Nika

It seems so long ago when I first met you, but looking back on all the time we had together (12 years) it feels like yesterday. You were flying around and over the hay bale fence with your Mother and sister as I drove into the farmers yard. I never had a choice which dog to pick your sister was going to stay on the farm to learn from your mother and you were the last puppy. What I did not know then was how lucky I was to get you my friend . We bonded the first day and that bond of Love and trust grew stronger over the years.  So strong was your trust in me I never really had to teach you...you always seemed to know what I wanted or needed you to do & even our neighbors would call and ask for you help to bring their cows back home when they escaped and that was just fun for you . To see you face a 2000 pound bull and bend his will to yours was a pure delight.

Remember when I couldn’t take you with me to town and you tried to follow me and someone shot you. The good people at the University of Minnesota nursed you back to health.  And remember in your youth, that truck you thought was an animal that knocked out your front tooth. We both learned from that didn’t we?  

Remember when you were 6 and I was 36 how we met that wonderful woman at the Vet?  It was you that brought us together...she saw you and wanted to know who that neat dog was, so a friend introduced her to me because of you, and now we just had an anniversary this month. Thanks for helping raise her boys...I know they miss you too; and little Cierra, not yet 4, still wants to know where you are and asks when are you coming home.  I always tell her you're in heaven but she doesn’t understand yet.  Your other mom Shannon misses you too when my spot on the bed is empty, when I'm away at work, and you’re not here to fill it and keep her safe and warm at night.  I’m sure she slept better when you were here.

I also want to thank you for all the help with the cows, pigs and all the hay you helped me bale over the years.  You were a friend to me like no human could ever hope to be...never judging, always full of joy, hope and understanding, but most of all a Love that you never stopped giving.

I also started to fence the 8 acres on the hill because Cierra and I want to raise some sheep now, and I sure wish you were here to help.  I can feel your sprit from time to time and I know Luna and Duke are not the same dogs today as they were when you ran the farm. The barn swallows are back again and don’t know what to do with you not bossing them around.

I'll close this now and ask for your understanding about the last ride we had together I am only human and did what I though was best for you . I have your ashes on my desk but know your spirit is free to run on the wind forever now and some day I'll see you again.

P.S. Nika, forgive me for someday I will want another dog like you ever though it will never take your place in my heart.

Owned, loved and sadly missed by the Eric & the entire Kirkwood family