I've posted twice in different threads that my dog was very ill and dying. I had him put to sleep today. He was feeling good today so in a way it was the perfect time. He had very bad heart disease and we had been battling it for over a year. I had to give him ten pills a day.

I know everyone thinks their dog is the best and I am no different. I thought mine was the best. He was so smart, so mellow, so gentle with children and old people. He was so affectionate that he brought a lot of pleasure to many people. All the neighborhood children ask if they can pet him whenever they see me. And he was a pet therapy dog. I belonged to a pet therapy group. The dogs had to be tested to make sure they had the right temperament. Niko and I visited a nursing home with other owners and dogs. But there were several residents that only looked forward to seeing him. "Where's the poodle?" they would ask. I'll never forget one very special time. Niko was sitting in a resident's lap, licking her face. She had Alzheimer's and I had never seen her have a visitor. She looked at him and exclaimed, "Oh, you love me! And I love you, too, honey." She seemed so happy in that moment.

I love animals and I've had and still have cats, but I've never loved an animal as deeply as I loved Niko. He was my everyday companion.

Well. I just felt compelled to post this as a little memorial to him. You guys are part of my family, too, now. I know I'll be OK. I am OK. Just very, very sad. Thanks for reading this far.

Nancy

Nancy, I am so very sorry to hear your heartbreaking news. I wept all throughout this thread, as I had to put my son Max down 10/01 and I still miss him and shed tears over his physical absence in my life. He was a true partner to me and I have his pictures all over my house and my work cube.

(((HUGS))) to us all, and to our current four-legged family members. They are truly too short a time with us here on earth...

My dogs are my entire heart. I can't imagine life without them, and I can't imagine your pain right now. When it's time for me to deal with the inevitable, I don't think I'll sound as graceful as you. I hope you have lots of pictures of Niko to keep him alive forever. Peace.

Again, thank you everyone for your heartfelt support. May God bless you for your special sensitivity to animals. It was a rough afternoon, but it's just going to take time. I'm going to make a memory box and put all of Niko's bandanas, leashes, etc. in it. And all his medicines, too. Plus my favorite thing: The ID button from my pet therapy group. It has their logo and under it it says, "Nancy and Niko." I don't feel strong enough to do that yet, but I'll be there soon.

Bubbame, I pray that your friend's seizure disorder can be managed effectively.

Everybody please give their dogs an extra bellyrub from me tonight.

Nancy

Rainbow Bridge Poem

Another Version

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, they go to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who have been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.

Author unknown

Ok Whipple Daddy's poem and the Rainbow Bridge have got my crying!

Nancy, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dearest Niko. We grow so close to our pets that we can't help but love them with all out hearts. So I know what you must be going through. I wish you peace and serenity during this trying time for you!

All Dogs go to Heaven

Even thought the Bible writes nothing about it does not mean God does not set his own rules.

Nancy, Sophie thanks you for the extra belly rub and gives you a big slobbery doggy kiss with peanut butter breath. Hope you feel better as the days pass.

My sister's friend lost her chocolate lab "Mocha", he was hit by a car. It was devastating. Debbie, Mocha's mom, had a memory box like the one you have, with his collar and special things inside. Then my sister found a mocha flavored candle and gave it to Debbie, she could light it anytime she missed Mocha, or needed him around, or just wanted to honor him in her heart. Debbie did so by lighting her "Mocha Candle". It was very healing, that and the memory box, which you might be able to put away easier if you had a Niko Candle to light. If I were near I'd get you one! So sorry for your loss.

Kathy, I'm Jewish and we have a tradition of lighting a Yartzheit candle every year on the anniversary of a loved one's death. The candle burns for 24 hours. Niko is definitely going to get a Yartzheit candle every year.

Nancy

Oh, Nancy! I just now saw this thread and I am so sorry about Niko. I had to go through the same thing just a few months ago. I hope your grief turns to fond memories for you very soon.

Dear Nancy,

I'm so sorry about Niko, it's unbelievably heart breaking when you have to make that decision - even though you know it's the right thing to do.

I recently had my 19 yr old cat put down (I'd had him half my life) and this is a poem ,from a condolence card from the vet.

Now it seems the moment's here,For me to say,"It's time",

To thankyou for the life I've had,

To bid you all goodbye.

My life with you has been filled

With happiness and pride,

And filled with love and companionship,

As I stood loyal by your side.

My tail no longer wags with joy,

I lay here quite content,

My spirits in a higher place,

With angels I've been sent,

So don't be sad that I've gone away,

Don't be lonely or blue,

Just know this well my humble friend,

I'll be watching over you.

I also have a Newfoundland/Retriever/Labrador who is about 8 yrs old and is my daughter, Ruby's, bestfriend.

Everytime I lose a pet I vow never to get another because I can't stand it - but it doesn't last.

Take care, Rachel.

Rachel, do you have a picture of your Newfie/Lab? And does he/she love the water? I adore big dogs -- the goofier, the better.

Hi Zoe,

I do have photos of Dodge but not a digital camera or scanner - and wouldn't know how to use it if I did.

I'm also a large dog lover - they're always so affectionate and don't have anything to prove.

Dodge is glossy black, huge ,with the body of a golden retriever and webbed feet and definitely goofy.

What animals do you have Zoe?

Hope all is well, Rachel.

How nice was it that the vet sent us a card.

Dodge sounds wonderful, the kind of dog my Sophie would like to wrestle! She's a Black Labrador/mystery papa mix; there's a (not very good) picture of her on page 1 of this thread. Her vets and trainers think the other half could be anything from Dalmatian to Border Collie to English Pointer to Pit Bull to all of the above.

Nancy, how are you feeling this week?

Hi Zoe,

I can't find the picture - how do I do it?

Thanks, Rachel.