Nikki may need re-load (update: I had to let Nikki go)

Hi Sharon,

I'm sorry Nikki has this tumor. I hope the meds continue to help. Along with the others, I agree with your thinking of putting Cushing's on the back burner and focusing on keeping her comfortable. You're a great mom!

-Susy

Hi Sharon,

I am so sad to hear of Nikki's tumor but I am glad you know what it is and that the meds are giving her some relief. I hope she is happier and that they will give her some more time with you.

As for treating the Cushing's, I don't know that I would either. It is the quality of life that matters, not the quantity. Nikki has a wonderful life with you and I know you will continue to make every day count for you both.

Hugs,
Leslie and the girls

Hi Sharron,
I am so sorry that you and Nikki are going thru this. We are keeping positive thoughts and saying a prayer for you and Nikki. We completely understand how much you love her.

Thanks so much for your kind thoughts for Nikki. She is doing quite well right now and I am just trying to do all I can to give her whatever makes her happy. The meds have made her breathing much easier. She apparently had an irritation of some sort that caused the mass to inflame and make breathing difficult. I spoke to her IMS yesterday about Nikki's situation, and she said to just continue with the 4 time a week lysodren.She said Nikki could live several months and letting the cortisol rise would only make her feel worse.She is really enjoing her homecooked meals and is still having a little of her birthday cake every now and then, which she loves.She has to breathe through her mouth, but it doesn't seem to bother her.When she goes outside I can tell the heat really does bother her, so we don't stay any longer than we have to.I have a truly wonderful vet who makes housecalls for euthanasia, so at least Nikki will not have to go to the vet when the time comes. And John, I was out of town when you lost your precious Roxee and I am so sorry. I just found out when I went to photos.You loved her well. I so appreciate everyone's concern and will keep you posted of any changes. Sharon

Hi Sharon,

So glad to hear that Nikki is feeling better and the meds are doing their job at making her breathe more comfortably.

Homecooked meals and cake...yumyum.

Thanks so much for the update...and take care of yourself.

Love and hugs to you and Nikki.
Lori

Today I had to let Nikki go. This is very hard to write because I am feeling so much pain right now, but maybe this will help me. For the past couple of weeks, Nikki has not been able to eat. She would try, but it just wasn't working. I'm sure that whatever mass was in her throat had grown to the point of obstruction. I have been giving her filet mignon, cut into tiny pieces, which she could eat a little of. Because my vet said she would come to my house when the time came, I called Thursday, before the holiday, and today was the first day she would be able to come. I had all weekend to think about it, and decided to make her final days as good as possible.She has been eating M &Ms and brownies as best she could. My vet is truly wonderful and helped me give Nikki a wonderful death. She was in her bed, very comfortable, and I was feeding her Ghirradeli chocolate when she had her injection. Her passing was very peaceful, but I'm a wreck.I already miss her so much I can hardly stand it. This is my third dog to be put down, but the first where I was present.Nikki was such a special dog, so loving and devoted,I have to believe I will see her again. Anyway, thank you all for your help with her cushings this past year, because it was pretty much under control.I will continue to peek in from time to time, and if I can help I will. You are doing a great service, and I appreciate all the help you have given me. Sharon

Dear Sharon,

I am so very, very sorry for your loss of Nikki. Someone once wrote me to the effect that loving them is taking the pain and suffering away from them and making it yours. I am truly sorry that you had to make that decision. I am sure Nikki knows how much she was and is loved and is watching over you.

Dear Sharon,

My tears are falling with yours in the passing of your dear, sweet Nikki. You have worked so diligently and steadfastly to help her and remained strong through it all, to the very end. I am so glad you were with her today to ease her crossing to The Bridge where she was met by our babies that have gone before, and where there is much chocolate, steak, and sunshine. Tho I know the pain is incredible for you, Nikki is watching over you now with the same love and devotion you gave to her. She no longer suffers but is once again whole.

