We said goodbye to Nike for the last time this morning. Nike was our almost-thirteen-year-old Italian Greyhound. She came to live with us about nine or ten years ago.

Nike was an incredibly gentle and quiet Iggy. Not particularly demonstrative, she would patiently wait her turn for pets and treats. She had the biggest, most expressive eyes. The little lady would lay her head down and turn those soft brown eyes up with a look that could melt even the coldest heart.

Nothing seemed to phase Nike, and every dog, cat and person she met was a friend. New situations were met with her wonderful sense of calmness and serenity. I am going to miss her and the way she would gently sidle up to me and look up with those big expressive eyes.

Rest in peace, sweet Nike. We have been enriched by the walk through life we shared, as brief as it was. May you be free of all discomfort and able to run, carefree, through the sunlit meadows on the other side of the veil.