With hardened hearts...

 We bid farewell... you were a great companion old boy... Nickey Boy, you will be so, so missed!

 

   I came across this poem and it just says it all...

IF IT SHOULD BE

If it should be that I grow weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle cannot be won.

You will be sad, I understand.
Don't let your grief then stay your hand.
For this day, more than all the rest,
Your love for me must stand the test.

We've had so many happy years.
What is to come can hold no fears.
You'd not want me to suffer so;
The time has come -- please let me go.

Take me where my need they'll tend,
And please stay with me till the end.
Hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time that you will see
The kindness that you did for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.

Please do not grieve -- it must be you
Who had this painful thing to do.
We've been so close, we two, these years;
Don't let your heart hold back its tears.

--- Anonymous --- 

Some photos from the good and happy days!

 You loved watching over the kiddos in the sandbox!

 ..You loved warm driveways and cold snowy days!

 A drink from the hose please!

 In your really young days!

 Such a proud brother and protector!

 Enjoying your last Christmas morning with us!

We let you enjoy lots and lots and LOTS of treats!

You really weren't fond of toys anymore!

Nickel... we know there will be spiders up in heaven for you!!  *Spider-spider-spider!!*  Go get us some spiders!!! (Your response...running around and ruff-ruff-ruffing!)

There will be empty plastic jugs for you to chomp on!!  Chow down pup!!  Remember that?  Those were the only toys you knew how to play with when we adopted you!

We know there will be lots and lots of land!  Run puppy run!!

We know there will be treats for you to eat until your belly aches!  Yum, yum, yum!

We know you won't have to be stuck in your crate, the basement, and the garage anymore!

We know you WILL be able to see, hear, and smell again!

We know you will do your 'business' outside where it belongs!

We know you won't be in any pain!

We know you will be able to sleep all night and play all day!

We know you won't bark until your throat hurts anymore!

We know you will be able to drink as much water as you want ALL day long!!

Nickel-boy catch some butterflies for us!  Say hi to Lacey (...and Noel, and Polar, and Patches too!) for us!

We will dearly miss you...we gave you the best home we could for 9 or so years!  We adopted you in 2005.  When we first adopted you all you wanted was men!  You followed Daddy around everywhere, laid at his feet, and played with him.  You HATED to be picked up and carried... as you grew to love us you allowed me to love you and you loved me!  You let Daddy pick you up without growling... you were such a lovable companion for so many years!!  You trusted us and followed our rules.  You loved Morgan and RJ when they joined our family... 

Unfortunately old age got the better of you... We know you will be so happy now in your new home, Heaven.  We will love you and miss you and think about you often... but we really know you are thankful to be in Heaven...happy and feeling like a pup again!

We love you!  Rest in peace Nickey-boy, good ol' boy!

November 22, 2001 - February 8, 2014

...one last thing... will you please wish Lacey a happy birthday for me today!!!