Nikki came into our lives as a rescue dog from Louisiana. As a stray, she had no history; only beautiful blue eyes that belied an independent and fearless spirit. Luckily, despite their differences, she bonded with our other dog, Maddie, who was anxious and fearful. The two dogs enjoyed wrestling with each other especially before their daily long walks and when they got excited about visitors. On walks, they were perfect opposites—Maddie wanting to run and hop all over the place and Nikki with her nose to the ground dawdling as if there was never a need to hurry to get out of the cold or heat.
Early on, I thought that Nikki might have the temperament to be a therapy dog—and I was right. We easily passed the certification tests. Over eight years, we were a therapy dog team mostly visiting schools. Whenever I brought out the bandana she was required to wear for our visits, Nikki knew we were going to work and was a truly happy dog. I was happy, too, watching the joy and comfort she brought to so many children—and the adults who worked in the schools. Her favorite thing was to roll on her back inviting belly rubs. This delighted the kids who happily engaged in “belly rub time.” We would end each session with the kids with Nikki’s favorite trick to “sit pretty.”
Nikki left us too soon and too quickly, and we are devastated. She will never be gone from our hearts.
