To my beloved Simba, on his birthday...

[Kfamr]

Years ago I remember just dying to get a dog. When I was 10 I got the dog of a lifetime and this Christmas we celebrate his 8th birthday. I'm sure the older members have heard his story over and over but for those that haven't.....

He was 8 months old and lived in the SPCA for 4 months. While they are not too high of a kill shelter, surely he would have been put to rest if we hadn't taken him. He was the only dog laying down, calm and relaxed, while others jumped around and barked their heads off.

He came home with us. He bit my mom twice. I sat and cried with him thinking just as I got my dream, we would have to get rid of him. He stuck with us and I couldn't ask for anything better than him. It took months for him to get used to my mom and my mom to get used to him.

A few years ago we thought we were going to lose him. My mom had come home from work and let him out of his cage, this was before we had the girls. He wouldn't get out of his cage and he just collapsed when he tried. All day he would drink a whole bowl of water, then throw it back up. He was breathing heavily, like panting, but with his mouth shut. He let out a deep breath, pooped himself..... and we thought we lost him. We didn't and we kept in contact with the vets all day. He was looking a little better and then he broke out in hives, huge hives, all over and was itching insanely. We rushed him to the emergency vets.... and a sum of money later, he was fine. That had to be one of the biggest scares of my life.


Simba has come such a long way since we first got him. He makes me so, so proud. Of course, I am in tears while I type this. He means the world and more to me. Years ago he would never allow anyone to step a foot in our house - human or canine. Now he has two wonderful sisters and enjoys company. He's let so many canine visitors into his territory and I think the bond and trust we have in eachother is one of the reasons. If he knows i'm okay with the dog then he is usually fine.

He's laying the in hallway of my bedroom door, watching me, as I type this. I know I say it all the time, and I know many of you understand and are aware of it.... but, words cannot express. Love is a huge understatement when it comes to how I feel about my boy.

He is aging and has been aging and I can totally see it. While it makes me sad I prefer not to dwell on it and prefer to cherish the moments we have instead. He has given me years of compassion, enjoyment, companionship, love, and all of the above. He is the sweetest most handsome boy I know.

Happy Birthday my boy, I am looking forward to many more with you.

I wanted to share some older photos - many of you have seen them over and over, but they are some of my favorites.

One of my first photos with my first digital camera...
http://petevents.com/~simba/SimbaBirthdayPost2005/1.jpg
My poker buddy...
http://petevents.com/~simba/SimbaBirthdayPost2005/2.jpg
One of the most "famous" Simba pictures...
http://petevents.com/~simba/SimbaBirthdayPost2005/3.jpg
Granny Sim...
http://petevents.com/~simba/SimbaBirthdayPost2005/4.jpg
Very first trip to the dog beach...
http://petevents.com/~simba/SimbaBirthdayPost2005/5.jpg
My sweet...
http://petevents.com/~simba/SimbaBirthdayPost2005/6.jpg
Valentine.
http://petevents.com/~simba/SimbaBirthdayPost2005/7.jpg
The oldest photo I have of Simba, he was 8 months old here...
http://petevents.com/~simba/SimbaBirthdayPost2005/8.jpg
He used to love sitting outside with us in the front yard. He still does but, we don't do it often anymore. Anytime we do, he comes with us.
http://petevents.com/~simba/SimbaBirthdayPost2005/9.jpg
Christmas/Birthday Eve a few years back.
http://petevents.com/~simba/SimbaBirthdayPost2005/10.jpg
More in the next post...

[Kfamr]

He loves his porch.
http://petevents.com/~simba/SimbaBirthdayPost2005/11.jpg
Years ago, and still today, one of his favorite activities, tearing paper bags...
http://petevents.com/~simba/SimbaBirthdayPost2005/12.jpg
In the spa..
http://petevents.com/~simba/SimbaBirthdayPost2005/13.jpg
I think this may even be older than the other 8 month old pic.
http://petevents.com/~simba/SimbaBirthdayPost2005/14.jpg
Christmas time some years ago.
http://petevents.com/~simba/SimbaBirthdayPost2005/15.jpg
His favorite toy for years. I have it put up now as I want to save it.
http://petevents.com/~simba/SimbaBirthdayPost2005/16.jpg
He has always been so great with children...
Hannah and Simba
http://petevents.com/~simba/SimbaBirthdayPost2005/17.jpg
Lucas and Simba
http://petevents.com/~simba/SimbaBirthdayPost2005/18.jpg
Charlie and Simba
http://petevents.com/~simba/SimbaBirthdayPost2005/19.jpg
Santa Charlie and Rudolph Simba.
http://petevents.com/~simba/SimbaBirthdayPost2005/20.jpg
More in the next post...

