Nikko had the most stylish boots that helped him walk.
He had an unexplained accident earlier in his life that seemed to have broken both his front wrists, and his previous owner never did anything to help rectify the situation. Luckily they contacted Erin and asked if she would have him. She drove over to their home so quickly and took Nikko home. He was 9 1/2 years old.
He was fitted with braces to help him walk and lead as normal a life as he could. Nikko never complained. He was stoic and just got on with living with his handicap.
Mum followed his story and got in touch. So when George and Mum travelled to NYC in March 2017, they met up.
Lucky George got to meet Nikko!
Nikko showed Mum how he walked in his braces.
Nikko turned 15 last month. He had been gradually declining. And then Erin noticed that Nikko wasn’t putting weight on his left front paw. She took him to the vet and confirmed that he had cancer. Two Sundays ago, Nikko fell asleep in Erin’s arms.
Now he has no more need for those braces. He will once again run freely on all fours.
May’s comment: I first learnt about Nikko’s story in 2016 on a Facebook page. I followed Erin’s story of giving Nikko, a 9 1/2 year old Brussels Griffon a home, gave him love and every possible chance to lead a normal life after an unexplained early injury in his previous home which resulted in both his front paws being hyper extended. He couldn’t walk properly as his wrists couldn’t bear his weight.
Erin had him fitted with braces to help him walk. (You can read about his story in These shoes are made for walking.)
In March 2017, I travelled to NYC with George and we managed to meet up with Erin and Nikko. We even went to a Max-Bone party. (Paw-tying with Nikko in NYC)
Erin and I have exchanged messages and kept up with each other over the years. And last Monday, I saw a post on Facebook and just dreaded what I would read – and it broke my heart.
Yesterday I had to make the most excruciating decision I’ve ever had to make. I knew it was time to help my darling Nikko cross over into the realm where suffering doesn’t exist. He’s been through so much in his 15 years here on earth, and he was always such a brave and stoic boy. He has been gradually declining, and two nights ago I noticed he wasn’t putting any weight on his front left paw. I looked and saw on his knuckle what I knew in my heart of hearts was the dreaded C word. I brought him to the vet, and asked her, without doing any biopsies or tests, what she thought it was. She agreed with me. I couldn’t let him suffer any longer or let it get any worse. I did everything I could for him in the time I had him, but it still never feels like it was enough. He crossed over peacefully in my arms yesterday, to join his brother Baxter in the great beyond. I just hope he knew how much he was loved. Rest peacefully my beloved boy. Until we meet again.
Run free Nikko. You were so loved. And meeting you was a highlight in my years as a dog mum.
All our friends in the Great Beyond will be there to run and play with you.
Back row: Bert, Bella, Jake, Rockster, Diesel, Kiva, Truffle, Bailey, Hector, Tiger Rose, Claude, Myrtle, Duke, Luna, Alfie, Lucky, Ghost, Jindol
Front row: Gus, Sandy, Molly, Milo, Pandora, Sunni, Jake, Pip, Quincy, Maddie, Nikko, Sam, Ginger
