Day 181

11/12/22

We didn't have Nicky for his whole life, but he gave his whole life to us! That boy was surrendered to our family because his Mama Kay went into hospice. We had four big dogs and Nicky became the fifth. After joining our pack, I know he never saw himself as a little dog again.

We certified as a Therapy Team and off we went. I know he made a number of appearances when someone was bed-ridden or needed to actually hold a dog. He was awesome at his job. In his little brain, I am sure he thought he was crushing the person with his 70 to 80 pound body!

I loved that little guy! He made all of us smile on a daily basis, but he was feisty! He had an attitude of supreme confidence and even walked with a swagger. When someone would come to the door, he would bark with the rest of the crew. I wonder if he ever noticed the difference in pitch...I doubt it!

The other day, a friend asked me if I had brought a little white Therapy Dog to Walker in the past. Of course, I answered yes. She then showed me a picture of her sweet mother who had passed away a few years ago. There was my boy on the lap of my friend's mother. She continued to say that her mother thought Nicky was her very own dog and he brought so much comfort to her. I was touched and thought that Nicky had probably done more in his last four years with us than I even knew!

If he could have talked, Nicky would have acknowledged that photo and said, "I remember sitting on her lap and hoping I wouldn't cause her harm with my weight, but who is that little white thing she is holding?"

Nicky's motto: You might be small, but you can be a big as your dreams. It's all in the attitude!