Our deepest sympathies,
Leslie, Squirt, Ruby, Goldie and Crystal


If It Should Be

If it should be that I grow weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle cannot be won.

You will be sad, I understand,
Don't let your grief then stay your hand,
For this day more than all the rest,
Your love for me must stand the test.

We've had so many happy years,
What is to come can hold no fears,
You'd not want me to suffer so,
The time has come, please let me go.

Take me where my need they'll tend,
And please stay with me until the end,
I know in time that you will see,
The kindness that you did for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.

Please do not grieve, it must be you
Who had this painful thing to do,
We've been so close, we two, these years,
Don't let your heart hold back its tears.

Author unknown

Sharon,

I was saddened to read about the loss of your precious little Nikki today. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace be with you sweet Nikki.

With sympathy,
Louise

In honor of Nikki -

http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/...m?l=eng&gi=K9C

Sharon,
I'm so very sorry to hear of Nikki's passing. My thoughts are with you.

Gina

i'm so sorry for your loss. i am 53 days ahead of you in the grief cycle, so i know how much you are hurting. :( it sounds like you were a wonderful mom though, and i'm sure your nikki knew how lucky she was to have you.

Sharon, I'm so sorry to hear of Nikki's passing. I hope that you take very good care of yourself at this time and please come back to let us know how you're making out.
Jo-Ann & Lady

Sharon,

I am very sorry to learn of the loss of your Nikki.

Mine will all get special attention tonight in her memory.

Scott

Dear Sharon,

I have not had the chance to write to you before this, but I want you to know how sorry I am about the loss of your sweet Nikki. You wrote elsewhere on your thread that every single day of her 15 years was filled with love -- no pup could ask for more. :o

But that does not change your grief upon the separation. We will always welcome you back here to talk or to share memories of your girl. We have a special forum where you may start a companion thread at any time: "In Loving Memory." And as a part of that forum, we have a special memorial thread of honor where Nikki has now joined our other beloved pups.

Please do remain with us. So many here know and understand the pain that comes with the loss, and we will all stay by your side in the coming days.

In loving memory of your sweet Nikki. May her spirit always remain alive in your heart.
Marianne (forever Barkis' and Peg's and Luna's mom)

Dearest Sharon,

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved Nikki. You were such a wonderful and loving mom to her...I wish there were words I could say that could bring you some comfort...but know that we will always be here for you...always.

Mine will also get special attention tonight in her memory.

Peace sweet Nikki.

With Heartfelt Sympathy,
Lori

Hi Sharon I am terribly saddened about Nikki's passing.
I haven't post to you before, but I was following your story with sweet Nikki.

She had a wonderful life and her goodbye from your life, with you on her side is a fine testimony of your profound devotion to her.

I am going to have you on my prayers and my thoughts.
My sincere condolences to you and your family.

Dear Sharon,
I am so sorry. Nikki was so loved in life and memories will be with you forever.
Jenny

I'm so sorry to hear about Nikki. I don't really have any words of wisdom, as I am only 1 month and 1 day ahead of you, but I am truly sorry for your loss. I don't wish this pain on anyone.

Steph and forever Pallie

Dear Sharon,

I too am so very sorry to hear about your beloved Nikki. I share your grief, pain and tears that come with losing a precious little soul.
We love them with all our heart, and do everything we possibly can to keep them with us, but in the end, we know that sometime soon our world will shatter. Hold on tight to the sweet memories and the precious love Nikki had for you, cause it will be forever in your heart along with her sweet spirit.

Love and (((hugs)))

Shelba and Suni

Sharon, I am so very sorry for you - the tears are flowing. We all feel so much for our little doggies and from what I read your little Nikki was a very special and loved little one. I love her photo - she looks very sweet. Her passing sounds very peaceful and how special for Nikki that she was able to be in her bed and eat chocolate.

My heart is with you . . . .

