"I love Nicky like he was human." - Me.

Why a page dedicated to a mammal? Why, if you've been longing for one almost all your life, and finally got it and its the greatest creature in the whole world, why not? Nicky, a spitz pomeranian mix, was my uncle's before I got him somewhere in November '95. Back then, the thought of having a dog sends jolts of fear up my mom's spine -- she's scared of them furry critters. So it was a surprise she agreed. Now, Nicky is an intergral part of our family. From his favourite chair in the study room, and how he reacts to the word "Let's Go!" (his eyes lit up and he zooms towards you, stopping only when he crashes bodily into you), every facet of his personality is embedded in our lives. He likes to rush upstairs to us during thunderstorms cause he's scared, looks at you pleadingly when you eat...life would be unbearable without him. In December, we nearly lost him - Nicky was attacked by a neighbourhood dog and had to go through surgery. Brain surgery, to be precise. Skull fragments were embedded in his brain, and the vet wasn't sure whether he would walk again -- the thought of him not jumping with joy was unbearable, so was the thought of putting him to sleep. I've had him for only 2 months then - I thought he would be gone for sure, but thanks to the Lord, he survived! Anyway, he has these cute quirks: He hates all males. Why? Ask him! I think he gets jealous easily. He attacks you if you say 'let's go!'. In a nice way of course. He thinks its time for his daily walk. When it comes to the spot beside the TV, he thinks he's the maharajah He is 2 years old. What's so quirky about that? Oh, I've forgotten to put it all up there! So with all the attention we give him, it's natural he's spoiled silly. Walks everyday, loitering in and out the house (in Malaysia, its almost unheard of. Dogs stay out. That's how the world works, as long as we know it). My friends would never understand why I'm so attached to him, which is just as well -- you've got to have a dog to understand.