It is worth all the pain this week. . .
This week was one I don’t care to repeat anytime soon, and thankfully I can’t repeat it. My forever furbaby friend left me Monday morning, being as brave as he’s ever been. About three months ago, my long-time little buddy lost his eyesight. That’s something that is not uncommon with toy poodles from what I’m told. Nickel had been with me for about eight years, and they were eight awesome years. He met no strangers and was the perfect addition to the Times staff. He entertained the kiddos as they came in, allowing each and everyone who wanted to pet him to do so. He welcomed treats and for those that new his favorites, they quickly became his best buds. Candy canes were always a favorite and his supporters made sure he had them year-round. He loved nothing more than a fresh out of the freezer frozen candy cane in August. He liked attending city, county, and school board meetings because he always drew attention and he loved that (especially if there was a treat involved).
Laying him to rest was no easy task and I’m thankful for awesome friends who helped with that. I didn’t dress him up in his Sunday go to meeting 3-piece suit. I opted to forego that since he was a champ when I would insist on it and went with a simple polo that he never objected to. The suit was okay until it came time for his tie and that sometimes presented a problem. Of course, he won that battle hands down.
I have an awesome staff at the Times. They gave me some alone time with Nickel after he passed away and that was much appreciated. Also for the last few years, as everyone knows, I’ve not been as mobile as in my younger years. As soon as Nickel gave the sign that he needed to go outside, I had volunteers saying, “Come on Nickel, I gotcha, let’s go for a walk.” Very seldom did he and his volunteer come back in without a tale of his latest excursion. Oftentimes, it involved him spotting a Jackson County worker across the parking lot and a race to get there to greet him or her. Nickel was convinced that everyone he came in contact with loved him, after all what was not to love about him? Sometimes, it would be something as simple as wanting to bask in the sun for a few minutes. I’m happy happy to report, not a single one of my co-workers objected.
Nickel’s presence in the office will certainly be missed but his presence with me our vehicle is one that I’m struggling to deal with. I can’t remember ever being behind the wheel of my current vehicle without him with me. That hit home and actually hit me in the face big time Monday night when I went to leave the office. Without a thought, I reached over to where his bed had always been and BOOM! Reality it. Reality has set in now and I’m working hard on accepting it but it may take me a bit to do that. Unti then, I’ll continue to do my best and report to work as Nickel would want me to do. After all, he never wanted to disappoint his fan club. Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me this week – you are greatly appreciated.
