I scolded Nikki the other day when she ran away from me as we were walking to the car. It was the first time I had done that, and she was devastated that I would use such a harsh tone. The look on her face broke my heart as she cowered in the car seat until she was convinced that I wasn't going to hurt her.
That's how it is with rescues; you have to earn their trust. Once, when I removed my belt while changing clothes, she had that same terrified look in her eyes. In her previous life, Nikki was abused terribly. She was stabbed by her previous owner, and her first litter was drowned -- and that's just what I know about. She had a second litter -- which, like her, was adopted out -- but she has since been spayed.
Nikki, for those of you who haven't met her, is our office dog. She's a Chihuahua-dachsund-corgi mix, 4 years old; I call her a full-blooded brown dog. She thinks she's a Doberman pinscher and will take on all comers -- she's very protective of me.
She is a rescue from Woodstock, an organization that finds new homes for abused and homeless pets. They keep dogs and cats for adoption at Metzger's store in Simpsonville, among other places.
Working with Woodstock was sheer pleasure. The first time I visited, volunteer Peggy Beard could not have been more helpful and understanding in trying to meet my very specific needs. Early on, Julie and I had one of their pooches in mind, but it didn't work out. That dog came from Harlan County, so I'm not sure I could have understood its eastern Kentucky bark anyway.
One of Julie's co-workers, Vickie Maggard, told her about a sweet "Chihuahua momma" at Woodstock and suggested we go see about her. In the meantime, I was checking back over and over. Then Peggy called one day and said she had a dog she was sure would be perfect. Coincidentally, it was the same "Chihuahua momma."
Nikki (known then as "Lucky Penny," but that didn't fit her at all) and I had an instant connection. She was loving and playful, but she was also a little spitfire. You could tell she was top dog in the place in spite of her small stature. Maybe each considers itself top dog.
Nikki and I have since been nearly inseparable. She has come to work with me every day and has made many friends along Main Street. Tethered to me, she prances proudly up and down the street with her ears erect like little antennae, taking it all in -- reminds me of a miniature saddlebred in competition.
Nikki is a great asset to this office. She lies quietly in her bed most of the time -- until I grab my keys. That sound means we're going somewhere. She usually gets to go, but sometimes she can't and her disappointment is obvious. I'm going to make Nikki head of marketing, I think. She's quite the attention-getter. I recommend a Nikki for every office.
In finding and caring for your own pet, there are several local organizations that are eager to help. Lifebridge for Animals and Catsnip focus on population control through spaying and neutering. Lifebridge is also big in humane education -- especially among elementary school-age Shelby Countians. For adoption, consider Woodstock, the Shelby County Humane Society, Shamrock for Greyhounds, and, of course, the Shelby County Animal Shelter. There are lots of animals out there in need of good homes.
Lifebridge for Animals, of which I am a director, is having its annual Bluegrass Mutt Show, Motorcycle Run and Family Palooza Sept. 5 at the Shelby County Fairgrounds. All are invited to join in the many activities (see the ad elsewhere in Shelby County Life). Nikki will be there.