Mika has been with me since he was 8 wks old and has a wonderful personality. He’s actually picked up habits of me and my children. He’s a very special part of our family and we are very upset to be dealing with this. I slept on the kitchen floor last night with him because it seemed to keep him happier. He tried to run around outside but quickly reminded himself that he doesn’t have the stamina to handle that type of activity anymore. He came to a sudden hault and turned around to come back inside. It’s so sad to see him like this because he’s always been very active and playful.

Mika knows what certain words like rice, chicken, cookies, potty, outside, water, play, bye-bye, monkey (favorite stuffed toy), and many other things mean but lately doesn’t have a reaction to any of them. Just a few weeks ago he was full of energy, but I’m sure the medication and lack of oxygen affects his mobility. It’s just hard to believe that the full exam he had in February showed no signs of illness compared to the x-rays we had done this past Saturday. Now he’s visibly showing major signs throughout his entire internal system. They said all the therapy in the world couldn’t help him at the stage he’s currently at. Mika’s favorite place is at the Truckee River in South Lake Tahoe. He could smell when we were nearby and spin in circles in the back f my SUV until we arrived. We literally had to drag him back to our truck to leave after spending hours swimming and barking at the rocks we would throw to splash water around him. This will be Mika’s final resting place…his ashes will be sprinkled with love and prayers into the running, melted snow from the Sierras of Lake Tahoe, CA. A dear member of our family will be leaving us soon and there are no words I can type to express my true feelings. Yes Mika knows who MaMa is and runs to my son when he hears his name!!!

We love you Mika!

MaMa & Franky

MIKA
2/17/96 - 6/21-06

Due to severe seizures this morning, we were forced to take Mika to the doctor to let him rest. I never realized just how hard this would be for me. It was peaceful but although I did what I can and was there for him 24/7 for the past few weeks, I still feel like I did something wrong. It was very hard to leave him. I stayed with him during the injection and spoke to him about Lake Tahoe and how much I love him. Thank you for placing his story on your website and your support through the last few weeks. The pink paw magnet is on my BMW and I carry it with love and prayers to all the dogs dealing with cancer.

Laurie Anderson