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...
My poker buddy...
One of the most "famous" Simba pictures...
Granny Sim...
Very first trip to the dog beach...
My sweet...
Valentine.
The oldest photo I have of Simba, he was 8 months old here...
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.
Christmas/Birthday Eve a few years back.
More in the next post...
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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!
The pictures are awesome, you were such a cute puppy too. What a good boy you are!!!
Aww, Happy Birthday Simba!! 
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