Nikki
written by Melissa

August 06

Ann,

I recently re-stumbled upon your site when looking for Sheltie rescues where I could volunteer at while
I'm away at school.. My name is Melissa, and my mom and I adopted little Nikki from you in 2002, and after
reading through some of the great stories of happy shelties, I thought you might want to kno w what happened to our Nikki.

In March of 2005, Nikki was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure. On April 4th, the vet called me during
my Psychology class and I quickly answered the phone. I left Nikki at their office that morning before I went to
school because she wasn't doing well over the weekend and finally looked like she was ready to stop fighting the
disease that declined her health so quickly in such a short period of time. He said that the medicine wasn't
working and that he didn't want to keep her in pain if she was ready to go. I picked Nikki up from the vet's after
school and took her home, making her comfortable and even sleept on the floor next to the large pallet
I had created for her with a bunch of blankets and towels.

The next day, at 4pm, we had her put to sleep because I looked in her eyes and knew she was ready to go.
At the end, I held her in my arms and was petting her and kissing her, reminding her how much she
was loved by all and that she was a good girl.

Nikki was a great companion and I am so glad I had the chance to have her in my life.
and glad that we could give her a better life than she had in the puppy mill. I think of her often, missing her, but knowing
she is waiting at the Rainbow Bridge.

Thank you so much for your help 4 years ago - Nikki and I were a pair that belonged together and we had lots
of fun and good times together. I believe that she truly knew how much she was loved. One day, I hope to rescue more
Shelties, but they will never replace my Nikki for she held a special place in all of our hearts.

Melissa