I am 12 years old, and since I was born my mom had a dog names Nikki. She was a Springier Spaniel x chocolate Labrador. As I got older I took her places, and we used to pretend we were lost girls and could never get home. There was a corn field on the other side of the road, and I used t take her there and through rocks for her. She was so special to me, and I never thought the day would come, but it did. In October she was very sick, she had kidney disease. We thought she was going to live through Christmas, but........ she didn't. Till Nov. 30 98' she got very sick at midnight. At 5:30 AM, Dec. 1st my mom woke me up and said "we have to take her to the vet she is very sick." I could not let go, but I had to. I got out of bed, and came to see her. She looked horrible. Tears were running down my cheek. I stroked her head and said goodbye. She was a 14 and a half year old dog. She lived her life span, and made this house full of joy. I will never forget her, she will be in my heart forever!!!!!!!!