14/10/2026
We are devastated to share that we had to say goodbye to our beloved Set for Life foster, Nikki, who passed away at the age of 14, surrounded by the people who loved her most.
Nikki came into BTRC’s care as a senior in heartbreaking condition. Her skin was so severely infected and raw that even wearing a harness caused her pain. Her eyes were dry and sore, and she needed a great deal of care. She was also nearly deaf and blind, so she was understandably scared.
Having an elderly dog with special needs is not easy – but her parents didn’t sign up for easy. They committed to giving their deserving foster the life they knew she was meant to live. When the stairs frightened her, her dad built her a ramp. With a carefully managed routine of medications, baths, eye drops and TLC, Nikki quickly began to heal and learn that her home was nothing to be afraid of. The girl who once found eye drops challenging learned to sit patiently and lift her head for her dad. Bathtime became easier, her bond with her foster brother Pudge became stronger and her true personality began to shine. She loudly made it known when it was time to play, and she showed her parents what a happy and silly girl she could be. ❤️
Nikki found happiness in the simple things like basking in the sunshine, spending time at the trailer, helping her parents make sauerkraut and, of course, raiding the garden for her favourite vegetables. Her parents affectionately called her their “Hungry Hungry Hippo.”
In the Spring, Nikki experienced a frightening setback. She began losing her balance, circling, and developing a pronounced head tilt. An emergency visit brought the possibility of a brain tumour or stroke, but Nikky bounced back and had a lovely summer with her family. Sadly, her symptoms returned, and this time it was clear that Nikki was uncomfortable.
When the time came, Nikki’s dad sat at the kitchen table and cried, knowing he would have to let his little girl go. There’s something especially heartbreaking about loving a pup so deeply, knowing you’re making the kindest choice for her, and still wishing that you could have more time. Nikki made her way to her beloved garden one last time and found a tomato which she happily enjoyed. She left this world peacefully, in the home she loved so much, with her mom, dad and Pudge by her side.
Nikki was a Set for Life dog. That meant BTRC was committed to her for her entire life. We made that promise to her, and we’re so grateful she had a family who honoured it every single day.
To Nikki’s family, thank you for seeing beyond her age, her disabilities and the condition she arrived in. Thank you for giving her comfort when she needed it, confidence when she was afraid, and a life filled with the little joys that meant so much to her. Thank you for advocating for her and loving her right to the very end. She was safe because of you. She was cherished because of you. And she always knew she was home.
Run free, sweet Nikki. May the gardens beyond the Rainbow Bridge be endless, and the veggies plentiful. ❤️🌈🐾
