TW: pet death
I really don’t want to write this post. In fact, in many ways I struggled with whether I should. I am also struggling with whether or not I can.
But I’ve decided it’s important.
You see, today my family is losing our beloved dog, Mikko.

Mikko has gotten old, and is no longer himself. For many reasons, my parents decided it was kinder to let him go to sleep than to carry on as he is.
I understand, but am heartbroken.
We got Mikko several months after our first dog, Meg, was put down after she broke her back.
He was a Sheba Inu. My parents decided on that breed as they wanted a dog with high energy to encourage our family to walk more. A high energy dog is what we got!
Mikko loved to go on his runs around the house, and we always knew he was up to trouble when he got that gleam in his eyes.
As a puppy, Mikko also loved the taste of plastic, and ruined a few glasses that people left lying around!
Mikko also had an amazing sense of when something was wrong.
When I was in my late teens, I worked at camp and ended up hurting my foot/ankle. The doctor at the hospital in the local town told me it was just at bad sprain, but it later turned out that it was broken, and I had damage to it because it hadn’t been properly casted.
When I came back home from camp, Mikko kept trying to lick my foot and ankle at the same places that it hurt. He wouldn’t leave them alone.
He knew.
Mikko was also a great companion.
When I hurt my neck in university, and spent many nights awake in the basement, sitting in the chair in pain… Mikko would come and sit with me.
When the pain got unbearable, he knew and would let me know he was there. That helped get me through the tough nights.
I will forever be grateful to him for that.
I have obviously moved away from my parents’ home now, and live abroad, but I’ve always loved visiting and seeing Mikko when I got back, and talking to him on Skype (although he always got wound up by hearing my voice on the computer!). It hurts that I cannot be there to say a proper goodbye to him, but I am glad that I was able to see him in October.
Mikko was a good dog, and I hope he knew that.

I had to skim instead of reading thoroughly because my heart will break apart, but I’m so so sorry for your loss. He’s so cute ❤
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Thank you. ❤
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I was once told by a 6-year-old, “I know why dogs don’t live as long as Mommies or Daddies.” Oh? I asked her why that was. She said dogs know their entire lives what unconditional love is. Since we are people we had to live longer to know what that feels like. From the mouths of babes. I have no other answer but I do believe she is correct. I am so VERY sorry for your loss. Pets leave a special, untouchable place in our hearts… forever. ~Kim
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How very true. Thank you. ❤
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Sending you loads of love Erin. Such a beautiful post and tribute to Mikko’s life
Sam xx❤❤
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Thanks Sam. ❤
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I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. He looked like such a beauty and joy. Sending you many hugs xxx
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Thank you very much. xx
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Oh I am so sorry for your loss . When we get them they are pets but they become Your family & your life without even telling you. We can’t imagine the life without them .Lots of hugs for you .
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It’s true. Thank you xx
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Miko run free over the Rainbow Bridge xx…much love Erin xx
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Thank you ❤
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A special dog and I’m sure Mikko knew he was a good dog. Lots of love Erin x x x x
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He was. Thank you xx
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So sorry to hear this. I wrote a similar post about my golden retriever girl and although writing it was really hard, sometimes it helps to think about the fun times you shared and the happy memories. Dogs are so good at knowing when something isn’t right and showing that they care.
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Thank you. It does help to write and remember the good times. I’m sorry you lost your golden retriever.
Dogs are really the best. ❤
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