[Kfamr]

And he's always been so patient.
Halloween years ago.
http://petevents.com/~simba/SimbaBirthdayPost2005/21.jpg
Charlie and Simba
http://petevents.com/~simba/SimbaBirthdayPost2005/22.jpg
Helping in the garden...
http://petevents.com/~simba/SimbaBirthdayPost2005/23.jpg
He would eat a lizard in a second but if I told him not to he surely wouldn't.
http://petevents.com/~simba/SimbaBirthdayPost2005/24.jpg
Such a good boy.
http://petevents.com/~simba/SimbaBirthdayPost2005/25.jpg
And always so handsome.
Outside by "his" car.
http://petevents.com/~simba/SimbaBirthdayPost2005/26.jpg
Handsome as can be.
http://petevents.com/~simba/SimbaBirthdayPost2005/27.jpg
His 2nd (?) birthday... proudly displaying his hole.
http://petevents.com/~simba/SimbaBirthdayPost2005/28.jpg
More in the next post...

[Kfamr]

And just some photos I love. I always adore the photos which show his eyes the best. I think they are gorgeous and they speak so much.
http://petevents.com/~simba/SimbaBirthdayPost2005/29.jpg
http://petevents.com/~simba/SimbaBirthdayPost2005/30.jpg
http://petevents.com/~simba/SimbaBirthdayPost2005/31.jpg
http://petevents.com/~simba/SimbaBirthdayPost2005/32.jpg
His birthday was made Christmas, although we do not know for sure. Tonight he grabbed a present from under the tree and opened it. I let him and I let him have a few more too. We're going to celebrate all weekend and he has tons of gifts to open. =)

I love you my sweet man...

[Buddy Blaze Lover]

Oh, happy birthday Simba man!!!:D I know you are ONE special boy, and I know how much Kay loves you too!! Hope you have a wonderful birthday and Christmas, I'm sure you'll be spoiled rotten!:D You've always been one of my favorite PT doggies, and though you're getting older, I hope we have you with us for many more years!;) The pictures are awesome, you were such a cute puppy too. What a good boy you are!!!;) Happy 8th birthday Simba!!!!

Love,

Katie and Blazer;)

[k9krazee]

http://dogaddicts.com/smf/Smileys/default/party3.gif Aww, Happy Birthday Simba!! :D You are soo handsome, and always have been. Enjoy your weekend and presents sweetie!!!
http://dogaddicts.com/smf/Smileys/default/bthdysong.gif

[Alysser]

Your are so handsome, Simba. Those last few pictures are so expressive and you look good in ALL of them. Happy 8th birthday Simba. I hope you have MANY more to come:)

[KYS]

Happy Birthday Simba from Sheba and Rocky!!!

[elizabethann]

Those are some awesome photos!

Happy Birthday Simba!

[cyber-sibes]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SIMBA !!!!
What a great tribute & wonderful photos, may Simba have many many more birthdays with you! :D

[Corinna]

Oh Simba you are such a great boy! Happy birthday.

[Anita Cholaine]

You almost made me cry, Kay... It's so nice what you wrote for him...

Happy Birthday Simba, you're such a fantastic boy... I know how much your mum loves you, and how much you must love her. Enjoy your weekend, sweetie...

Great pics, as always..

[caseysmom]

Happy Birthday Simba. Kay, you are such a mature good hearted young woman, I admire you so much.

[Daisy and Delilah]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SIMBA!!!

Kay, I think this is the first time I've heard your handsome man's story. There's no doubt about it, I'm crying my eyes out to hear such a loving, tender, tribute to such a wonderful boy. He's one of my very favorite Pet Talk doggies for sure and we can certainly tell how much his Mom loves him. What a cool boy you are Simba. Enjoy your birthday to the max!!!

[luvofallhorses]

Happy birthday, Simba!! :)

[chocolatepuppy]

Happy Birthday Simba! :D
I hope you have great birthday! What a nice tribute! :)

[slleipnir]

Happy birthday, dear sweet Simba!!! I know you'll be EXTRA spoiled on your big day :)

[CagneyDog]

Happy Birthday Simba :)

[Karen]

Love.

That's what we see in every photo of the dear boy.

Love.

That's what we read in every word about him that you type.

Love.

That's what shines in his eyes in every photo, after all, his favorite being is behind the camera.

From a shelter boy with no home to call his own, to a loved and cherished boy who brings endless joy to not only his person, Kay, but the whole world through his marvelous images.

Others may see patience, a tan dog, goofy ears, silliness, but me, when I look at those images, I see

Love.

[flamepony12]

What an extremely sweet tribute to an extremely sweet boy. Simba's so very lucky to have you as his human mother. :)

Happy Birthday, Simba <33

[LuvGold00]

Happy Birthday Sweet Boy!! Your mother really loves you, and so do we all! :)

[Amber]

awww...kay..

happy birthday dear simba..

he just gets cuter and cuter.

[tz1]

:) happy birthday simba!

