Miss Kirbie Tieger-Brown, a Welsh terrier, was born on May 9, 2009. She died peacefully on December 14, 2023. Known as Kirbs throughout Naples and beyond, Kirbie was a force of strength, courage, kindness and amazing resilience. She was also called the Tiny Warrior.
Kirbie, who loved to watch funny cat and dog videos on the computer while sitting in her mom’s lap, was loved by so many. Although known for her independence, Kirbs always had a “kissie” for everyone she met, whether human or another species. She particularly loved babies in strollers and would always kiss their feet. She loved other dogs and had many canine friends. She was enchanted by cats but never quite understood them, except for Leo, a neighbor kitty and a feral cat named Jax, both of whom tolerated Kirbs and occasionally loved her back.
Kirbs was a rescue and a gift from God to her pet parents. Her original owner had to return her to the breeder at the vulnerable age of nine months. The owner had unanticipated personal problems and could no longer give Kirbie the time and attention she needed. Through divine intervention, her current mom and dad found her in Vero Beach and welcomed her with loving arms into their home in Old Naples.
Kirbie was a survivor. She suffered four dog attacks, several serious diseases, including lung cancer 4.5 years ago, but she always bounced back. In the end, it was a different cancer and the subsequent treatments that likely suppressed her immunity and resulted in a recurrence of her lung cancer, which she, her parents and doctors ultimately could not fight. She was 14 years and eight months old when she passed.
Kirbs and her mom wrote a monthly column in STROLL, a publication for Old Naples residents. It is called, “CAT and Kirbs’ Pet Corner,” and tells the stories of the pets of Old Naples and the people who love them. While most people never recognized Kirbie’s mom when the two were out walking, everyone knew Kirbs and called her by name.
Kirbie was an amazing fundraiser. She was a founding dog of Naples Botanical Gardens and loved to visit there. Her greatest gift was to the Immokalee Shelter for Abused Women and Children. Kirbie endowed the doggie kennel there, and when no one stepped up for the kitties, she established a Go Fund Me page for the cats and through the site and other efforts raised enough money to cover the cost of the kitty kennel too. Her page can be viewed at https://www.gofundme.com/f/cat-kennel-at-shelly-stayer-shelter-immokalee-fl, where donations can still be made for the care of pets of abused women and children. You can also hear Kirbie speak in her own words on their behalf.
Her favorite place to walk was the Garden of Hope and Courage behind the Naples Community Hospital. It was such a special place to her and always will be. Every time she visited, she also stopped by the hospital to visit the volunteers and the gift shop, where she admired the stuffed toys, but was always careful not to touch.
Kirbs is survived by her mom Carolyn (CAT) Tieger and her dad Elliott Brown whose hearts are shattered but know she has crossed the Rainbow Bridge and has been given golden wings of fur. Her parents, who have no children, are forever indebted to her for her grace, love and joyful personality.
Her parents so appreciate the many acts of loving kindness family and friends have made in memory of Kirbie. They are also exceedingly grateful to the Animal Medical Hospital of Naples; Southwest Florida Veterinary Specialists; Fetch Specialty (oncology) and Emergency Veterinary Centers, and Ruby Powell who helped extend Miss Kirbie’s life with great care and, most of all, love.
