Hearts in Hawai'i
A Tribute to Kimo (2013)
3/22/2025
These entries (and the ones on following blog entries) are mostly pulled from Facebook posts I made at that time.
Thursday, January 1
Sure, I can try to stop Kimo when he's barreling past me at full speed, but it will usually end up with me on my butt, hurt, or both. Tonight's casualty; my left wrist. Not broken, not really swollen, but I'm reminded of this every time I move my thumb or index finger
Friday, January 25
By the time we had returned home from getting his nails clipped, Kimo was sitting in the front passenger seat. Patty was in back. Funny how those things happen.
Relaxing next to a stuffed animal he will soon destroy
Tuesday, February 5
He'll wait for me to put down his food dish (as he's been trained) but doesn't want to go chow when told "GET IT!". He might be too used to Patty feeding him. Weird.
Tuesday, February 12
Tonight I told him to sit, and he went "Huh ruh roo roh". I swear it sounded like "I don't want to". Patty laughed her ass off as he erupted into a series of grunts, growls and howls.
His vocalizations are like snowflakes. No two are exactly alike.
Monday, March 18
You know it's ugly out there when Kimo can't wait to get back inside. Usually he wants to dance around in the snow, but today he went straight for the door after doing his morning business.
Thursday, March 21
The other night, I was on the bed next to Kimo, with my head resting on my arm. Kimo moved his head over, pushing my head off my arm and replacing it with his. Nah, Kimo isn't spoiled. Not at all!
Saturday, March 23
Caught Kimo in mid-howl, expressing his opinion with my command to "Sit". This was after he sat, of course. He did what I wanted but he wanted his input.
Tuesday, April 9
For whatever reason, Kimo doesn't like my new bike shorts. When I put them on tonight, he attacked them! Jumping up on me, and then circling around me and howling. How could two normal, mainstream folks such as us (LOL!!) be owned by such a weird dog???
Wednesday, April 17
Kimo broke free of his collar today. I watched in amazement as he hauled ass at top speed across our driveway and launched himself into his favorite snowbank. He played there for a couple minutes, then did his business. I called for him and he came running back at the same speed, launching himself at ME this time! I sidestepped him and laughed as he went sailing by in midair.
He got into Patty's chocolates last night, eating several. The vet said he should be okay (it wasn't baking chocolate), and might just get a bit of diarrhea as a result. Oh, goody.
He had a full day. I think he needs a stronger collar.
Friday, April 19
Note so self: After filling the shredder, empty all that confetti. Unless you don't mind cleaning the mess off your office carpeting after your big, boisterous beast of a dog knocks it all
over the place.
Saturday, April 27
Went up to Lakewood Township to visit friends, and brought Kimo so he could hang out with their dog, Ruby, who is a Rhodesian Ridgeback. It's the first time he was outside without a leash, and he had a blast playing on their few acres of land, galloping through the snow and playing with Ruby. Finally worn out, he crashed in the car on the way home. He socializes with other dogs pretty well, considering how little experience he has had in this area.
Friday, May 3
The Great Adventures of Kimo: His collar came off a couple days ago while on top of what's left of his favorite snowbank. We stared at each other for a few seconds, then I went "C'mon boy, let's go in!". He complied. Until he got ten feet from the garage door. And then he bolted. Down the driveway, across the yard, across our neighbor's driveway where he then sniffed Wayne's yard. Wayne has a dog, too. Eventually, he came to me and sat so I could put his collar back on.
He loves freedom. Luckily, we live a block away from real traffic, but damn! I'm too old to do what passes for a 55-year-old with bad knees "sprinting" after his dog. I'm hoping he just does this to see the look on my face.
Monday, May 6
We're beginning to realize Kimo has somewhat of an alcoholic personality. You know, the selfish, self-centered part. Patty and I were snuggling in bed, talking about our day, when suddenly a big wet dog nose started burrowing his way between our bodies. He didn't stop until he was directly between us. And all shoulders concerned were wet from his tongue. Well, scuse us, Little Dude!
