Niko has crossed the bridge

[StarDeb55]

I am posting this on Bettina's behalf, as she has asked me to do so. She has also told me that she will post in the next several days. I am deeply saddened to report that Bettina helped Niko cross the bridge at home tonight at the age of 16 1/2.

Dearest Niko fought a very brave battle with his Mom's help against both Cushing's & lymphoma. Rest in peace, dear boy, I know your Mom will miss you. I know that Barkley was there to greet you & show you the ropes.

Debbie

[lulusmom]

Debbie, thank you for letting us know about this sad news. I remember Niko very well and was always taken by the stamina he had for his age. Bettina was an awesome mom and my heart goes out to her.

Godspeed sweet Niko.

G.

[BestBuddy]

Dear Bettina,
I am so sorry to hear Niko has crossed the bridge. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jenny

[Sammie]

Niko will always know you were the very best mom. Dottie

[Harley PoMMom]

Dearest Bettina,

I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Niko, my thoughts and prayers are with you also.

Peace sweet Niko.
Lori

[Squirt's Mom]

Dear Bettina,

Niko fought a hard battle with you at his side the whole way. You were with him last nite and in the days that came before just as you were all his life and I know he is grateful to you for all you have done for him.

When you feel up to posting, we would be honored to share in remembering his life in the In Loving Memory section at:

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=8

Niko is listed with all our babies who have gone before in 2009 and linked to the ILM Photo Album at:

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=132

Our thoughts and prayers continue for your and yours,
In deepest sympathy,
Leslie, Squirt, Ruby, Goldie and Crystal

[MiniSchnauzerMom]

Bettina,

I was saddened to read this post and I am so sorry for the loss of your precious Niko.

Peace be with you, sweet Niko.

Louise

[gpgscott]

Bettina, Please post when you feel like it.

They rely on us and trust us implicitly.

I wish you peace in your memories of the happy times you and Niko shared.

Scott

[Louie's Mom]

I am so sorry to read this. Rest in peace, little one.

[bkdice]

Thank you Debbie, for posting.
Thank you everyone for your responses. The response overall, to Niko's passing has been so heart warming. Having had my boy for nearly 1/2 my life, a LOT of people got the pleasure of meeting him.

Here is my post from my facebook notes... I'll write his story and add a link to a gallery slide show, in the "In Loving Memory" section later this weekend.

****************

From July 16 2009: My sweet boy went to the bridge tonight. He was surrounded by family and helped by a dear vet friend in the comfort of our home. He will be laid to rest tomorrow morning at my parent's house. I will be planting a weeping cherry tree for him soon.

Niko was dxed with lymphoma 10/16/08. He came out of remission on 7/1. He was in good spirits with good energy most of the time until yesterday. He became lethargic, then extremely disoriented and terribly restless. It was a hard night. While it became clear it was his time today, when he could not stand or walk w/o help, it was still hard to 'make the call'. He did go peacefully w/o a fight. I whispered in his ear long past him being able to hear me.

I do not know if it was the lymphoma that got him - or a macrotumor - or if it was just his age taking it's toll. He was 16 years and 7 months. While I know how lucky I am to have had this incredible creature in my life for so long (almost 1/2 my life!) it wasn't enough. The hole in my heart is indescribable.

****************

The Last Battle (Author Unknown)

If it should be that I grow frail and weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this - the last battle - can't be won.

You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.

We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.

Take me to where my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me until the end.
And hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time you will agree,
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.

Don't grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close - we two - these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.