Gotcha Date: April 22nd 1993 Birthday: December 22nd 1992 Likes: Pig ears, greenies, doggy massages, acupuncture, and his Cool Bed II Pet-Peeves: Getting up early, slippery surfaces, & the heat Favorite Toy: Toys are for puppies! Favorite Food: Home made dog food with veggies, rice, and chicken. Also a big pistachio fan! Favorite Walk: Anywhere the smellin' is good Best Tricks: Beg, play dead, crawl Arrival Story: On April 22nd, 1993, my mom picked me up after school and we drove to the Fairfax County Animal Shelter. I had fallen in love with #02000 6 days prior, but mom said ' no male dogs!'. I had begged for 6 days. She finally said 'if he's still there on the afternoon of the day he's up for adoption, you can have him.'
At the shelter, I ran to his cage and he was gone. Heartbroken I looked around and located him in another cage. There was a sign that read 'adopted - hold until 4:00'. I couldn't help but begin to cry. How could it be that this little boy - so certain he was my soul mate - had been adopted. It just wasn't right.
I'm sure it was only seconds later, but it felt like an eternity, my mother handed me the leash and said 'he's yours'. She had stopped at the shelter in the morning and adopted him for me. Lucky she did too - because no sooner was she filling out the adoption form (which I still have) than two gentlemen walked in and exclaimed that they wanted #02000. Bio: Niko was my very special boy. Niko was a warrior until the end. He battled cushings disease, vestibular issues, and lymphoma
He had only 1 good eye - due to glaucoma for the last few years of his life. He changed my life in so many ways. 16 years, 1 month and 16 days was how long this boy was in my life. I cannot imagine a single day without him in my heart. Forums Motto: the BEST
http://rememberingniko.wordpress.com/
I have created a Memorial Site for Niko. While it is a place to always remember and cherish him, I also hope that it may help some others going through some of what Niko faced.
It will probably always be a work in progress. Comments, suggestions, and your own stories are welcome.
It's been almost 6 months since I lost you. Sometimes it feels like yesterday.... sometimes it feels like years. I just cannot believe I can't see you, I can't touch you, I can't kiss your sweet face, or see your smile. I won't hear your footsteps, your sneezes, your breathing. I can't brush you, or trim your paws, or rub you with a towel after a bath and watch you run around like crazy. I don't have you to walk or to cook for or to structure my day around. No hair floating around in my car, or finding it's way into my clothes, or rubbing off on the stairs. Your leash still sits by the door. Hoping for your return. Your brush still holds the last hair that it brushed out of you. Your bowls still sit where they always did. Your space stays empty, in case you need it back. There's even a half licked frosty paws in the freezer for you, just in case you'll come back for it.
I miss you so much my boy... life will never be the same without you.
It's been 5 months today.... your 17th birthday would be next week. I will always celebrate you, I just wish it didn't have to hurt so much.
******
Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there, I did not die.
The Dog Show: Who's Your Mama?
9
