Remembering Niko

“Thought of you with love today, but that is nothing new.
I thought about you yesterday, and days before that too.
I think of you in silence, I often speak your name.
All I have are memories and a picture in a frame.”

Thank you for visiting Niko’s site which will continue to be a work in progress. I have put this site together for two reasons. First and foremost,  as a tribute to my wonderful friend, Niko, to share his story and our journey. At the time of his death, nearly half of my life  had been spent loving this incredible being, and I don’t want to forget any memory of him. It has been a long road, getting used to life after Niko. The world is a little darker place, but my life is better for having known such a great love.

The second reason for this site didn’t become clear until mid 2010. Grief has taught me compassion. No one should feel alone when faced with a major loss, but often society and loved ones do not know how to react to grief – especially pet loss. It makes them uncomfortable or they just don’t understand. I want to extend a hand to all those faced with such heartache. I want them to feel they are not alone, and their feelings are normal. Validation can mean so much during a time of despair. It means a lot to me to know this site has helped comfort someone, if only in the smallest way.

Niko's most 'famous' portrait - taken in April 2008, under a weeping cherry tree

Just a Dog

by Richard Biby, Tulsa, Oklahoma

From time to time, people tell me, “lighten up, it’s just a dog,” or, “that’s a lot of money for just a dog.” They don’t understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for “just a dog.”

Some of my proudest moments have come about with “just a dog.” Many hours have passed and my only company was “just a dog,” but I did not once feel slighted.

Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by “just a dog,” and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of “just a dog” gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.

If you, too, think it’s “just a dog,” then you will probably understand phases like “just a friend,” “just a sunrise,” or “just a promise.” “Just a dog” brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy. “Just a dog” brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person.

Because of “just a dog” I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future. So for me and folks like me, it’s not “just a dog” but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.

“Just a dog” brings out what’s good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.

I hope that someday they can understand that it’s not “just a dog” but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being “just a human.”

So the next time you hear the phrase “just a dog.” just smile, because they “just don’t understand.”