Wednesday was a Sad Day

Yesterday my brother's dog of 16+ years Nikki passed away. It is a loss all of us who know her are feeling.

She was one of those unforgettable dogs, with so much personality. She would bound around like a deer. She thought she was the most bad @$$ dog on the planet and she did take down a pit bull (among other breeds) without breaking a sweat. Nikki used her paws like hands and was quite clever. Beware wrestling with this dog, if you got down on the floor in a ball she would claw your back to get to you (just ask Uncle Rob), a tug toy well you best be at the top of your game. She woke Mark up one night and it was to tell him a mouse had invaded. Mark told Nikki to kill and she did the job, no training required. If you had a cold and were sucking on a Hall's cough drop, that dog would drive you crazy, she wanted the Hall's for herself and would usually con you into giving her one. If you were not going to share she would watch for an opportunity to try to lick it out of your mouth and she would dance around you "bow row row" translation give me that Halls now!! She loved Mark to distraction and would just be the most joyous dog whenever he came home from work. She would prance around and yip and just generally carry on. There were days when if she could have crawled into his skin I think she would have.

When Mark and Amy wed Nikki had some adjustments to make... of course she wanted Amy to adjust. I mean her spot was next to Mark whether it be on the couch, in bed, or well anytime she was around. She grew to love Amy. Amy would sleep later than Mark so she could get back in bed after Mark went to work and get her beauty sleep with Amy for company. Amy also had two cats Tigger and Cassie who were also good companions. Did I mention Nikki liked to have company whether it was two legged or four legged at all times if possible. Amy also got laid off in the winter so she was home to be with Nikki. Amy is quite the gal, I mean this is not your average dog to acclimate to and Amy had never had a dog, yet it was a tearful Amy who broke the news yesterday. I mean we knew Amy was a keeper once she was able to love Nikki and Nikki loved her.

Nikki was Aunt Penny's gal as well. She and Mark stayed with me and Pitter shortley after he came home from the service. Nikkie and my baby Pitter were an interesting pair. Pitter would act like she did not like Nikki when I was home. If I left for work she was okay snuggling up to Nikki (of course I don't think Nikki gave her much choice). If I mentioned Pitter to Nikki she would look for her. Oh what a priceless dog

Grandma Peg was a good Grandma and Nikki loved her. The only problem with Grandma Peg is that she would let Mark and Amy leave for too many days sometimes and she would make her and Mugsy (1991-2008) behave. I mean she was stuck at Grandma Peg's with just Mugsy while Amy and Mark went on a honeymoon. Nikki was so upset at missing her people she could not even "talk" when Mark first came to pick her up. She and Mugsy liked to eat each others food and get on each others nerves, as any cousins would. They took after their "dads" in that respect.

She loved Grandma Dreffs (1924-2008) and Grandma loved Nikki. It was fantastic as Nikki was the only dog Grandma could not fatten up. She was protective of Grandma and you knew she was safe when Nikki was with her. She would make Grandma laugh and sometimes like when she refused to come into the house for Grandma make her cry. Grandma loved caring for people and animals and Nikki acted like both at times, kept her on her toes.

Nikki was truly a one of a kind dog and she will be missed greatly. And of course since "all dogs go to heaven" we know she is sitting with Grandma right now wondering when we are going to come and play. Well you know maybe they are running right now in a field as they can both walk and run again. With a tear and a smile in memory of Miss Nikki Dreffs 1993-2009, this is Aunt Penny looking forward to brighter days.