Kirk is two!!! No joke

[Kater]

Kirk made two years old on March 25th. I was out of town on his actual birthday, but my petsitter spoiled him with a big braided steer pizzle. Yummmmm. :p

As of today it has been one year since his knee injury (partial cruciate ligament tear). I am so happy to report that he has been doing VERY well!!! I am an extremely overprotective Mommy, but I like to think it has paid off. Over the last 6 months, I have finally let him participate in some new adventures.....including his first FULL hike and even trips to the dog park.

I don't take pictures at the dog park because I am way too focused on keeping him safe.... :o one time he was "rolled" by another doggie and since then I've been quick to take him out if I have any worries about rough play. Anyway, I do have pictures of some of his other adventures to share, and I'm way overdue....so here they are!

Muddy on the hiking trail. His first full hike was a nice easy 5-mi loop in the foothills.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v84/kmillen/Kirk/Kirk%20Bday%20thread/KirksFirstHike007.jpg

The lighting is off on this one...but here I am showing off all the twigs that have accumulated on his tail....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v84/kmillen/Kirk/Kirk%20Bday%20thread/KirksFirstHike009.jpg

Here he is waiting for the hiking 'flock' to reassemble.....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v84/kmillen/Kirk/Kirk%20Bday%20thread/KirksFirstHike014.jpg

Oh look, Mommy! He's back, he's back!! *butt waggle*
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v84/kmillen/Kirk/Kirk%20Bday%20thread/KirksFirstHike015.jpg

More coming...

ETA....I have also digitized ALL of Kirk's radiographs/xrays and could make a thread explaining them if people are interested. I just wanted to gauge the interest before I go through all the work of writing up explanations of everything. Any takers?

[Kater]

He still has some bad habits that we're working on, but I promise he doesn't bite hard! His saving grace is his VERY SOFT mouth. He just likes to nibble.... :rolleyes:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v84/kmillen/Kirk/Kirk%20Bday%20thread/IMG_0003.jpg

But really, he's just a lil angel, see.... :D
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v84/kmillen/Kirk/Kirk%20Bday%20thread/IMG_0006.jpg

These next few are from a hike around a local marsh. As you can see his posing skills are lacking...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v84/kmillen/Kirk/Kirk%20Bday%20thread/KateRandomMarch202008039.jpg

But we got a few decent ones.... :)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v84/kmillen/Kirk/Kirk%20Bday%20thread/KateRandomMarch202008022.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v84/kmillen/Kirk/Kirk%20Bday%20thread/KateRandomMarch202008020.jpg

More coming...

[Kater]

And finally here are a few from today. These are the only ones that are since his birthday.

Lookin' cute....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v84/kmillen/Kirk/Kirk%20Bday%20thread/KirkPics4-1-08008.jpg

Lookin' cute....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v84/kmillen/Kirk/Kirk%20Bday%20thread/KirkPics4-1-08014.jpg

And sleeping on the job (this is our front door)....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v84/kmillen/Kirk/Kirk%20Bday%20thread/KirkPics4-1-08021.jpg

I like to think that we make a good pair. I am so thankful he's in my life. :)

[chocolatepuppy]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIRK !!! :D
You've been through so much in your young life little guy. I'm glad you're doing well. I think you two do make a very good pair. :)


ETA....I have also digitized ALL of Kirk's radiographs/xrays and could make a thread explaining them if people are interested. I just wanted to gauge the interest before I go through all the work of writing up explanations of everything. Any takers?
I would be interested. ;)

[anna_66]

Wow, I really can't believe he's already 2!

I love the pictures, you two look so happy. Your definitely made for each other:D

[lute]

OMG! I can't believe he's two!!! :eek: It seems like just a few weeks ago he was a weak little puppy. I'm glad to see him happy and healthy now!

[cloverfdx]

Happy Birthday to one of the most handsome BC boy's i 'know' :D. Gorgeous photos Kate, you and Kirkie make a lovel pair... he sure is a lucky lad the day he found you and your family.

I would be interested in seeing his Xrays as well ;).

[Taz_Zoee]

Happy Birthday Kirk!! I am so honored to share a birthday with such a remarkable doggie. :)
Those pictures are wonderful Kate. They really show his personality (I assume anyway, lol). And it's good to get to see you too. You have beautiful eyes. :)

Kate, please give my fellow birthday boy some hugs from me. :D

[pitc9]

Oh my goodness.... he's 2?!?! :eek:

I'm SO happy everything worked out for him with all that you've both been through.
I'm sure some days you watch him playing and living like a "normal" dog and breathe a HUGE sigh of relief!
As you should!

