In Memory of Ricki

     All was well and life was fine until October 2, 2001.  Chris went for a minor foot surgery.  Because of negligence he died that very day.  He was released and sent home. Once he arrived was when Raquel knew something was wrong.  Ricki, Martie and Mindy all wanted their Daddy but they had to be separated.  They tried to kiss him. They ran around his legs welcoming him home but he didn't respond to them.  They jumped on the bed trying to snuggle but we have to take them away and lock them in the bathroom.  EMS was called and Raquel dressed.  Ricki, Martie and Mindy all barked and barked to be let out.  They didn't like what was going on and I believe they knew something was wrong with there Daddy.

     Later that night when Raquel came home she was so with drawn that even the loving licks of her favorite animals couldn't help the hurt and pain she felt inside.  Losing her husband was divesting and she didn't know what to do.  Raquel was gone a lot in the next couple of weeks.  They had food and water.  But where was their Daddy and why was their Mommy so sad. 

     Time passed but Raquel still suffered.  But soon she turned to her Beloved Pets to love her when she felt she had no other.  They slept with her and kissed her and Ricki seemed to know that she need space but he was more than willing to just be held as she cried and cried holding him so tight that she must have hurt his leg sometimes.  But he never cried or nipped at her he just licked her continuously.  Martie and Mindy watched carefully everyone who entered the home and were constantly at Raquel's feet to help her.

    A few months passed and the strain became to much for Raquel.  Being a woman of great size she couldn't walk the dogs like her husband did.  She was left destitute with out any money for rent, bills, or food.  While Martie and Mindy didn't eat and almost always messed on the newspaper. Ricki ate a lot and messed all over the house.  He tired his best but wasn't paper trained.  He learned some what but being a bigger dog he created a bigger smell and bigger messes.  Raquel had already given away her precious birds ( she owned 1 cockatiel and 3 parakeets in one big cage)  Since they created a giant mess of seeds and she couldn't manage to keep up with them.  Now she didn't know what to do with her dogs.  Her Father Tony one day came by and said that he had a co worker who's older dog died.  That she is looking for a new one and I could give her one of the dogs.   NO I CANT ! Raquel said.  I can't let them go NO NO NO NO.  Not all of them. Tony insisted.  Just one we can visit them and this lady has money and cant take good care of the dog.  Give her Ricki. He looks a little like her dog.  He said.  Plus the others are smaller and make smaller messes.   I Don't know. Raquel whispered.  But with a bit more time she realized she couldn't handle all of them and she had to give one away.   

    And we can visit him Raquel asked.  Yes sure the lady said.  He is beautiful and so loving.  He gets along with everyone very well.   Raquel repeated.    I love him already he is everything I wanted and my children will love him. The lady insisted.   Please take care of him!  He suffered so much already I want him to be happy.  Raquel said with tears.   He will be happy I know it.  The lady said.   Raquel hugged Ricki to her one last time.  Raquel's father looked on and so did Martie and Mindy.  They all watched as Ricki, the lady, and Tony (Raquel's father) walked to the elevator.   Ricki looked back one time.  But he seemed to know he was going to be happy.  He smiled that Ricki smile and walked on the elevator.   Raquel closed the door and began to cry.  She cried so hard for all she had lost and now the Ricki.  She promised him she would be his mommy and would love him forever.  How could she let him go?  She cried and cried.  Martie and Mindy waited and waited for their brother Ricki to come home.  But he never did.

     Ricki was very happy in his new home with a new Mommy, a boy and girl to love him and play with him all the time.  He even had a little yard to play in outside.  Tony ( Raquel's father) went over often to check on him and he reported back to Raquel all about him new home and life.  a few months later the bad news came to Raquel.  Ricki died.  They believe he either ate a chicken bone or some Rat poison in the backyard.   He passed away one morning in February, 2002.  Raquel felt so guilty.  If I would have kept him he would have been alive.  If only I had kept him.  she sobbed to herself. 

     Now Raquel thinks.  Maybe he had to go.  Maybe Chris wanted one of his Babies to be with him to keep him company.  Maybe he wanted the one we saved.  Maybe he didn't want him in another home and brought him to another life where he will never hurt and his leg will be brand new.  Maybe he wanted Ricki with him.  I'm sure Ricki is happy.  I'm sure he is safe.  I'm sure he is with his Dad.

Click Picture's in the Upper Left to see Ricki