T_Nika

Nika was owned and loved by my husband and I (Carol). Nika came from a puppy mill, but we
didn't know what that was at the time. We know better now! I got into rescue in memory of her
and her mother who most likely lived in conditions as horrible as our late rescue "queen bee"
Sheila.

Nika was our first Malamute and boy I wish we knew then what I know now. We made a lot of
mistakes with her, but she was the best girl in the world. She loved to travel and meet people
(good thing, we were in the Air Force the first 9 years of her life!) and she was wonderful with
children. Kids on base would come to our door and ask "can Nika come out and play?" Her
striking markings would generate a lot of interest from strangers and next thing we knew Nika
had made a new friend. Our Portuguese friends and neighbors (we lived in the Azores for 2
years) would bring food goodies for her and they got a big kick out of her when they would say
"sit" or "shake" and she'd oblige by sitting or offering her paw.

Nika was diagnosed with Addison's disease when she was just over 9 years old, and we nearly
lost her before we knew something was wrong. Thanks to the miracle of modern vet medicine,
her disease was treatable and she had several more good quality years. When she did begin to
fail, it was very fast and we were so unprepared to lose her. Old age had suddenly caught up to
her and it was time to say "goodbye". We never knew what it was like to have our hearts ripped
in pieces before, but that's what it felt like the day we "let her go". Eventually time began to
heal the pain..........and we thought about getting a new puppy.......but would take another year
and a half.......Nika died just 3 months shy of her 14th birthday.

Nika you are still missed very much by "mom & dad. Tasha has joined you at the Rainbow
Bridge (lost her 10 months after Nika, to cancer) and Squeaker is still here as top cat of the
house. I know you are still "here" as your paw has been in many rescue situations.

Love, Carol & Vic