You both should be proud of those twigs that ended up in his tail after your walk! :D

This picture should be framed!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v84/kmillen/Kirk/Kirk%20Bday%20thread/IMG_0006.jpg

I'm SO happy for you both!
He's such a special little boy!
Wishing Kirk MANY MANY more happy and most importantly HEALTHY birthday!!

I would be interested in seeing the x-rays too!
The picture of him nibbling on your nose is too cute!

[cassiesmom]

Happy Second Birthday, Kirk! You're so handsome!

[Ginger's Mom]

Happy Birthday Kirk!!! What a wonderful thing to celebrate. You and Kirk definitely make a great pair. Not many people would have had the love and patience to get Kirk so successfully to his second birthday. I really do feel like celebrating. :D

[RobiLee]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KIRK!

I love seeing all those pics of you. It has been awhile since I have seen you. Glad that you had a wonderful birthday.

[Kater]

OK, I'll get working on that xray thread then. :)
Thanks for all the birthday wishes and kind words! Kirkie appreciates them. :D

[K9karen]

You both are gorgeous! Happy belated birthday Kirkie! You deserve everything special and wonderful in your life!

[shais_mom]

ohhhhh boy! 2?!
wow!!!
and a 5 mile hike holy crap!!!
B/n my foot and Keegan's hips we peter out before 1 mile walk on a track!!!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this picture!!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v84/kmillen/Kirk/Kirk%20Bday%20thread/IMG_0006.jpg

[lizbud]

Oh my gosh, is that Kirkie face cute,or what. :D I love his poses. :)

Hap, Hap, Happy Birthday sweet boy. I think you & your momma are a
perfect pair.

[wolf_Q]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIRK! Wow, I can't believe he is two already! I'm so glad he's doing better...way to go on the 5 mile hike! May I ask who the guy was Kirk was waiting for? ;) This has to be one of the cutest photos I have ever seen, I hope you have it framed! http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v84/kmillen/Kirk/Kirk%20Bday%20thread/IMG_0006.jpg My friend's aussie/border collie mix has a tendency to nibble noses when he's excited too, I wonder if that is a border collie thing?

[Kater]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIRK! Wow, I can't believe he is two already! I'm so glad he's doing better...way to go on the 5 mile hike! May I ask who the guy was Kirk was waiting for? ;) This has to be one of the cutest photos I have ever seen, I hope you have it framed! http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v84/kmillen/Kirk/Kirk%20Bday%20thread/IMG_0006.jpg My friend's aussie/border collie mix has a tendency to nibble noses when he's excited too, I wonder if that is a border collie thing?
Haha, just my cousin. Nice try, Amy! ;)
Kirk likes nibbling noses and ears....maybe it is a border collie thing? Weirdos!
I haven't printed or framed that picture of the two of us, but you guys have got me convinced that I should! :D The same cousin in the picture is the one who took the photo of Kirk and me.

[cloverfdx]

Yep you should definitely get it framed, the look on Kirkie's face is pricless :D.

And your Cousin did a great job with the photos.

[ramanth]

WOWEEE!! Happy birthday Kirk! I'm so happy to hear that you are doing so well. It's great seeing you out and about after all you've been through.

You two make a super cute pair. *HUGS*

[bckrazy]

HAPPY B~DAY, KIRK! ; D

You have grown up to be just the cutest Border Collie boy (besides Gonzo, of course) EVAR! You look so happy, and you deserve to be happy.

I was so excited to see this thread, Kater. We do not see enough of your hunky boy!!!1! I love that picture of you two, that everyone else re-posted. It's priceless. Kirk has the sweetest face, and you look gorgeous. I would love to see how his hips are doing.

[Rachel]

I haven't printed or framed that picture of the two of us, but you guys have got me convinced that I should! .


Well, it's about time. That picture is priceless. While you are at it get some prints of a few of the others too. You'll regret it later if you don't and you can't have too many pictures of your beautiful dog or yourself young.

[Tollers-n-Dobes]

I thought I'd replied to this already, but it doesn't look like I did, so....

Happy Birthday, Kirk!!!


I can't believe he's 2 already! You two have been through so much together, and I'm so glad to hear how well he's doing. And I agree with everyone else, that picture of the both of you is very nice. :)

[MoonandBean]

This picture should be framed!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v84/kmillen/Kirk/Kirk%20Bday%20thread/IMG_0006.jpg

I totally agree! Great Picture!!!!!!!!!!

[MoonandBean]

For some reason, I was thinking of beautiful Kirk and his beautiful mom and I was wondering how they are? I found this thread with the GREAT pics and figured I'd bump it up and ask....How are Y'all doing?

