Niska by Teresa Curtis / Mommy

There were big light fluffy snowflakes
on our last walk together.

I could see you struggling to walk, and knew our journey together on this earth was coming to an end.

Thinking of a life without my Niska, even watching my snow dog in the snow couldn’t cheer my spirit.

How would I endure the cold without you? How would I endure rough times without my friend who had seen me through seasons of weather?

I knew you depended on me now to do the right thing, to let you go. Did I shed one tear less because Max and Hobbes were waiting for you? We missed them together, side by side. They will show you the path to take where the place is beautiful and where you’ll wait for me.

I will never forget the day I met you. You were a tiny furball, spunky and had a bit of the devil in you. Who knew that your role in my life would be like an angel? You grew up to be a gentle noble soul, there for me, always, a quiet steady force.

I remember how you began your journey with us, with Max and Hobbes. Max knew right away that you were the boss, and you knew right away that Hobbes was the boss.

How strong and glorious a being you were–full of life, with curiosity and charm. Always on our paths you’d look to see that Max and I weren’t too far behind, making sure we would take the same path together, and never get lost.

Your beauty melted my heart time and time again. I only had to look into your blue eyes to see warmth and love.

Wherever I went, you were with me, and everyone noticed you because you are a beautiful snow dog. Our trips to Tim Hortons, and the lady always gave you a timbit.

Our trips downtown Oakville, and people were in awe at how beautiful you were.

Our many many trips to the north, where even my mom let you sleep on the bed with her, despite how much room you took.

There is no where I can look at home, that I don’t see you, no where in my heart that I don’t feel you.

I feel like everything beautiful in me was because of you my beautiful dog. I wonder if I would have been as determined to get a good job, if it weren’t for you and Max.

I remember the day of my “testing”, leaving the house at 4 in the morning…you and max were still asleep, and I patted your heads, saying, I’m doing this for you, for our lives”.

You were my reason for getting up in the morning.
I needed a home for you so that I could keep you. I needed to be independent for us.
And what a job it’s been.

But no matter what I have seen or done, everyday I was thankful to come home to your cheeriness, and insistence that we go for a walk. It was always joyous to watch you walk, and enjoy the smells.

You were a very protective dog, even though you were quiet. I remember using your senses to know whether someone was trustworthy or not.
Ever since Max died, you were quiet….you were only vocal around him….and then it was just talking…

I remember only twice that you howled. It was the cutest thing I had ever seen. Everything about you was instinctive.
No matter where I was in the house, you were by my side.

And how you loved the car. You needed the window down to feel the breeze on your face.

I enjoyed life more with you in it. I endured difficult things more with you by my side. You were the biggest comfort in my life.

You even loved listening to me practice the violin.
I hope you feel that your life was enchanted….I know you would have loved a little bit more freedom.

You were so beautiful, Your fur, your eyes, your face, and your big burly chest.

I love you my friend.
The snow wont ever be the same without my snowdog. Walks wont ever be the same without my buddy.

Stay with Max and Hobbes, give them big kisses, and wait for me. Please look over me, and let me feel your presence.

You will never be forgotten.

I love you, and miss you with all my heart.

 

With Love,