Eulogy for Nikki

From a story on the web: a child answers the question, "why are dogs' lives so much shorter than our own?"

"People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?" The four-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."

Last week we lost Nikki, the sweetest dog on Earth. I've been waiting to post this until I felt I could do it without crying.

Nikki was a very sick girl. We didn't even know it. She didn't act sick at all until Thanksgiving when she lagged behind on our walk. Tuesday morning (12/5), she walked away from her breakfast. With a little encouragement, she did finally eat. She was happy to eat her post-breakfast treat, so I didn't think much about it. I got home that night, and she wasn't eager to eat her dinner either. While I watched her slowly make her way through her kibble I noticed her belly was clearly bloated. We took her to the emergency vet. They took X-rays and told us her organs were not where they should be. They assumed a tumor had pushed them out of place. We took her for an ultrasound the next morning. They confirmed she had cancer throughout her liver and probably in her heart and lungs. There was nothing the vet could do. Since the tumor was leaking fluid into her abdomen (causing the bloating) and would soon rupture we had to put her to sleep. I am grateful to God that He took her quickly and didn't allow us or her to suffer. He is so merciful.

David and I are recovering. It helps us to know that there was absolutely no way we could save her. It was just her time to go. But it is so sad to say good-bye to such a sweet dog and constant companion. Nikki was an example for me of several good things. One, be honest about your needs. It was clear Nikki liked to go for walks, ride in the car, and man oh man petting. She just put it out there. She wanted to be petted, and she'd really like it if you'd pet her now, please. No shame, no cajoling, no manipulation, and no hard feelings if you didn't want to. There's something admirable in that. She was perfectly egalitarian. She loved all people equally. Anyone with a hand who could pet her was her friend. In fact, if you didn't have a hand, she'd be perfectly happy to be petted by your foot. She made no distinction by age, gender, race, or any other status. She didn't care if you hated or feared dogs, she was your friend. And she won you over. Few humans can do that. And she forgave. I hate to admit it, but I lost it a few times, getting mad at her for absolutely no good reason. I remember one of the many times I stepped on her paw, and I actually yelled at her for being in my way. Then I realized, not only had I hurt her I had the gall to yell at her, too. She humbled me. I learned over and over again how broken I am. Each time, I prayed about it and asked God to make me a better person. I think He has.

I'm grateful for the few wonderful years we had Nikki in our home. She was a delightful companion, respectful houseguest, and quiet teacher. I will miss her always.

Link to Giggle Stick

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Basket Taxi

This is the only way I get any laundry done.