My little wonder dog Nikki passed away today.

Angel, it is never easy, even when it is "right," because it can't be quite right again without them.  But she did need you to help her out of this world - a spirit as strong as hers and so bonded to you needed that release.  It was the same with our lab, Jesse, who at 18 and 1/2 was just about record setting and had bounced back over and over from cancer. 
 
And I recall those first nights without our small love cat, Franklin, lying in bed, unable to believe or comprehend I'd never feel her light tread walking up my side to find a cozy spot on my hip or shoulder again.
 
Thinking of you and wishing you comfort in your plentiful memories of Nikki and peace for her.

Angel, I'm also so very sorry for your loss.  My heart aches for you.  I always had the fear of what my life would be like when that day finally came... and it was no where near the sorrow I felt and still feel.  Many of my feelings mirror Tracy's when she speaks of her Tonka.  I lost my own shih tzu mix, FeFe 10 months ago.  I sometimes feel fine and sometimes it's almost as if I'm having an anxiety attack and it's just like yesterday that I lost her.  The crying and sobbing will come at unexpected times. 
 
While FeFe was sick, she came to work with me for a short time.  Recently, there have been several people asking almost on a daily basis how Fe is doing.... and then I have to explain that she passed away.  It's rare that I get through it without tears... I try to hold it in until they leave and then I'm in the bathroom until I'm composed again.  That pain will always remain because we loved & cared for them so deeply while they were with us but hopefully as the days pass... we will be able to deal with it better.  My husband says many of the guys he works with just don't understand why we are still so sad over losing FeFe... then he looks at me and says "but she was our kid!".  For those of us who have been through it, we know how you feel.
 
From what I've read, you were Nikki's angel.  Your sweet stories of the life you two shared warms my heart and brings a smile to my face (while tears pour out of my eyes).  I'm so very sorry for your loss.  Nikki is your angel now... and I pray that she watches over you every day of your life. 
 
Lots of hugs to you.

How are you today Angel?

I am so sorry for your loss.  I had to make the same decision for my Shih Tsu Gizmo in August he was 16.  I understand your attachment to this breed.  The house was not the same.  I have since gotten a little girl Madison, she will never replace my Giz (and sometimes we forget and call her Giz) but she is a sweetheart.
 
Time does help but I tear up when I think of him and like your Nikki he was deaf and going blind and couldn't walk anymore.
 
My heart goes out to you but as I said time does help.  Take comfort in the thought that she is no longer hurting.  Run free Nikki.

Ann, I know my Little girl is with your girl and I know she is being loved and protected by your sweetheart.

I am taking one day at a time. Still come to floods of tears every now and then. I still cannot sleep at night with out her and on an average of over a week since she has been gone, I think I have had three hours all in total of sleep. When you are so used to having a little fur hat on your head for 11 years or a warm, soft little snore in your face at night it is an adjustment to say the least she isn't there. Only time will take adjustment to getting into a different routine.
[linkwww.dogster.com/dogs/281146[/link] A>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/281146]www.dogster.com/dogs/281146[/link] A tribute to my little one was made. She is so deeply missed and I still feel so alone without her by my side.
 
I will be back in a couple of weeks and start a new. I would like to get those addresses out to all that signed up for SS and get it rolling. Maybe this project will help ease my pain.
 
Thinking of you all and thanking you for your kind words, thoughts and prayers. Keep them coming.
 
With a heavy heart,
Angel

I'm sorry for your loss. Run free, Nikki.
 

I am so sorry for your loss Ann, I know there is not one thing that we can say, that will take the pain away.  However, please know that we are here for you, I am here for you. 
 
I have not been here for a while because of school, work and Romeo.  But you and Nikki have been on my mind lately (guess should have checked in sooner) and for some reason came to the "Rainbow Bridge" thread first. 
 
I have been crying for a good while now, thinking about the both of you and trying to come up with something eloquent and insightful to say, but my heart is heavy with emotion.
 
I will light a candle for the little one and for you. 
 
Elizabeth.

Angel,
 
I, too am just now seeing this.  I want to send my most sincere condolences for your loss.  Nikki was obviously loved and well cared for while with you.  You gave her undoubtedly the best years of her life.  God speed, Nikki.

Another late one here. I have a hard time in the Rainbow Bridge section, it always makes me tear up. You gave Nikki a wonderful life. She knows how much she was loved. Run free, little girl.