Nikko and me

Photo of my dachshund puppy Nikko lying on my feet
Nikko by my feet | Trivandrum, Kerala, India

Nikko was a 51-days-old dachshund puppy when I got him. He liked to sleep on my feet or on my slippers and he was so little that he could easily fit into one slipper. The first couple of days, he hardly slept and was always running around and hungry. I was always sleepy after I got him because I could never match up to his energy levels and I was planning to follow his diet! As usual, in the first week, I was taking his pictures. One time, he sat down in one spot and stared at me. Even when I called him, he kept staring at me. I was wondering what happened to him. Usually, he’d always follow me around or would come if I called him. After a few hours, he started vomiting and it would not stop. I took him to the vet and the vet confirmed it was Canine Parvovirus. We began treatment the very same day. After a day or so, he showed signs of recovering. But again, he went back to vomiting and diarrhoea. Over the next few days, he would pass out bloody diarrhoea. One day, in spite of the IV, he didn’t stand up. The whole day he lay there in the same position I had kept him. But he had vomited only twice that day, so I was excited to think that he was recovering. But sadly, he cried one last time and he left us. I wanted him to see this world and enjoy life and wished that he would always stay small. But he chose to stay young forever. Life feels empty and silent now.

358 Replies to “Nikko and me”

  1. Hope Nikko felt love (never a match to what man’s best friend offers unconditionally) during those few days he spent with you. We’ve 2 daughters – Mylo & Maggy (Japanese & German Spitzes) – who are, for all practical purposes – our children, just with 2 additional legs & a fluffy tail, compared to our son. We know they’ll shower unconditional love for 12-14 years only. And like any caring parents, we dread the day they won’t be around. So, it’s just love, love & some more love, until then. May Grace đŸ™Œ be with you & offer solace to recover from the loss of Nikko.

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  12. I love all animals, in fact all of Nature! As a cat person, I have had them sit on my feet. It is such a ‘warm’ feeling, one of love and companionship. Your photo here brings that back to me. Sorry to hear about Nikko. Perhaps you could share some of your Nikko photos (I know yours is a people-foto blog, but…it would be nice to see since you’ve shared your story).

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  13. I am sorry to hear that Nikko became ill and passed away. He seemed like a sweet and loving puppy, so I can understand why you miss him. Your post made me think about the pets that I have lost over the years. My last dog died six years ago, and I missed her so much that I adopted another dog from the local animal shelter right away to fill the void left by her absence.

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  16. So So Sorry. My black lab is 14 years old and is showing his age. He’s been a part of my life since he was 7 weeks old. I know there will be a day when he will no longer be by my side. I find myself crying just thinking about it. So I’m sorry for your loss.

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  26. What a beautiful picture.
    I’m so sorry to hear that he’s not around anymore. These lovely creatures come into our lives but never leave our hearts, right?

    May Nikko rest in peace.

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  32. Always sad when our pets leave for the Rainbow Bridge. The little guy had more trouble than his body could handle. Watch for your next four-legged tail wagger – another dog is waiting for you. Picture, please.

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  34. Oh, Joshi. My heart aches for you. Puppies do get into our lives so quickly. May you find another sweet puppy to help ease the pain of losing your sweet pup. Hugs from Texas.

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  37. I thought it was a really sweet photograph … but it’s a sad photograph :(
    We lost a puppy to Parvovirus too – we hadn’t had him long but it was quite a wrench and I still feel sadness for a life unlived.

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  39. I’m so sorry you didn’t get more time. I lost my faithful hound just yesterday, she was 15, and I miss her. Sending you a big hug.

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  43. Really sorry for your loss. It’s not easy losing those who are close to our heart, no matter how brief is the time we have spent with them! Hoping that God helps you overcome the grief.

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  47. I feel really sorry for your loss. My dog is a real friend and good companion so I understand how painful that is when you realize that your friend is not able to accompany you anymore. Wish you a lot of positive energy right now!

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  48. Very aggrieved to learn of your loss. What a beautiful wee hound, far too darling for words. Wonderful breed, love dachshunds. Very sweet dogs. Thinking out to you.

    Autumn Jade

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  51. So sad. Your story gives the photo an entirely different feeling from my first impression. Poor pup!

    We nearly lost our 12-year-old dog last week with similar symptoms, but thankfully her treatments worked. She had sneaked into the chicken pen when we weren’t looking and eaten a belly full of nasty things, which infected her with parasites and bacteria.

    I’m sorry for your loss. Dogs are special companions.

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  56. Thank you for sharing Nikko’s journey with us. Though his time here was so short, he has left an indelible mark on the fabric of our universe with his little spirit. I am very sorry for the loss of your friend, your companion. Though his absence hurts, his presence will always leave your heart more tender for the world.

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  58. Thank you for sharing. I have compassion for your loss. I too had a dog that had had parvo… May Nikko soar high with the angels. Namaste.

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  60. I’m so sorry for your loss. I had a puppy that stole my heart and quickly died from the same disease. It was heart wrenching. I’m tearing up now just thinking about it and that was nearly 8years ago.

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  63. This is so sad, I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my best friend in March unexpectedly and it was so difficult. She was in our lives for over 11 years. Just last week we adopted a senior dachshund and am enjoying learning more about her every day.

    Tamara

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  65. It’s been more than a year since you lost Nikko, and from my experience, the loss still weighs heavy in your heart. I’ve got an old 12-year-old Labrador that I thought was ready to leave this planet, but she rebounded, but I know that she doesn’t have many more seasons in her. Thanks for writing about your experience. I love your photography.

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  66. Joshi, I have followed you for some time, however it is only now that I have read your post about Nikko. It evoked pain and memories of losing my beloved dachshund, Kiri. But from her death I rescued another just days after her passing. Stanley has been with me for 5 years now, along with his ‘brothers’ Oscar, Simon & most recently, Eddie. They are all rescues (dachshunds) and somehow I believe, if Kiri had not died, I would never have rescued them. The moral I guess is that from immense grief, immense joy and love can emerge. I hope your heart has healed … Jen

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    1. You are right Jen. I still think about him. Now I feel rescuing dogs is the best thing one can do. It is about giving hope and life to a dog who almost lost everything. But really great to hear what did you did. They might be seeing you as god/angel.

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  69. I had a black pug that suffered a similar fate, suddenly my world changed and I thought it would never recover however, time heals all wounds and today smokey joe is a found memory

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  70. Pingback: Fly away – Joshi Daniel Photography

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