[cloverfdx]

Happy Birthday precious Simba :D, i know you will have a lovely day. Kay what a heart warming birthday tribute to your boy.


You almost made me cry, Kay...
Hehe you did make me cry :o.

[Ginger's Mom]

Happy Birthday Handsome Boy!!! I loved hearing your story, and those pictures sure did put a big smile on my face to start my day. Big Hugs to you Simba, enjoy your special weekend. :)

[Cincy'sMom]

Kay, every Christmas I read your tribute to Simba, and every year I cry. What a sweet boy he is and how beautifully your express your love for him, both in words and pictures. We may read it a tribute every year, but that certainly doesn't mean we tire of it!

Happy Birthday Simba!!!

[gemini9961]

What a great story Kay, I am so glad that I had the pleasure of meeting him. Simba, we hope you have a great birthday and many more to come.


Sadie, Maggie, Grant and Amber

[Roxyluvsme13]

You almost made me cry, Kay... It's so nice what you wrote for him...
Me, too. Happy Birthday Simba!

[buttercup132]

happy birthday big boy hope you have many more healthy years , he looks so different back then he got even more handsome now

[ParNone]

Happy B-day Simba, you handsome man!!! I know your Mom's gonna have all kinds of stuff for you to celebrate. Make sure you share a lil' with you sisters and give your Mom tons of doggie kisses for her love of such a wonderful dog as you.

Par...

[Chica]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v415/chica1/hBD160150CLR.gif

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v415/chica1/birthdaycard.gif

SIMBA HAVE A GREAT TIME BEAUTIFUL BOY!!!!!!!FROM CHICA!!!!!!!

[Suki Wingy]

Isn't it great how here on Pet Talk we can share our feelings and people actually understand them!? Simba will always be more than loved! Those pictures are priceless!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SIMBA!

[K9soul]

Happy birthday to a sweet, loving, soulful boy, the dog of a lifetime. It's always hard to put into words how very special our dear ones are, but your Mommy did a wonderful job. Have a wonderful day, sweet man. Have mom give you hugs and kisses from me!

[anna_66]

Simba, you were one of the first dogs that I really "remembered" when I started visiting PT. You had a jersey on and was sitting in that chair outside. It was just too cute.
I'm so glad that your momma has given us all the chance to get to know and love you over the years. I hope you have a Very Happy Birthday boy:D

Love & Hugs
Auntie Anna♥

[tatsxxx11]

Being one of the "older" Pet Talk members, I remember well, can never forget your homecoming!:) Your are your Mom's first and the love of her life; we all know that! It''s been a pleasure and an honor to share in the deep bond of love and friendship you and your loving Mom share these past many years!:) You touched my heart from day one and forever there you will remain! Happy Birthday sweet boy...we love you ALMOST as much as your Mom!;) HAPPY BIRTHDAY SIMBA!!!:) And here's to many, many more!!!

Love,
Sandra and Star:)

[Oggyflute]

Happy Birthday Simba. :)

[*LabLoverKEB*]

Simba, Sadie and I wanted to wish you a very, very happy birthday, and a very Merry Christmas. I love you, Simba boy!
After christmas, I would love to see al of your presents!! ;)

[trayi52]

Happy Birthday, Dear Simba! You do get more handsome each year!

Willie :)

[Kfamr]

Thanks everyone so much. I'll have pictures later!

[lizbud]

Hope you are enjoying your birthday Simba. :) You just keep getting
better looking all the time. Happy Birthday sweetheart. :)

[pitc9]

Happy Birthday Simba!!
There sure is something VERY special about you Birthday/Christmas boys!! ;)

[ramanth]

Happy belated Simba! Hope you had a great day. :D

[K9karen]

This oldtimer remembers well....
I feel like I also grew up with him. I remember the story how you got him! I feel your sentiments exactly! And the progress he's made! "Our" Simba has the patience of a saint. He's so expressive and handsome and a true dog of a lifetime! Tailwags and lots of love from Aunt Karen and Ms. K-lo!

[wolf_Q]

Happy Birthday Simba! You are a very very special boy...so sweet and handsome. I feel priviledged to have met you! I'm sure your day was wonderful!! :)

[LoudLou]

Hope you had a fantastic Barkday Simba! I hope you had a super cool day and got to do whatever you wanted. You are the best!

[Sara luvs her Tinky]

OH HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY SIMBA!!!!!!!


You sure are one lucky pup!!! And I am sooo happy for you too!! You are one of the cutest most special pups I know. I know your Mommy is gonna make sure you have the best birthday ever!!!

Sending you some birthday hugs and kisses!!! :D

[Jadapit]

I'm just now seeing this. Simba, I'm sure you had a wonderful birthday! You are such a handsome man. Kay, give him some hugs from me. :)

[lv4dogs]

Happy Birthday Simba! :D

What a wonderful Birthday thread, I love seeing all the stages of that handsome man.