Niko

Fate dealt Niko a pretty challenging hand. At 5 months old he needed TPO surgery and his ankles on both back legs were ill-formed making him run like a camel! He came so close to being euthanized but when we learned about him we whisked him away from the shelter where he had been surrendered. Such a loving, happy boy he was . . . every day. Eventually, he blew out both knees (he was a pointer, and pointers just have to run!) and after two surgeries he had both front legs scoped and cleaned out for arthritis. Didn't change anything for Niko. He just kept running and playing every day with the other GSPs in our family. Then in June 2014, at age 10, he met his greatest challenge: a diagnosis of osteosarcoma indicated by a fracture on his right front leg. No amputation since his other legs weren't strong enough so he wore a splint until the end. This handsome boy was so accustomed to pain, even with meds, that he just ignored it and continued loving life. Niko was made of joy and resilience. And I've never known a braver spirit, human or canine. He loved life too much to give up on it. He was the anchor dog for our family of pointers. Several came and went while Niko endured and flourished even with cancer. I want to be just like him when faced with what seem like insurmountable obstacles or adversaries. I hope I can push through pain that tries to take away my happiness, even my will to live. Niko was such a sweet gift to me for 11 years but he will be my inspiration for ever.