Day 57

7/8/22

Nicky! Our one portable puppy gave us so many laughs, consternation and love. He joined our pack without any issues because, when you are a prince, you are above the rest. Nicky looked around at his "siblings" and seemed to decide he was now a big dog too. He was beyond Alpha and we all knew it...especially Nicky!

We first met Nicky down by the river. We were walking Arthur, his beloved Kay was walking Nick and, somehow, the leashes became intertwined and Mac tipped over proceeding to roll down a small hill. During all the conundrum, we managed to pick Mac up and introductions were shared.

Since Kay lived in a senior high-rise nearby, we saw her almost every day on our respective walks. We learned she had worked at the Dairy Queen for my dear father, went to our church and was just about the sweetest lady around.

Fast forward a year or so. Kay had been struggling with health issues and was now tethered to an oxygen tank. She could still walk her pup, but not if weather was extremely frigid. I offered to take Nicky on his daily walks and a beautiful friendship began to blossom.

Finally, our Kay had to enter hospice and nobody would take her precious 12-year-old dog. The family was encouraging her to put him down. When she frantically called us, we were in Texas visiting family. I briefly told Mac the circumstances, he simply nodded and I told her we would take him and love him as our own.

With some hurried training, we certified for Alliance of Therapy Dogs! We got the certificate, took Nicky down to her hospice residence and shared his accomplishment. We even brought Kay a bag of his hair from a grooming session. She was so happy.

A month later, we said goodbye to Kay. The hair was cremated with her and her Nicky was at the funeral with his bandana wrapped proudly around his neck. He got more attention than the minister that day!

Nicky lived with us for four more years and did many Therapy Dog visits.

I loved that little guy so much and never regretted having him join our family. Sometimes, it isn't the size of a dog, but the size of the heart that makes the world a better place.