David, Kathryn,

I just read the post. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I know how painful that can be, having going through this with my cats, Bit and Byte.

It's amazing how connected we can become with our animals. It can seem like such a simple relationship -- one that's easy to take for granted -- until you have to say good-bye.

Tears for you. Nothing like animals to show us what love, and life, is all about.

Losing a beloved pet is so painful, and having to make the decision that it is the right time to euthanize makes it even more difficult. I am so sorry to hear of your loss.

David and Kathryn

I'm sorry about Nika. But better to have had and lost Nika than not to have known him.

I know you did the best you could to make sure he had a good life and an easy death which may not help you feel better right now - but it's true.

The hardest thing I ever had to do was to put our golden retriever Alexis down. It makes me cry after almost 15 years every time I am reminded of it.

May we all be lucky enough to have pets that are such a source of comfort, friendship, loyalty and life in our families. You will always have the memories of Nika to care with you.

Two poems that help somewhat are:

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

The Power of the Dog - Rudyard Kipling

There is sorrow enough in the natural way

From men and women to fill our day;

Why do we always arrange for more?

Brothers and sisters, I beg you beware

Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.

Buy a pup and your money will buy

Love unflinching that cannot lie--

Perfect passion and worship fed

By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.

Nevertheless it is hardly fair

To risk your heart to a dog to tear.

When the fourteen years which Nature permits

Are closing in asthma, or tumour or fits,

And the vet's unspoken prescription runs

To lethal chambers or loaded guns,

Then you will find--it's your own affair--

But...you've given your heart to a dog to tear.

When the body that lived at your single will,

When its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!)

When the spirit that answered your every mood

Is gone--wherever it goes--for good,

You will discover how much you care,

And will give your heart to a dog to tear.

We've sorrow enough in the natural way,

When it comes to burying Christian clay.

Our loves not given, but only lent,

At compound interest of cent per cent.

Though it is not always the case, I believe,

That the longer we've kept "em, the more do we grieve:

For, when debts are payable, right or wrong.

A short-term loan is as bad as a long--

So why in--Heaven (before we are there)

Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?

Sad to hear of your loss. When our first dog died I cried myself silly for days. All the best at this difficult and upsetting time.

A

David,

Thanks for the reminder. I just left home last week for a 9 day trip, and am thinking of our lab, Zuma, back at home. When your other dog, Mollie, gave birth to our puppy I was so happy. Reading the story about Nika reminds me to spend that little bit of "extra" time with Zuma when I am home. I walk in the wood, a scratch behind the ears, one extra treat, just 'cause she's so cute...

Our animal companions provide such pure love, uncontaminated by rationality. Sorry for your loss.

Sorry to hear of your loss David. I was just reflecting this morning on how I felt when I had to put my own German Shepherd dog to sleep nine years ago. I still have many wonderful memories of him. And I am sure that you will reflect and always treasure the wonderful memories of your own Nika that will be with you always.

David,

I could probably think of a lot of cliches to drop but I won't. I've lost animals too. Sorry to hear of this. You and Kathryn will be in my prayers.

Our 14 yo doggie is dying of liver CA. Being a dog, she gets to ingest delicious food rather than nasty drugs -- so for her untreatable cancer is a positive experience. Which is to say I much appreciate your sentiments.

Not that my Molly is all that loyal. I've always thought of her as more mercenary than that. Oddly enough, it doesn't diminish my affection for her.

David, Kathryn:

Your post struck me as soon as I read it. I remember seeing a different side of you for the first time when you shared the slideshow of your home and office and spoke of Nika as the Director of Security for David Allen Company. Your faces lit up like mine does upon seeing pictures of my two dogs and I could tell you deeply appreciate the connection between you and your dogs.

I have chosen to raise dogs over children as I connect much deeper with them then I do other people sometimes. I feel for your loss, I understand how hard this moment is. I have been there before. My thoughts are with you both and Nika.

I know she will be back in your lives again one day in a form you may not recognize as her.

"Neither fire nor wind, birth nor death can erase our good deeds."

- Buddha

Dear David,

I know she was very, very lucky having you and Kathryn. God Bless you.

David, sympathies on the end of your relationship with your dog. The fact that pets' life cycles are so much shorter than the normal human life span can, I suppose, be construed as a valuable thing. It is a built-in reminder of the transcience of everything, and it gives us a way to see repeated several times in our own lives the arc of another creature's existence. I went through this with various dogs when I was a kid. Now, as I look at I look across the room at the world's best pet, Mike The Cat, who is as large as a lynx and combines the best characteristics of the feline and canine species, but who is 12 years old, I am reminded of the process yet again.

I just killed my best friend too on February 4th, so I know where you are coming from.

It was hard to do but I would rather be the one suffering than her.

Petloss.com really helped me with the grieving process; though I still hurt.

{{{{{Dave}}}}

Bridgette from TN

David,

I cried when I heard this sad news; I remember Nika when I was a kid over at your house, always happy and relaxed, basking in the sun and playing with Mollie and with us on the hammock... those are memories I will keep forever, I promise you.

I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your lovely puplet. Having lost my dear pal Maxie suddenly last October, my empathy is great. As SARK wrote... dogs are truly miracles with paws. Big hugs to you and Kathryn!

shar

I am sorry to hear about your loss. It is amazing how much dogs teach us. I have a german shepherd too who had found me @ the humane society. Now after 3 years I have realized her unconditional love for me. Good times and bad times they are always there for you. Your spouse can get angry at you, your kids at time can hurt your feelings but a dog trully loves you with all their hearts yet we don't treat them our equal. I hope you and your family find comfort in your heart, I am sure Nika is loving you from where she is