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Today is the second anniversary of Kirby's demise.  While memories of him aren't constantly on my mind any longer, it still stings.  Miss you Kirby.

Another Silly holiday season has come and gone.  You know, you'd think time would heal quicker than it does.  But, it still seems like just yesterday Kirby was here.  Guess it's the punishment I get for having such a good memory.  Here I sit with a sore calf that I have to keep elevated and try and stay off of, so I've got nothing but time to sit and think.  It's not helping any.  I've never been a fan of the holidays.  Too many people morph into what they think are nice considerate human beings.. only to change back again once the silly season is over.  Now I like the holidays even less.  With Kirby, you always knew exactly where you stood.  

Happy 14th Birthday Kirby.. Wish I was there to celebrate it.

It was one year ago today that Kirby was "put to sleep". A term I hate. It feels like it was just yesterday.  This past year wasn't easy.  This coming year doesn't feel like its going to be any easier.  Maybe it will be. People keep asking if I'll get another dog.  No.  Too soon.  I don't want to go through that again yet.  Goognight Kirby.  Wish I was there.

Christmas just isn't the same without you Kirby.  It pretty much sucks.

I wonder if I'll ever stop feeling sad and missing Kirby.  When he was here, I was never really alone.

"The dog is a gentleman; I hope to go to his heaven, not man's."  -Mark Twain

As I sit here later in the evening, I am reminded of how much I miss Kirby's company at times like these.  After he became immobile, he would lay on the couch or on his mat on the floor and snooze.  I really miss listening to his rhythmic, heavy breathing while he slept.....he just seemed so peaceful.  A lot of times I would have to wake him up before carrying him upstairs to go to bed.  He would be sleeping so soundly that he didn't wake until I touched his head.  Near the end of Kirby's life, I always wondered about how comfortable he really was in his condition....I think he was truly comfortable when he was sleeping...I sure hope wherever he is now he sleeps just as peacefully.  Rest well old man....

Today is Kirby's Birthday.  He'd be 13 today.  We never really celebrated his birthday in the past.  I'm kind of wishing we had.  I guess we should always do what we can, when we can, before it's too late.  Happy Birthday Kirby.  

It's been 2 months since Kirby has been gone.  I might be getting used to him not being here, but it doesn't feel any easier or less sad.  I still catch myself thinking he's here when I'm first waking up, or tired.  I'll think.. "oh, I've got to see if he wants to go out.. "  and well, I'm sure those of you who have dealt with this kind of thing know what I'm talking about.

I did think of a couple of things that made me laugh a little to remember.  Kirby used to wrestle with Corky, a friend of his since he was a pup.  They use to wrestle and chase each other till they were exhausted.  Then they'd sleep a little.  Kelley found a couple of pics of them wrestling.

I also remember when I used to feed the squirrels nuts.  I'd have a big bowl of nuts and Kirby would see me feeding the squirrels.  Of course, he decided he wanted some of what they were having.  I gave him a few and was impressed when he cracked the nuts open and ate the inside meat and left the shells.  I thought for sure I'd have to take them away from him if he tried to eat the shells.  I don't know if he watched the squirrels opening the nuts and eating the insides.. or if it was just some doggie instinct to not eat the shells.  I'm leaning towards him learning by watching the squirrels and I eat the nuts.  He was always a very observant dog.  He'd study things.. stare at them.. learn about them before acting.  At least.. that's what I think he was doing.  He always seemed to have the approach that it's best not to go wading in until you figure out exactly what you're facing.  He took a long time to warm up to people too.. very cautious.  

 "You think dogs will not be in heaven? I tell you, they will be there long before any of us"  -Robert Louis Stevenson

A few of Kirby's "rules" as I remember them....

Never eat your food until you're sure that nobody else in your pack has anything tastier than what you've been given.  If somebody does have a tastier dish, then by all means be sure to get some of it before eating your food.

The "roll over" command is pure nonsense and should never even be considered without growling or vocalizing some sort of disapproval.  Then, just to get the last word in, never roll over all the way--this really emphasizes your displeasure with such a silly trick!

Insist on going for a walk everyday.  If it's past time to go, be sure to stare daggers until some motion occurs.  If the daggers alone don't work, throw in some incessant barking.  That will get things moving!

If you have a doggie door, here's a neat trick.  You don't have to go all the way through the door to see what's going on.  Just stick your head through the door and have a good look and/or sniff to see what's going on in the house or outside, depending on which way you're facing.
Kirby always liked to do this when it was freezing cold outside and let a nice blast of cold air in the house.