Inniki came into my life on January 11, 2005 during a blizzard. My three dogs were barking hysterically at the front door, and I opened it to find a small puppy on my porch. How she got there, I will never know. She was so small and weak, a few weeks old at the most. That night she became such an important ambassador of my household. It was a fight from the beginning. Right after she came to me, I found that she had heartworms. With that treated, she began growing stronger everyday. A year later, she was diagnosed with the Parvo virus and Epilepsy. After quite a financial burden, she overcame the Parvo as well. She was put on Phenobarbital, but it did little to control her seizures. Inniki was a fighter, and proved victorious in every battle she fought to live. On my birthday, July 23, 2007, during a routine checkup with her vet, she was diagnosed with stomach cancer. That day, a little part of me died. Every time her future looked bright, another obstacle was placed in her path. Surgery was not an option as the cancer was too advanced. I was told within six months she would pass away. Since then, Inniki had her good days and her bad days. On January 11, 2012, I celebrated her 7th birthday. It has been 5 years since her cancer diagnosis and she was still with me, living each day to its fullest. But unfortunately, that would be her last birthday with me. Yesterday, January 16, 2012 at 4:55am, Inniki had a massive seizure that lasted longer than any of her others in the past. I called her vet and was advised to take her to an emergency clinic more than 100 miles from my home, since they were the closest critical care 24/7 clinic. By the time I arrived at the clinic, she seemed to be improving. She was alert and drinking water. She continued to have twitches in her legs and could not stand. I was told that she had suffered irreparable brain damage due to the length and severity of the seizure and that she would not recover. I did not want to lose my little girl, but I had to do what was best for her, not for me. I held her paw and rubbed her ears as they administered the euthanization drug. She slipped into peaceful sleep. I miss you so much Inniki. Everyone who knew you will miss you when come to greet them at the door and welcome them into our home. Your best friend Dhakota who looked up to you for guidance and direction is still waiting for you to come home. As I write this, he is sitting by the table with your half of a kong that you loved so much. You don't have to fight anymore girl, be playful and merry. If you see Marquette where you are, give him my love. You will be missed. My heart is broken. Losing you is like losing my child. The house is so quiet without your incessant barking at every noise outside. Rest in peace Inniki, you will never, ever be forgotten. Know that your family loves you so much and we are devastated that you are gone. Goodbye Inniki.

Love always,

Daddy, Arico, Assyria, Mommy and your best buddy Dhakota