In spring of 1994, when Raja was a year old and wearing us out with her energy, we met Dirk at the Tervuren National Specialty. He had come back to his breeder, and Jim took a liking to him. Soon he came to be a playmate and energy burner for his little sister, and introduced Jim to the world of dogs. They learned a lot together, including how to run agility (Dirk either NQd or placed, nearly every time), herd sheep, even venture into the obedience ring (the favorite of neither of them!). But more than anything, Dirk was the breed ambassador, giving Terv hugs to everyone he met, and charming even the folks who didn't like dogs. He was Jim's big, goofy boy, always happy and willing, no matter what the endeavor. Despite health problems that nearly killed him, he bounced back with vigor that surprised us all. He was happy and personable to the very end. Dirk taught us so much about patience, forgiveness, and the joy of just being silly.