[boomersooner]

I've never met you before, Kirk, but you are certainly a beautiful dog. My cockapoo I had when I was a teenager had the same knee injury you did, so I know what a pain it is to get over that!! I hope your are fully recovered so you can run, and play, and hike all you want....I love your pictures, and I hope your human posts some more pictures of you, handsome guy!!

[Kater]

For some reason, I was thinking of beautiful Kirk and his beautiful mom and I was wondering how they are? I found this thread with the GREAT pics and figured I'd bump it up and ask....How are Y'all doing?

Hey, thanks for thinking of us! :)

Well I haven't been around much because I've been on vacation and in the middle of moving across an ocean! I'm in Northern Colorado now and I absolutely love it! :D My Mom is here with me and we're taking in all the sights. We're living out of a hotel for now because the lease on my new place doesn't start until August 1st. Later this month Amy (wolf_q) and I have some great Utah adventures planned! I am really looking forward to it. I'm sure we'll have plenty of pictures to share!

The hardest part of this trip will be saying goodbye to my Mom (we have 4 more days together) and being separated from Kirkie for 2 months! Kirk'ums has a great petsitter and a canine companion, but he's been a bit listless and isn't eating well. I'm not sure exactly what is going on with him, but there's not much I can do from here. I hope he perks up when my Mom gets back next week. Maybe send him some 'feel better' vibes if you are so inclined....he's already a skinny mini as it is! I hope he won't lose too much weight. BTW Kirk will join me here in Colorado in early September and I'm practically counting down the days!

Enough yabbering....here are some pictures of Kirk from my last few weeks in Hawaii!

Ready for fetch and frisbee!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v84/kmillen/Kirk/Kirk6-08-08/Kirk6-08-08009.jpg

What dirty tongue?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v84/kmillen/Kirk/Kirk6-08-08/Kirk6-08-08031.jpg

Gettin' low...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v84/kmillen/Kirk/Kirk6-08-08/Kirk6-08-08040.jpg

If he can pull this pose...his hips can't be bothering him THAT much! :D
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v84/kmillen/Kirk/Kirk6-08-08/Kirk6-08-08055.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v84/kmillen/Kirk%206-15-08/Kirk6-15-08028.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v84/kmillen/Kirk%206-15-08/Kirk6-15-08026.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v84/kmillen/Kirk%206-15-08/Kirk6-15-08027.jpg

More to come...

[Kater]

More...

How's this for red dirt??
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v84/kmillen/Kirk%206-15-08/Kirk6-15-08064.jpg

The shower trees were full of blooms.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v84/kmillen/Kirk%206-15-08/Kirk6-15-08046.jpg

This is what the blossoms look like up close...and they smell divine!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v84/kmillen/Kirk%206-15-08/Kirk6-15-08048.jpg

A bit tired...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v84/kmillen/Kirk%206-15-08/Kirk6-15-08041.jpg

....but pick up a tennis ball and he snaps back into action!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v84/kmillen/Kirk%206-15-08/Kirk6-15-08021.jpg

I finally got him a harness/seatbelt for riding in the car...he was not all that impressed.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v84/kmillen/Kirk%206-15-08/minicoop3.jpg

In fact he just wanted to go back into the hatchback trunk area...haha, this one cracks me up!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v84/kmillen/Kirk%206-15-08/minicoop2.jpg

Finally he has gotten used to it even though he thinks the A/C blowing on him is evil.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v84/kmillen/Kirk%206-15-08/minicoop1.jpg

Thanks again for checking in on us!

P.S. I haven’t forgotten about the xray thread…and I promise I’ll get it posted before I start vet school. :o
Can you believe that I start in just 35 days????!?!?

[shais_mom]

aww poor Kirkie he's gonna miss his momma!!
have a good move and good luck - keep in touch! :D

[4 Dog Mother]

Wow, Kirk is two! Sorry I didn't see this post earlier. Happy Belated Birthday Kirk! I am with all the others. You definitely need to get that picture framed!!! (My Snoopy had to be put down when he was just 5 and as I was looking through old pictures, I found I had very few of just him and me when he was younger or when he was older - other than ones of him laying on top of me when watching tv or reading).

The rest of the pictures are great! Kirk is definitely a cutie. Keep us informed as to how school is going and especially how Kirk is doing!

[cassiesmom]

Dear Kirk,

MMWAH! You are so handsome!


Your fan,
Elyse

[pitc9]

Thanks for the update!
I am so happy all is still well with him!

Wishing you the best of luck!!