Sunday, May 26
One of the first pics I got using my new Nikon lens--of course it has to be of my favorite subject!
Monday, June 3
Turns out Kimo loves chasing my feet around and around as I spin in my office chair. And then he howls at me when I stop. Hey, I was dizzy after 30+ spins.
Yeah, we're both easily entertained.
Monday, June 10
The Great Adventures of Kimo: While trying to work with my latest photo images on the PC, Kimo got his front paws up on my legs and was trying to lick my armpit (apparently he likes Old Spice Sweat Defense Fresh scent). He was looking at my table as though there was food I'd forgot about. I said "Kimo, there is NO food for you up here!" His response was to lay a huge wet lick across my chin, mouth, teeth and nose. Blech.
Meantime, he ran out an through opened garage door which Patty left unattended today and rampaged all over the complex until a helpful neighbor corralled him when he tried to jump on her. The little shit. Kimo, I mean, not the neighbor.
Wednesday, June 19
Kimo got to spend quality time with his vet today. Three needles, one to draw blood, two to inject vaccinations. He's four lbs overweight (55, should be 51); the other day, I thought he was bulking up and getting more muscular, then I realized muscle doesn't jiggle quite like that when you run by!
So, no extra treats for him, more walking, more play out in the yard
Tuesday, August 13
After Kimo got loose tonight and ran berzerk--and then tore up my chest jumping off me after we got him in a neighbor's truck--I'm ready to consider this solution. It's waiting in my Amazon cart. It's a SportDog Field Trainer, a E-Collar with a 500 yard range.
What is it about August and Kimo ripping me up? 
Monday, August 26
Apparently, Kimo can read. The proof? He ate a hole in one of my favorite T-shirts. The T-shirt says "Kimo's" (it's a bar/restaurant on Maui), so he must have looked at it, said "hey, that's my shirt...says so on the shirt!!" and chowed away.
Thursday, August 29
We find ourselves having to switch Kimo's dog food, as he's developed an apparent allergy. Going to try (on our vet's recommendation) Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach food. Salmon based, so our guess is Kimo will like it.
Friday, September 13
No more verbal command telling him to go get his food. Now he looks at me and waits for a simple hand motion toward the dish. I can sit or stand anywhere in his sight range and it works. Smart little dude.
Tonight he leaped up and took his Nylabone out of my mouth (while I was standing!) without also taking half my face
Thursday, October 3
Patty's turn! Orientation tonight for a seven-week dog training class. This time around, I get to sit and watch.
Kimo's not sure what to make of the newly furnished loft. Last night he was looking back and forth from the TV to me as if to say "Hey, that wasn't here yesterday".
Saturday, October 5
The loft is now fully furnished. Guess who likes watching Too Cute! on Animal Planet?
Thursday, October 10
On Orientation Day, Kimo had an issue with a big chocolate lab named Tank. When he saw Kimo, Tank cut loose with one of the loudest barks I ever heard. Kimo actually jumped back! It was the first time Kimo had backed down from anything—-I was impressed.
On tonight's first session, Patty said Kimo was a little angel. Angel. Right. It was cute, however, how he crashed in the back seat all the way home afterward. Like training tires him out or something.
Sunday, October 13
Kimo just channeled Clint Eastwood--he saw a neighbor's Retriever (just moved in, and there are two of them) checking out Kimo's peeing area. He puffed out his chest and did this low growl followed by a low woof. And then repeated same. That's Kimo-speak for "GET OFF MY LAWN"
Tuesday, October 29
At the dog training place we go to, there is a spectator area, separated from the dog area by a three foot wall. Last night while they were walking the dogs in a circle, Kimo jumped up with both front paws on top of the wall! The people in the front row rocked back just a bit while I LMAO. He had this "get me out of here!!" look. Otherwise, he's doing fine. I don't think he accepts Patty as a pack leader yet, but he'll get there. Good thing, because I'm running out of crocs, socks and slippers...
Already spoke of his trying to scale the wall at training last night. He has a new napping spot, under the dining room table. If we pull out a chair, he fits right in there--nice and dark, cool, plus he can see the entire downstairs.
