In Loving Memory

To all who take a second to sign Niki's guestbook with your kind and thoughtful words, I deeply appreciate. Thank You.

My precious Niki was a loving cocker spaniel. He passed away on April 5th, 2002. He was 12 years old. His health was not too good for the past couple years. I dreaded the coming of this day, but I also hurt to see him suffer. He was a strong dog, never complained, always so friendly and loving towards people. I guess you could say he suffered in silence. That's exactly how my Niki was, not selfish, but always loving and giving, right to the end. He certainly taught us a lesson, that greed and selfishness will get you nowhere, and that kindness and love towards others, will win their hearts. A good lesson to be had by all! I love you Niki, and I miss you so much, it hurts. I hope you are happy where you are, (In Doggy Heaven) and free from all pain. I still remember the first day you came into my life. You were my birthday present from your Daddy. You were such a cute little guy, only two months old, with little blue bows on each ear. It was love at first sight! You were such a good puppy, never kept us up at night like we had been told to expect. I would rock you in my arms til you fell asleep, then place you in your little bed, and you would sleep all night. I can't emphasize enough, how good you were. Oh, how I wish we could turn back the hands of time.

My dearest Niki, Mommy is finding it very hard since you are gone. I think about you and wonder how you are doing. Not a day goes by that you are not in my thoughts. I wish there was a way for you to show me a sign in your own sweet way, that you are happy and free of all pain. Maybe it would help ease the pain in my heart. I hope it is true what people tell me, that you have gone back in time to when you were a puppy, running through beautiful green fields, stopping to smell the pretty flowers (you loved doing that to Mommy's flowers), and playing with all your friends that are there with you. Always remember my precious one, that I will always love you and never never forget you. We had great times together, and I want to thank you for all those special years we shared. You are gone now my baby, but will never be forgotten. You are sadly missed by your family, such an emptiness and void in our hearts and in our home, no matter how much we tell ourselves that what happened, was for your best. I will not say "Goodbye" only "Farewell til we meet again." With lots of kisses and great big hugs. Your loving Mommy.

My sunshine didn't come from the skies. It came from the love, in my dog's eyes.

A Lovely Saying!

"Animals never belong to us, they pass through our lives on journeys of their own. They ask no more of us than that we love them and let them go on in dignity and peace. Animals come and go with lessons to learn and lessons to teach. So, we love them and learn. We accept the pain of their going as we received the joy of their coming. All of it is a blessing." - Shirley Thayer

"Some friends come into our lives and quickly go. Some friends stay awhile and leave pawprints on our hearts. And we are never the same."

I think all of us who have lost a beloved pet can relate. We all grieve in each our own way. Our grief has many stages. When it was first suggested to me to put my feelings into words, I really didn't think I could go through with this. Little by little I tried, it was very hard for me. I was days I couldn't even look at this page. It took me a good two months to finally finish this one page. Then I wanted to add more, like poems and links, hoping I could help others. It turned out to be a very good therapy for me. It isn't a cure, but in my case, it helped with the healing process. I give credit to my precious Niki for this. Maybe this was his sign I asked him to show me. I feel his presence is still here with me, trying to comfort me in his special way, just like he always did. Thank you Niki, and I love you.