Nicka

Early this morning we said goodbye to Nicka, our Whippet, for the last time.

Although she was ten years old, she was in a very good physical condition, except for one problem which we never noticed.

She was born with a deformed breast cavity, which we only found out about two weeks ago.

I do not know much about physiology, but it was explained that on her left side, the muscle, that controls rib movement and breast cavity, was absent. This also controls breathing to some extent.

Her being 'healthy' and always ready for a good game, never made us suspect that all was not well.

Two weeks ago, when she became short of breath (it was very hot and humid, like today), we took her to the vet who quickly summed up her situation and gave us the bad news.
By that time, she had developed a leaky heart (mitral valve) and due to this deformity, also suffered lung problems.

Nothing could really be done, except to put her on medication, which we did, and to keep her comfortable.

We buried her at a lovely spot, close to the dam, yet out of reach of the usual passers-by.

Johann busy planting grass and shrubs at the spot. Before we left, he partly covered the white stones with ground, grass and leaves as to make it a little bit less obtrusive.


She was a beautiful little dog and will be sorely missed.