He was laying in the office tonight, I looked down, he was staring at me. I got down on the floor next to him and scratched his neck. He fell fast asleep. Geez, what a coddled dude he is.
Saturday, November 2
Kimo loves my cologne. And my after shave. And my underarm stick. Doesn't matter what kind, he be lovin' 'em all. He won't stop until every bit of scent is licked off, either. Goofy guy.
Just got back after doing lunch with my bro, and dropping off Kimo's leftover Science Diet dog food at Animal Allies-Duluth. He's now on Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach and loving it--his scratching has almost disappeared.
Thursday, November 14
Watching Kimo zoom back and forth, tearing up and down the stairs, jumping on the bed, jumping on Patty, I find myself thinking "Jesus, settle down, already!"
And then I realize there will come a day when we say "He's having a good day" because he can run about.
So I guess we're grateful for his occasional lunacy
Saturday, November 23
It's Kimo's birthday! The Little Dude is two years old today. We got him some BBQ Beef treats and Bully Sticks to celebrate. We're probably going to VIP Pizza in Superior tonight (not Kimo!) in further celebration. Any reason/excuse to go to VIP works.
Tuesday, November 26
Mock Obedience Trial tonight; Kimo finished third! Let's not get carried away here, friends--there were only four dogs in his sub-group. But he didn't finish last!
His score took a significant hit during the Recall commands when he went to Patty, ran around her, ran around in a circle and then bolted out through the door separating the training area from the spectator area and then through another door leading to the entry way. Only the outside door kept him from total freedom. It created a good laugh in the gallery, watching as he tore ass through the spectator area, ignoring the other dogs. He had one goal in mind--get out of there!
Thursday, November 28
Family came over for our annual Thanksgiving feast--Kimo had a blast--once he warmed up to everybody (he's got that Chow tentativeness with people at first), he ran around and acted like a puppy, but didn't really get in the way. Once we were eating, he laid down next to the table--he knows he isn't allowed to beg at the dining table. He humped my nephew's leg!! He'd never done that before and I didn't believe he'd know how. Must be one of those instinctive things.
Sunday, December 1
Kimo just took a Spicy Sweet Chili Dorito, got it in his mouth, spit it out and then rolled on it! Goofy guy.
Sunday, December 8
Kimo likes to put his paws up on my coffee table where he can see the world outside my home office window. Today he was checking out a neighbor's retriever.
Monday, December 16
With larceny on his mind (actually, I think it just smelled really good), Kimo waited for Patty to turn her back, and quickly grabbed a pizza burger off the counter. Leaving only 11 for us. Then when I was eating mine, he came up, rested his chin on my thigh and gave me the goggly eyed look, as if to say "Dad, I really love you!". The brat.
Tuesday, December 17
Kimo got loose early this morning (gotta check the latch on his collar when putting it on!), and tore off toward the neighbors. Patty went inside, put on her shoes, opened the door and he was waiting there wagging his tail! I think that he not having his breakfast yet had something to do with it.
Thursday, December 19
Kimo: My new alarm clock. Although I'm not sure what he thinks a single lick of my elbow is going to do.
Oh, that's right. It gets him a scratching behind the ears.
Patty hanging out in the loft with Kimo
Not crazy about the deer antlers but at least he didn't pull them off before I could get this shot!
Sunday, December 22
After coming back from his Bark Avenue bath, we figured out Kimo's scent--it's conditioner! No wonder his coat is so soft and shiny! He seems embarrassed by it, too. Big tough male Pit-mix like him...
Thursday, December 26
Tonight's sentence of Doggie Detention occurred when Kimo tried to make off with a package of Oreo Cookies. This earned him a half hour in the kennel, despite his attorney (from the firm of Bark, Growl & Neuter) trying to argue a mental defect defense. (The jury--Patty and I--almost bought it) He is now paroled and enjoying a Bully Stick.
Friday, December 27
He's trying to decide which present to open first!
Previous: 3/21/2025--A Tribute To Kimo (2012)
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