Friday, May 09, 2008

Nikita

Nikita
December 1992-May 9, 2008

We put Nikita to sleep this morning due to multiple complications from extreme old age. It's possible she had a stroke, or something went wrong in her abdomen, or both.

She felt under the weather late last night and didn't want to finish her dinner. We found her in distress this morning and, after comforting her for about an hour, decided to take her to the vet on the very slender chance that they might be able to do something for her, or if not, ease her out of her pain. She had a very high fever. After discussing options including radical intervention, the vet advised that it would be unlikely that we would be able to save her. Rory and I were able to be with her when she passed. She was a wonderful companion, faithful, loyal and true to the end. She passed on a gloriously beautiful day, and will be buried near the house where, if she chooses, she can rest or keep watch as she so loved to do.

I'll look for you on the other side, sweetheart, my beloved, loving friend. Blessed be.

I'd also like to give thanks to the vets of Camas Washougal Animal Hospital for taking such good care of her over the years. Without them we wouldn't have had her for as long as we did.

8 comments:

Kai Jones said...

I'm so sorry your time with her has ended.

Steve Perry said...

I feel for you. We had two German Shepherd Dogs, Cady and Scout, made it to eleven and fourteen, and it was the hardest thing I've ever had to do to hug them while the vet put them down. We were all crying, me, my wife, the vet tech and the vet ...

I can hardly look at the breed today without feeling that tug.

More I learn about people, better I like dogs.

Kami said...

Thank you both for your kind words.

We did get some comfort from the fact that the vet said she was in excellent shape for an old lady. When her time came, it came quickly. Last Sunday she was up and barking at bicyclists and the day before her passing she got up right to the front fence to inform the garbage collectors (as usual) that taking our stuff, even if we didn't want it anymore, was not cool.

I miss the shy puppy, the vigilant and vibrant adult, and the regal grand dame so much. I wish I could grow with her all over again. She taught me a lot, especially about love. I think she'll never stop teaching me.

The Moody Minstrel said...

Even with Nikita's passing, you were fortunate. She gave you far more than a normal dog's share of life, loyalty, and love. You were blessed, and it was good that she ended her long life with a minimum of suffering.

May her spirit find its way.

C. Jane Reid said...

I'm going to miss greeting that old lady on the porch, standing by with such wise dignity as the young pups jump around at the gate. She was a fine, loyal, loving lady who I admired very much.

I have no doubts you and she will come back into one another's lives again.

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear that Dear Nikita has passed on. She was dearly loved....

Hugs from all of us....

Melissa

Kami said...

Thanks everyone. I don't think it's fully hit me. Although I was there and Rory and I buried her together, and though I visited her grave today I still feel like she's with us. Maybe she is.

Mark Jones said...

I'm very sorry to hear that Nikita is gone. My sympathies.