Dallas Real Estate News

I usually limit my blog topics to things that are real estate or community related, but this has been an exceptionally difficult week for me.  On Monday I lost my faithful companion and friend, my 12-year old German Shepherd/Rottweiller mix.  Arthritis had crippled him, he was in great pain and every move was difficult for him.  Making the call to let him pass peacefully, and then going through with it was a gut-wrenchingly difficult thing for me to do.  Anyone and everyone who knows me knows that I love dogs, and I especially loved my Niko. 

Niko was an adult when he came to live with me.  I wasn't looking for a dog, didn't intend to get a dog and even after I got him, I fully expected to keep him only long enough to find him a proper and permanent home.  But life rarely happens the way we plan it, and as evidenced by the end of the story, what was intended to be a temporary situation became a full-time commitment for me-- fueled by overwhelming love and respect for this gentle giant. 

Niko made me feel safe.  People who didn't know him were quite naturally afraid of him.  He weighed 85 pounds in his prime, and to be quite honest, even I was smart enough to know that until I REALLY knew this dog, I shouldn't take anything for granted.  He was indeed intimidating... to look at anyway.  The real Niko, the sweet, affectionate and gentle dog that I loved so much, loved babies and children and other dogs, too-- especially little dogs.  Babies could climb on him, pull his ears, and stick their fingers in his face and he loved it.  Other dogs could snarl and growl, once a Chow attacked him, but he always remained cool and calm. I never saw or heard him growl or show any aggression whatsoever. 

He was protective of me.  I felt safe with him.  I felt safe walking into Norbuck Park alone with  him or being out in my little guest house late at night.  No matter the weather, Niko would be waiting outside the door of the little house when I emerged at night to go into the "big" house.  As I opened the door, he would stand, wait for me to lock the guest house and then escort me to the back door of the house.  I could feel his breath on my hand as he walked close beside me until we were inside together. 

Niko's last hours were spent in his backyard:  the yard where he would stalk and once even caught and killed a squirrel!  He had a favorite spot beneath the American Elm where he would lay and watch the squirrels and birds (his days of hunting long past).  Once he started taking all the pain medication for his arthritis, he spent most of his time there in that spot.  The sun was shining on his fur and the only sounds were of chirping birds and the rustling leaves as they fell from the trees to the ground as Niko passed peacefully there.  He and I had made the decision together the night before when he wanted to come inside, but was unable to get up from his spot to do so.  Instead I went to him and we sat together in the moonlight until he was able to move again. There was something pleading in the way he looked at me.  Maybe I imagined it, but I don't think so.  He needed my help.   

I realize now that I justified keeping him on all the pain medication by saying that I was keeping him comfortable, but the truth is, I was keeping ME comfortable.  He is free of the pain now, and I hope that he is in a big, beautiful meadow chasing butterflies and bunnies. I miss him, and I will always have fond, wonderful memories of him. He is free of all the pain and discomfort now, and I am glad of that.

**Special thanks go to Dr. Nichol and the nurse who accompanied her to the house from Eastlake Veterinary Hospital for their kindness and care in Niko's last moments.