Hi Sharon

I am so sorry and sad to hear of Nikki's passing. Our thoughts are with you.

Angela, Sabre and Flynn

Sharon,

I am so very sorry to hear about Nikki, and I wish I had something to say that would make things better for you. I understand the pain and wish it on no one. I'm glad you had some very special moments with her before she passed, and you truly gave her the most unselfish gift you could. The emptiness is enormous but so was the love. I hope in time the love you shared will fill and heal that empty spot that you are feeling right now.

Sending wishes for comfort and peace, Beth, Bailey and always Scoobie

Oh darling beautiful Nikki, go chase bunnies in heaven sweetie - find all those beautiful pals of ours from here and cause mayhem will you? We miss you all so very much. Please keep mummy company, let her feel you for a while until she can go on and fill her heart forever. Blessings Sharon, my heart goes out to you.
Love Wendy, Harry & Izzy & Patsy in heaven xxxx

Sharon,
I am so sorry for your loss. Nikki had the best life with you and you will meet again.
Christy

Sharon, I am so sorry to hear the news. Although it was hard you did the best thing you could for dear Nikki. The vision of her eating chocolates and filets at the end is touching... mom obviously knew her girl and took great care to the very end. May wonderful memories of the good times sustain you as you grieve. Take care and come back when you are up to it to let us know how you are doing. Hugs, Kim

Sharon,

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you.

Carol

Sharon,

I'm so very sorry to learn that you had to let Nikki go. I was just going back through your thread so I could learn a little bit about your beautiful girl. It is a terrible decision to make but the most loving thing you can do for her - I know she would thank you for releasing her even though she knows how terribly you will miss her.

Godspeed to Nikki,

Natalie

Sharon,

I was so sorry to learn about the loss of your beautiful Nikki. I hope you have the peace of knowing that you did everything you could to make her life wonderful.

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

With sympathy,
John

Sharon,

I am so sorry for your loss. You obviously have been a loving and sensitive parent to Nikki.
Your generosity and sensitivity to Nikki's needs throughout her life and recent struggle were truly an enormous gift. I was touched to learn about the chocolate and filet mignon! I can totally relate to wanting to make every day they have with us special...You surely achieved that!
Take care.

with deepest sympathy,
Dorothy and Mikey

Again my heart is breaking! So many of our furbabies are leaving us lately. I am very saddened over your loss of your precious Nikki.
Love and comfort,
Candy

Dear Sharon,

I'm so sorry you had to let Nikki go... it's such a hard decision to make. My thoughts are with you.

(((Hugs)))
Susy

Sharon,

So sorry to hear about Nikki, my thoughts are with you.

Linda and Spicey

I'm so sorry to read of your loss of Nikki. I can't image a better way to cross the bridge than by eating chocolate! I'm sure you are right in that the tumor made it impossible for Nikki to eat. She had a most wonderful 15 years and a most wonderful mom.

Bonnie and Angel Crissy

I am so grateful to all of you for your kind words. It has been a week since I said good bye to my precious Nikki. Each day is a little easier, but I will miss her every day.She truly made me smile every single day, even when she was sick. When my daughter was eight, she talked me into getting our cat by saying she wanted her own pet that loved her as much as Nikki loved me. Nikki was truly my dog. Although she loved everyone in her sweet gentle way, she was totally devoted to me. She was always at my feet or in my lap. But I was truly blessed to have her for 15 years. When each of us gets a pet, we know the day will come, but it seems so far away. Then suddenly, how did the time fly by so quickly? I know that I will get another dog when the time is right.I signed up to volunteer at the local animal shelter, so maybe the right dog will find me. Again, thank you all so much for your help and friendship. Sharon

Sharon,
I am so sorry to hear about your Nikki's passing. My thoughts are with you.
Sarah, Darla & Rascal

I'm so sorry for your loss. Hugs to you -

Lynne, Clyde & Bailey