MY PRECIOUS MIKKO
Mikko came into our family in 1988 when she was 6 weeks initially to keep Shansi my first dog company as a sister. But Mikko actually became my companion far more than Shansi’s. Dad didn’t want me to pick her as she was the “runt” of the litter and he thought she’d be sickly all of her life but actually she was the healthier of the two. During the 90 minute ride home she didn’t stop licking me for even a second and I marveled at how affectionate she was.
One look at Mikko and it was love at first sight. Once home she quickly claimed our little Teddy Bear as her very own and stood guard over her…. making sure that no one could hurt her new found “stuffed companion”. Who says stuffed Teddy Bears are just for little boys and little girls. I discovered that Mikko was a great bed companion and made a wonderful “shoulder” to cry on when I was upset. She also had a sensitive gentleness to her manner – she found a very kind and delightful way of waking me up each morning.
After sleeping all night with me when she wanted me to wake up she’d place her chin on my hand/forearm and stare at me. The first thing I saw as my eyes awakened each morning were Mikko’s eyes just a few inches from mine anxiously staring and awaiting for mine to open….What a delightful way to welcome in each new day. During dinner time she didn’t beg either.
Whenever I ate she’d intently watch me ever so quietly hoping that there would be something to lick when I was finished..Mikko defines “good natured dog”. Whenever anyone entered our home she greeted them as a new friend to kiss and get acquainted with. She wasn’t satisfied until everyone got at least 50 kisses of course! Everyone laughed and commented on her friendliness and soon considered her their pal.
When some of my friends came over their first question was “Where’s Mikko” before they had even crossed our front doorway…..it seemed as though the primary purpose of their visit was to get all those kisses from Mikko and then we could take care of our own business. In 1996 we faced a critical event in my life. A brain abscess had put me into a coma and caused paralysis.
http://www.angelfire.com/ca/kktbisocialnetwork/karen.html
Mikko was one of my greatest motivating factors for recovering and relearning how to walk. I desperately missed my two daughter pooches Shansi my black and white 9 year old Shih-Tzu and Mikko my tan 8 year old mixed Terrier Mutt. As I am approaching the 30′ runway every day in the hospital’s physical therapy room I am picturing them both at the opposite end of the runway saying… “HURRY MOMMY WE MISS YOU…PLEASE LEARN TO WALK… WE NEED YOU BACK HOME WITH US”. As I imagine them there I am getting pretty teary eyed and working hard at walking step by step ignoring the IV needles that are piercing through my veins as I am putting the pressure of my weight on my hands trying to slide my limp lifeless
paralyzed left hand across the railings.
Dad brought their pictures to the hospital and every nurse and Dr. who treated me was quickly made aware of their importance to me and the fact that I had to get home as soon as possible to return to my motherly duties and the Teddy Bear that I had in the hospital bed with me everynight just didn’t fit the bill. I became too disabled to work after that brain abscess but Mikko made my unemployment tolerable. She spent the day under my computer table on her pillow to keep me company when I was on line continued being my bed partner and welcomed me
with gleeful joy whenever I returned
home from an errand.
She was one of the most communicative dogs I have ever seen and her tail eyes and tongue were always talking to me. Her capacity for excitement was contagious and always prompted me to sweep her 7 lbs up into my arms and exchange kisses. Then the unthinkable happened on Sunday 8/11/02. We lost Mikko. She had to be put to sleep and died in my arms. At the end of the month she will be returned to me physically in a beautiful urn at which time I plan to hold a tribute for her.
Meanwhile I have put her harness/tags on her favorite stuffed pet which I now snuggle with every night until I cry myself to sleep. Mikko you will forever be in our hearts. You are one of a kind and can never be replaced.
Please visit my photo album below:
http://community.webshots.com/album/6163443oTxudHWgBB
Love and Hugs,
Karen
| Mikko |
| Karen |