Hi Everyone,

I am getting better each day. I know you guys are keeping up with my progress and I appreciate that so much. I need your support.

My mommy says that I am coming along and I am also coming a little closer. It will take me a while to get it all together. I appreciate everyone's support and following.

One day, I will find a good home. I know that I will. Why? Because I am a sweet girl. I just need a person who will spend lots of time with me and love me with lots of kisses.

Keep watching out for me, I still need your support.

Nikki.

I don't know what is wrong with Fred but he is in big trouble. I mean big. Fred didn't want to go into his crate today and made mommy late for work. He ran away from her and hid. She was upset with him and he knew it.

I was a good girl, I knew better than to mess with mommy. All I want is food, shelter and love. I spent most of my life running from people. So I know how she feels. So, I just acquiesced and went inside of my crate. (you didn't know that I knew such big words huh?) Anyhow, Fred, wasn't being a good boy. I told him so when mommy left.

This afternoon, mommy came home as usual and she wasn't mad or anything, she let us outside to sunbathe and when it was time for her to leave, Fred still didn't want to go into his crate. Mommy said ok and put him in the room so that he can think about what he did. However, I was left alone to hang out by myself. I did miss Fred a lot but I understand that mommy has rules for us during the day so that we won't get hurt and Fred didn't care.

I hope Fred is not acting up because I laid in his bed. He is kinda picky and he doesn't like me messing with his stuff. I know that it's time for another bath but I hope I don't smell that bad.

Boys.

Nikki.

I would have you know...

I would have you know that I am making such progress. I am so proud of myself. Let's begin by saying that I am not shooting out of my crate like a rocket. I am more dignified. I now shoot out with less force than in the beginning. I know. Stop laughing. Just picture me trying to escape the humans that have encaged me. And believe me, you too will run for your life as well. Right now, I run from anything and anyone.

I am also a little more relaxed. I lay down now instead of constantly walking in circles. Well, I do pace back and forth but now, I get tired and lay down. I am trying.

More news on Fred. Fred now disciplines me anytime food is involved. If you see Fred you will know that he loves to eat. I cannot eat my own food without him coming to sniff. Fred weighs 50lbs and I weigh ? well a lady never tells her age or weight. I thought that you knew that. In any event, he eats for the both of us. But I love the little guy. He is like the big brother I never had and he can discipline me anytime he likes.

Nikki

Boy, have I been busy...

That's right. I have been very busy. Making progress each and everyday with my new family. I think that I like being here with them. I wonder how long I will be here with them. I know that I shouldn't think about that now but I do. It's part of life. I've been shuffled from one place to the next and am wondering who will take me in. Ok. You're right. I won't think about that now. Just let me say this. If you know of anyone who is interested in a sweet and playful pup. Let them know about me. Once, I get over this hurdle. I will be the best girl on the block.

So, what have you missed so far. I have been wagging my tail lately. I even wagged it one day when mommy came home from work. Don't ask me why I did that. But I did. Sometimes, I jump around the yard like I am really happy. I even put on this happy face. I try not to let them see that often. I show it to Fred a lot. He sometimes just looks at me and turns his back on me like I am crazy or something.

I also realized that I am a fun loving little girl. I am only a year and some change old. I can't remember how old exactly but some change. Oh yeah, on Sunday, mommy gave me another bath. I was really dirty. No you really don't know how dirty. Fred and I both were rolling around in the dirt. See Fred likes to dig and I like to watch him dig. So why did I have to get a bath? I wasn't the one digging. I was the watcher.

Mommy said that we both have to get a bath because I am his partner in crime. I did plead with her to no avail.

Life is actually pretty good here.

shhhh. don't tell the Browne Family that I like living with them.

Nikki.

I am making strides each day

I am trying my hardest to fit in.

My mommy and daddy were home with me this weekend and I actually started to come a little closer to them. I sat under my daddy's desk and just watched him work without saying one word. Well, the true reason for this change was because my foster brother Fred has taken over my spot under mommy's desk. He found out that I get a little bit of attention that way and he decided to cut me off at the pass. How dare him! Now, when I come even remotely close to the desk he feels the need to move closer and then take over my spot. What's up with that?

One good thing. He doesn't try to bite me when I come out of my crate in the morning. Mommy gets on him immediately. She tries to protect me. I like that. He just runs after me when I bolt out of the door. It's a normal thing for me because I am not yet comfortable with just walking out like Fred does. I am working on it everyday. Like I said, I am making strides each day.

One final thought, if you are reading this, I know that you know someone or have heard a horrific story about someone who is abusing their pet. No matter if it's a neighbor, friend or just someone you happen to see. Don't let them get away with it. We don't have a voice to speak up but you do.

Keep up with my Diary, I will show you how hard it is to rehabilitate a dog like me. It's hard work.

Nikki.

I am a good girl...

TGIF people.

I am glad that mommy and daddy will be home this weekend with us. I am excited. Mommy came home for lunch today and took us outside. I know my mommy loves me. I can tell. Even when I run away from her she still says that I am a good girl. I like that. No one else has done that for me. What I really like about mommy is that she takes the time to spend with me and Fred. She doesn't just push us away. She doesn't force me to come to her. She lets me be. I like that a lot.

I love my brother Fred. He still ignores me. But I don't care anymore. I still follow him around the house because he is the coolest big brother ever.

As far as my daddy is concerned. Well....I like him too.

TGIF everyone. Have a great weekend.

Nikki.

