Remembering Niski

I hope you don’t mind the diversion from DIY.  I just wanted to share some Niski photos.  I love doing a search for her name on my own blog and remembering my little girl.  It still hurts so much. I just miss her.  
My daughter had these ones on her cell phone.  Some I actually haven’t seen.  She was a cutie. 
Her little pjs…

 Crazy long tongue!

Smile!

When Mr. DIY got his Big Green Egg (he LOVES that thing and uses it in the snow!), he thought Niski would be interested in hearing all about grilling, smoking, BBQ and it’s features.  I think she was relieved when she discovered it was just an introduction and not an invitation to a wienie roast…

Niski and her alpha dog.
Julia (our foreign exchange student) & Niski

Naptime…

The scar on her belly was from surgery to remove a push pin that she ate when she was a puppy. Thankfully she recovered nicely and we had a few more years with he
r and liked to joke that the surgeon should have installed a zipper.  Fortunately she outgrew the habit of eating everything except food quickly after that experience.
Christmas morning 2009
Let me in!
Bathtime…
Happy Girl!

Doxie block.
Ali & Niski


Niski Nogi (what we interpret to mean ‘short legs’ in Polish even though it’s not quite correct).  I miss your snore.  I miss your yawns and sighs.  I miss your begging. I miss praising when I see that there isn’t an accident and for a brief millisecond, I forget why there isn’t.   I miss the loving welcome greeting when I walk in the door, the treat bribe when I walk out the door.   I miss the playing and snuggling and burrowing.  I miss scratching behind your ears and rubbing your belly.  I miss your wiggle dance and tap dancing toes.   I miss our dinner time ritual.  I regret that there isn’t one single picture of me with you because I was always behind the camera. Seeing the doggy aisle in the store makes me cry.  Remembering last Christmas morning opening presents has me longing that we’d be doing the same this year.  Every occasion, every season, I’m just going to miss having you by my side.  My little shadow.  My heart just aches.  But I know you’re not suffering.  You’re resting in  p
eace and peace will come for us with time.  For now, we just miss you so much and our hearts are filled with so much love. 



Comfort

I just wanted to thank you again for your words of comfort and patience during our loss. I wanted to share a little story that warms our hearts.  Reenie sent me this and I shared it with Russ…

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. 

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. 

There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. 
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. 


All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. 
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. 


They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. 

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. 

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together…. 

Author unknown… 

I was in the basement painting cabinet doors, trying to keep busy but still crying off and on, just missing her.  Russ called me up to dinner.  He made a yummy 3 cheese tomato and spinach tortellini dish.  He lit candles and opened a bottle of wine.  I know. He cooks.  A fancy dinner for a wife with a red nose, puffy eyes in doxie lounge pants and painting sweatshirt.  He’s a keeper.  We said a little prayer, toasted Niski and were eating when I noticed that the candle light shining through my wine glass made a little dancing rainbow prism on my dinner plate.  Both of our eyes filled with MORE tears.  It felt like a sign that Niski was okay.  🙂

I read your comments over and over.  Blog friends are the best “hug”. 

We like to think that Niski is happy, healthy and pain-free in heaven, burrowing in fresh fuzzy blankies straight from the dryer.   

I love the Rainbow Bridge poem.  It’s a comforting fairy tale type story.  I believe my Niski is in heaven and that HE sent the little rainbow prism while the Rainbow Bridge poem was fresh in our minds.  God gives us the biggest comfort at all, listening to our prayers and healing our broken hearts.  

Today when I checked the drying painted cabinets, once again – a prism where the sun shining through the cut glass window.  It feels so special and I know God is sending us signs that Niski is at peace.  2 rainbow prisms in 2 days?!  
And your words of comfort, your hugs, sharing your stories and comments have helped us tremendously.  I appreciate every single comment.  I’m thankful for bloggy friends.  I love that we can share projects but I love that we feel connected enough to share happy times and comfort each other through tough times.  Niski was a huge part of our blog.  She will be missed.  And I’m happy that you got to know and love her.  

This is my favorite blog post this year.  This post is my reminder that God is always present.  Whether in the form of rainbow prisms or sending blog friends for comfort…we’re so blessed. 

Niski

Niski is no longer in pain or suffering. She’s at peace.  I, on the other hand, have the biggest heartache.  We will miss our little tap dancer, vacuum-wiener, happy baby, doxie girl forever.  Thank you so much for your hugs, thoughts, prayers and support.  

[232323232%7Ffp53677)nu=324;)6;4);82)WSNRCG=323+6+8836+96nu0mrj.jpg] 
[232323232%7Ffp53677)nu=324;)6;4);82)WSNRCG=323+6+8836+95nu0mrj.jpg]