WEST MILFORD As a kid growing up in Texas, Kirk Dokum was surrounded by images of the old west. He was immersed in a life where horses and cattle were basic essentials of a day’s work. These days, having lived in West Milford for 18 years, he could be forgiven if he’d slipped his cowboy hat off and pulled on a Yankees or Mets cap instead. But he personifies the traditional cowboy spirit. He has maintained his childhood connection and currently owns and operates K and E Stables on Dockerty Hollow Road. Since its inception four years ago, Dokum has been inspiring all of those who come to meet him. Take Michele Yodice for one. Yodice is now a highly competent horsewoman and she eagerly passes the credit on to Dokum. “Kirk has made my dreams come true,” said Yodice, “If it wasn’t for Kirk I truly believe that I wouldn’t have my horses today.” Yodice was an enthusiastic horse rider before arriving at K and E, but after spending time with Dokum she feels much more knowledgeable and compassionate. “Three years ago I found the horse of my dreams, a paint horse, by the name of Thunder. At that time I was unable to afford to buy him but Kirk knew that this horse and I was a perfect match. He made it possible for me to purchase Thunder. ” The cowboy himself doesn’t give the impression of a guy who fusses over much. Dokum said, “It’s not so much of a business here; it’s more of a family. Everybody is here for their horse and I see it as a fun place to be.” Fun at Dokum’s stables takes the form of team penning, with cattle on hand, every Friday night, riding and roping lessons, a monthly gymkhana and a general atmosphere of tranquility infused with a passion to share the good things in life. Dokum boards approximately 25 horses, many of which are placed there by their owners. Others, however, are rescued by Dokum from disinterested owners or saved from being put to sleep due to injury or neglect. Dokum’s reputation among horse lovers means he is often the first contact when a horse needs a home. Dokum says the word, home’ a lot when speaking; it is clearly his foremost concern when hearing of an unwanted horse. “People call me and tell me they know of a horse nobody wants. I take them in, give them a good home and I never sell any of my horses. “Too many people buy a horse without knowing if they’ll like it. People buy horses and then get rid of them and they are not taken care of. Although I can’t keep every horse that people bring to me I never turn a horse away. I’ll find a good home for them all,” he said West Milford High School student Kevin Brewer heard of Dokum’s stables and, as a horsing enthusiast himself, asked Dokum for some after-school work. Dokum agreed but Brewer had no idea what was in store for him. Dokum took up the story, “Kevin is a great kid and he loves horses. We have a horse called Aurora who had major issues. I gave Aurora to Kevin and through his work he has turned Aurora around into one of the sweetest horses we have.” Brewer was amazed by the gift of the horse. “I was surprised he gave me that horse because I thought he might sell her. . . I never expected to be given such a good horse.” He summed it up, “Kirk is just very nice. He is very giving.” Dokum also volunteers with Passaic County Sheriff Search and Rescue Team attending emergency and non-emergency situations when called upon. Cheryl Monnett can testify to this when her horse, Tahoe suffered colic. Dokum was there to administer medication to ease the horse’s discomfort while waiting for the vet to arrive. “He [Dokum] is more than someone who takes care of our horse,” she said, “He is a friend; we are like family.” What keeps the cowboy going? “I do this seven days a week. I gotta’ love it. If I didn’t love it I couldn’t do it. I never take vacations, I can’t really leave to go anywhere and I never make plans to be anywhere else but here. It’s just in me. That’s the only thing it can be; it’s just in me.” Dokum is happy to extend his warmth and kindness to anyone interested in learning more about horses. Just ask for the big hearted cowboy and everyone will know who you’re looking for.