Thursday, August 25, 2011

With a Heavy Heart and Mixed Emotions...

Nikki and Mamma at the Lake
Last Friday, Nikki was placed back in the care of Dogs for Autism. She'd fully recovered from her spay surgery and it was time for her to head to boot camp. Originally, the plan was for her to become a DFA "Mommy-dog" but upon much consideration and DFA staff hearing what I had to say about her, it was decided that she should probably be working.
I always knew she had amazing drive, energy and instincts. When we went to events she watched children like a hawk and she'd only just met them. I've never seen this girl tired. Additionally, now that it's just me, I don't have the time to give her the training she needs. Working long hours 30 mins from home doesn't allow for much training time.
There are several families who might be perfect for her. One is a family with 2 autistic boys. Can you even imagine what a blessing Nikki would be for this family? Mom is a teacher and runs 4 miles in the morning. I would run 3 miles with Nikki and she'd want MORE!!!



In the end, I am so excited for the things that I know Nikki can do for this family. I know she will be adored and loved. She was a blessing to me. She was a part of my life during a very difficult time. Nikki taught me so much about training and canine neurosis!! She is incredibly intelligent and needs to be challenged by working everyday. I also rest easy in the fact that she still belongs to Dogs for Autism so I know she will ALWAYS be cared for like the princess she is!

Pretty sure that Lucy will NOT miss her...
PLUS I know I will get plenty of updates and Nikki stories!! There are ALWAYS Nikki stories- trust me!

Godspeed Nikki-snack! Mamma loves you!!

P.S. It's been a LONG HOT summer and we are looking forward to blogging more regularly as it cools down...
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12 comments:

  1. ♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥August 25, 2011 at 2:34 PM

    We can understand your mixed feelings, but how wonderful that Nikki could be of such tremendous help to some special children. Paws crossed for all to go well and thanks to you for the time you gave her.

    Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning

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  2. Frankie Furter and ErnieAugust 25, 2011 at 3:03 PM

    Oh how sadly wonderful. I know that Nikki will make a huge difference fur some little boys.

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  3. rottroverAugust 25, 2011 at 3:48 PM

    How wonderful that Nikki has something special to give the world! Please keep us updated as you get info! Good luck, Miss Nikki!!

    -Gizmo, Bart and Ruby

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  4. Maggie Mae and MaxAugust 25, 2011 at 3:50 PM

    Lettin' her go is hard but I am sure dat knowin' Nikki will make a difference in da lives of another family must make you so proud and happy fur her. We will miss her too.

    Woofs and Licks,
    Maggie Mae

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  5. Angels Amber and Max DaWeenie and MomAugust 25, 2011 at 6:45 PM

    Nikki is doing what she was meant to do. She surely is a princess.

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  6. houndstoothAugust 25, 2011 at 8:29 PM

    I'm so sorry! I know you must really miss her. I'd miss Morgan like crazy if she were to leave us. We're in the process of hunting for a German Shepherd to work with my husband as a SAR dog, and I know they need a lot of mental stimulation as well as physical work to wear down.

    Morgan would like to know if Mac is still doing okay!

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  7. Two French BulldogsAugust 25, 2011 at 11:02 PM

    Don't know how we would handle that. You sure must miss her
    Benny & Lily

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  8. JillAugust 26, 2011 at 9:48 AM

    Sounds like Nikki will be much loved and challenged to do the work that she loves. That has to make you feel really good inside. I am sure that you will miss her though. Hopefully you can get updates from her new family as she progresses.

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  9. bbes tribeSeptember 7, 2011 at 7:04 PM

    Nikki sounds like an awesome girl and hard though it is, she will be sharing & giving of herself to help. Think she may be an angel in disguise.
    Wags
    Ernie,Sasha,Chica,Lucas

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  10. AnonymousSeptember 9, 2011 at 8:42 PM

    Hi Y'all,

    Thanks so much for stoppin' y'all.

    Nikki sounds amazing. It's so bittersweet when one of these service pups "graduates".

    Y'all come back now,
    Hawk aka BrownDog

    P.S. Sorry using the livejournal inactive account, but when comments don't pop up blogger won't let me use my active blogspot blog. There's a link to it in the intro.

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  11. Berts BlogSeptember 13, 2011 at 2:05 PM

    Boy this sounds like a very hard thing to do. My Vickie says she admires you so much for the fact that you were able to give Nikki up.

    What a fantastic opportuinity this is for Nikki though. Being a service dog is something special and what little we know of Nikki, sure tells us she will do great.

    We just joined your blog and are excited to get to know more about you and your four legged family.

    Hope you get some smiles today cause you sure deserve them.

    Bert

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  12. Lori SkoogSeptember 13, 2011 at 3:54 PM

    What a touching story about a great dog.

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