Nakita the Alaskan Malamute Dog

Published on Jan 1st, 2008

By Trish (Missouri)

On one sunny Sunday afternoon I stopped by the OSPCA to see the dogs ... nothing unusual for me as I tend to do this every so often - I am a great lover of animals, but have a soft spot for dogs. Upon my arrival I walked over to what looked like an empty kennel with a dog house set back to one corner. Suddenly I spotted a beautiful and most exotic looking dog peering out from behind the dog house. She appeared frightened, the Shelter Manager stated that she wouldn't come near people, that she was too timid. This beautiful animal intrigued me, I needed to know her background ...sadly the Shelter Manager explained that she was rescued with 18 other dogs that had been abandoned and left to die in a shed, she had spinal damage caused at birth which made her worthless to this "puppy mill" - she was almost starved to death and had broken bones. I was mortified. I politely asked if I could go in the kennel and just sit, I would not attempt to approach her given her tremendous fear of humans - the Manager permitted me to go in. I went in and sat directly in the center of the kennel, ensuring not to frighten her by making any sudden movements. I sat there quietly for about 5 minutes, making no sound, no eye contact - just sitting there. This magnificent creature came from around the dog house, hunched down and with very cautious steps walked around me - seems she was just as curious about me as I was about her. She continued to walk around me and, coming from behind me, she laid down directly beside me. What happened next stunned me beyond belief, she gently rested her head on my lap and looked up at me ... her eyes were full of uncertainty, but at the same time they held that "I've been waiting for you, just for you", and in that very moment I fell in love with her and treasured her greatly for the next 7 and half years. Her funny little characteristics, she never barked - but oh my, how she loved to try and talk to me.

Last week, this sweet and gentle soul passed away in my arms ... leaving the pain and agony of this world behind her - all I could do was tell her that I loved her dearly, so much so that words couldn't tell her how much. I whispered in her ear that I was sorry this world wasn't a little kinder to her ... I truly hope she knew how much she is loved. To me, she was a gift -

To my beautiful and precious Nakita - or as I always called her "Mykita" ....
May you run and move, free of pain,
And may I see you some day, once again.

"Mommy"