We adopted Nicolas in March, 2008 from our local Humane Society. He was about 9 years old, all beige cocker spaniel. He had been left in their exercise yard during the night. Nicky lived at the HS about a month before we found him. His being deaf had no impact on his "new" brothers or his ability to find his spot in the house pack. What Nicolas lacked in hearing, he made up for in personality, and was quickly nicknamed "wigglebutt" because when he wagged his tail, his whole butt would wag. Nicky was very happy, following me everywhere. He had his own bed next to ours, and would sleep there when we were sleeping, checking every so often to make sure we were still there. Nicolas would roam from room to room looking for me when he couldn't see me, and when found me, his whole body wiggled, his face would light up as he would come over and lay down at my feet.
In November, he developed a cough. After two months of every antibiotic possible and then a lymph node aspiration, he was diagnosed with Lymphoma. We began chemotherapy treatments which only put him into partial remition. The cancer quickly metastasized involving his bone marrow (leukemia) and central nervous system. He lost most of the strength in his left side, needing to be carried around and supported when he tried to walk or do his "business". But none of this ever diminished the sparkle in his eyes or his will to keep the wiggle alive. He had a couple setbacks, but managed to come back from each one.
On April 8 with a final wag of his tail, he passed peacefully to Rainbow Bridge at home. He will always be my "Littlest McGee".
Merritt Island, FL
