My Buddy, Darwin the Amazing Border Collie

Below are pictures of my best buddy, Darwin.  He's a border collie that was abandoned by his owners in October 1994 when he was about a year old.  He is the most intelligent, most loving dog I've ever had in my life.  Notice the black heart on his right side!

Darwin has almost completely recovered from a near-death case of tick paralysis.  If you have a dog or know anyone who loves their dog as much as me, click the link below to read my story about this experience:

Darwin's Recovery from Tick Paralysis 

Click on each thumbnail to see the larger picture.

Darwin in 1994

Darwin in 1999

Darwin and me in January 2000

Darwin in April 2004

Darwin in May 2004, before being afflicted with tick paralysis

Darwin in August 2004, after recovering from tick paralysis

Darwin in February 2005.

Darwin in March 2005.

Darwin in April 2006

Darwin on August 22, 2006

Darwin on September 2, 2006

On November 15, 2006, Darwin developed a growth on his chin.  It started to break open his skin and bleed, so it had to be removed.  I thought everything was going to be fine, but unfortunately, the growth grew back.  This time, it was underneath the skin and was even larger than before.  On March 13, 2007, Darwin went in for a second surgery.  Much of his lower lip also had to be removed.  He looked like a horror show, but I know the doctor did his best to try to seal the huge wound.  On March 18th, Brian discovered another similar-looking growth on his leg.  It seems as though it is most likely a cancer that is spreading.  He also coughs a lot.  I think it might be possible that he also has a growth in his throat.  In any case, he's not doing very well, but he still tries to remain in good spirits despite all he is going through.  Here are a few photos of him the day after his second surgery.     Darwin on March 14, 2007       Darwin seems to be healing well about four weeks later.  Here he is resting on his favorite corduroy bed.                       Darwin on April 10, 2007     Darwin has been doing well the past year, but is old (about 14 1/2) and spends a lot of time sleeping.   Darwin on February 10, 2008             Darwin on February 19, 2008

Movies of Darwin

Here are some short movies of Darwin.  If you don't have a movie player, you can download a free one at Quicktime.com.

Darwin walking into my den and laying down

Darwin whining for food and getting praised by Brian (side view) on 11-24-05

Darwin so excited over food that he whines and barks (side view) on 11-25-05

Darwin making little sighs for his food (front view) on 12-2-05

Darwin whining for his food (front view) on 12-2-05

Darwin growling playfully on 12-2-05

After the above movies were taken, Darwin rarely whined for food anymore.  That was until 4-5-07, when we ordered Arby's.  He went crazy!

Darwin whining for Arby's (shortest version)

Darwin whining for Arby's, makes funny sounding cough

Darwin whining repetitively for Arby's

Darwin whining repetitively for Arby's II

Click here to see photos of the other dogs I've had

Go to Pets Main Page

[ Darwin, the Amazing Border Collie ]  [ Dogs of the Past ]  [ Frank the Spadefoot and Other Amphibians ]  [ Spadefoots and African Clawed Frogs ]

[ Box Tortoises ]  [ Biglegs the Jumping Spider ]  [ Fish ]  [ Pets of the Past ]  [ Wild Detroit Toads ]  [ Caring for Abandoned Birds ]

[ Home ]  [ Artwork ]  [ Photography ]  [ Art Cars ]  [ Virtual Museum ]  [ Pets ]  [ Favorite Links ]  [ What's New / My Blog ]  [ Guestbook ]  [ For Sale ]

Copyright © 2007-2008 kozmicdreams.com.  All rights reserved.
All materials contained on this site, including text, graphics and icons, are the property of kozmicdreams.com.