Myrtle is less than a year old female red Shiba Inu. View her Facebook Album.

Myrtle is named after the Crape Myrtle tree, known for bursting into spectacular, vibrant blooms later in the summer when many other trees have already finished flowering. We thought that made it the perfect name for our own little late bloomer.

Myrtle is an allergy girl we took on from the second wave of 20 Shibas in our #60ShibasRescue breeder release. Our second-wave pups all received tree-inspired names, and Myrtle is one little rescue we hope to watch blossom into a beautiful, full, lush coat — just a little later than her companions.

Because Shiba HQ is utterly overwhelmed with the care of so many dogs right now, we haven't yet been able to start Myrtle's full allergy program. She will receive nanohydrotherapy, photobiomodulation, canine microbiome sequencing and targeted gut therapy focused on supporting the intestinal tight junctions and mucin layer before working on increasing the diversity of her microbiome.

Unfortunately, Myrtle is only 8 months old and is already struggling significantly with her skin. With such an early onset and a possible genetic predisposition, she may take longer and require much more intensive work.

Right now, we are treating a severe ear infection and trying to get in frequent baths to remove the intense yeast buildup on her skin.

We actually hadn't planned to take Myrtle until the last wave because we knew how much hands-on work her condition would require while Shiba HQ was already completely overwhelmed. But we just couldn't leave her there itching and uncomfortable when we had the ability to start helping her immediately.

Myrtle will require a tremendous amount of time and funding. Our program does not rely on traditional veterinary drugs for long-term allergy management. Instead, we focus on a nutrient-dense raw diet, environmental management, reducing internal and external toxin exposure, and supporting the microbiome and mitochondria.

Location: Continental US
Dogs: Yes
Cats: Yes
Kids: 12+
DOB: 11/20/25
Weight: 18 lbs
Intake Date: September 10, 2026

Follow Myrtle’s progress on her Facebook Album.