back and forth between adopting a cat or a dog, but the moment she saw Kino’s face, she knew this was her dog.
Kino wasn’t just any dog at the shelter; he was the longest resident, having spent a heartbreaking 232 days waiting for a family to call his own. His unique coat color caught Ashlyn’s attention, but it was his quiet, gentle demeanor and his condition that moved her the most.
Their bond didn’t happen overnight. Ashlyn took the time to be present with Kino, learning his habits, his whines and the sparkle in his eyes before a burst of zoomies.
“I mean, I was expecting some sort of challenges, but he’s been a great companion ever since he walked through my door. One challenge would be now I have to share my blanket with him, he claws at it to get under and is always right next to me,” Ashlyn said.
Despite the long stay at the shelter, Kino transitioned to home life with only a few bumps. He didn’t like being crated while Ashlyn worked, preferring instead to stretch out in cozy corners and watch the world from her balcony.
Ashlyn decided to keep his name. “I’ve never met another animal named Kino, so I really liked it,” she said.
Ashlyn encourages others to consider adoption, especially from the Wake County Animal Center. “I saw how much they cared for and knew their animals. When I decided on adopting Kino, I was very moved by their love for him and how excited they were when they saw I was taking him home.” Though staff initially asked her to come back the next day, Kino was ready to leave that same day and Ashlyn made it happen.
When adopting a pet, Ashlyn recommends taking it easy on the animals. “New environment, new smells and sounds, everything is new to them. Give them time to get used to everything,” she said.
Now, just a few months after adoption, Kino is like a whole new dog. He plays more, smiles more, barks a little too much and walks around the apartment like he owns it.
What’s surprised her most isn’t his behavior, but his loyalty. “I’ve had dogs all my life, so I’m used to everything he would throw at me. I am surprised by how much he loves me,” she said.
Her favorite part of life with Kino? “Just having him,” she said. “I got him during a dark time, and he’s helped me in ways I didn’t expect. I love him so much and I’m so glad he’s finally home for good.”