Today, I have no one to play with. Fred is at doggie daycare. Of course, I couldn't go with him. He was really happy to leave too. He didn't even say good-bye. He just left. Daddy drove him off. Mommy called me and said "Nik, Nik you want to go?" I wanted to go so badly, but I just couldn't do it. I think that she was testing me. I am pretty sure of it. That woman is really clever. I really did want to go with Fred this morning because he is my buddy.

What do they do at doggie daycare? I am curious about that. When Fred comes home from that doggie daycare place he acts like he is tired. When he comes home I am ready to play and he is like "leave me alone" I have just been with the uppercrust of society. What is the uppercrust of society? If I am not mistaken, he has come from the doggie pound too. Am I missing something here. Why is it that we forget where we come from? Do they not still lick and sniff each other's bottoms in greetings? Have I been so self-involved that I don't know proper social behavior? Do the "uppercrust of society" shake hands now? People Please what am I missing?

I may be a scrappy little rascal but I believe that when Fred doesn't go to this doggie daycare place he likes me a little more.

Enough about my misery. I will be glad when mommy comes home for lunch to take me outside. She is really good about that.

Nikki.

My mommy is.....

I have been having a hard time lately. I don't get it. I can't seem to listen when called or come into the house without being frightened. I feel like I am a hopeless case. I think this morning, my mommy was frustrated with me. She never yells, she is very quiet and I think that is what scares me. I am use to having someone yell at me. She says that I am a good girl. But why do I run away from her?

Fred, is good for me. When mommy calls me into the house and I don't come. Fred comes out and he shows me what mommy wants. I haven't got that part yet. I am still learning. It's hard for me. I am having a hard time understanding what is required of me. All I know is that I have a bunch of people who talk to me and feed me and give me a good place to sleep each night. And, I have a friend named Fred.

No more depressing issues. Guess what? Mommy brought me a new bed to replace the one that I ripped up. Yes, I was bad. She didn't get mad at me. I just had to sleep without a pillow for a few days. Let me tell you, those were the longest nights ever. So last night, I got into my crate and had this wonderful soft bed. I was so happy I licked myself to sleep.

Mommy, told me last night that this weekend we would be working on lease training sessions. I won't like that. But, if that means that I can go out with Fred then I will try. (we all know that it will be a struggle)

Regardless of my fears, my mommy is..
Good to me.
Nikki

From Foster Mom

Hello all,

I hope that you are enjoying Nikki's Diary.

Nikki, is a very special little dog. She has been through so much in her little life that I cannot tell you how hard it is to see her run away from you day after day. I also cannot believe that a person would abuse her like they have. Abusing an animal is so cowardly. If I can tell you that seeing Nikki grow each day brings my heart joy would not be enough. She tries. She wants to be part of your life but her fears stop her from moving forward. I don't give her much choice, she is part of our family and I will do everything in my power to show her that there are still wonderful people out there to help her through this.

She is a fighter. You can just tell by her battle scars. She is a little scrappy dog. I tell her everyday, it it wasn't meant for us to meet, I wouldn't have this wonderful opportunity to help rehabilitate her. She deserves such love and understanding.

So readers, I ask, help me help her. No money involved. It's not about money, it's about love, support and inspiration. So, log on read her blog, comment and become one of her fans. That's all that we ask. We want to inspire her and by you reading and passing this message along helps me help her. We are trying to get 100 readers.

Stay tuned for more of Nikki the foster dog.

Foster Mom.

I smell Purr fect!

I am ashamed to say this, but I was stinky. I mean really stinky. If you remember, I had my first sponge bath last week. This week, mommy took Fred to the groomers to get a full-service salon treatment. Boy, is his life good. Anyhow, she said to me. Nik, Nik you're getting a bath when I come back. Here I am thinking. Ok. I will get another sponge bath. Wrong. She put me in the tub. People, I actually got picked up and put into the tub. How dare she? It was so quick, I didn't even have time to pretend growl. I guess she showed me huh?

And she did show me. She said I was so dirty I had to get washed three times to get the dirt off of me. She even did my ears too. I got a girlie spa day today. After she was finished scrubbing me clean she sprayed me with Lavender, Vanilla and Sandalwood doggie spray. That's from her line of doggie products. Shameless plug!

Nevertheless, I smell purr fect! I shine like a new penny. She washed that dirt right out of my hair. When Fred came home, he shined like a new dime. I am glad that I got a pampered day like Fred. That made me feel real special.

Oh yeah and I got lots of scratches and hugs and she even kissed the top of my head.

Can you say great day?
Nik, Nik.

Remember when I said....

Remember when I said that some days were better than others? Well, something like that, anyhow, Fred was home with me today and I felt like my old self. So, today was better than yesterday. Only one problem. Fred is still not playing with me.

Do you think that he doesn't like me? Just asking. Mommy came home for lunch today and took us outside to enjoy the sunshine. Boy, do I appreciate that. Being inside all day is hard. At least she thinks about us and comes home to hang out with us.

I had to work today for attention. Mommy called my name and had me come. And you know what? I came when she called me. How weird is that? Even daddy called and I pretended to come but walked right by him. I had to give him some hope that I was listening to him.

Mommy thinks I am funny. She says that I am cute. How can she see me as cute when I am bruised inside? Is it possible that she actually likes me? She hasn't hit me or anything. I am waiting for that but she doesn't. I feel like I want to get close to her but I am still scared. How can I trust people?
How can a person claim to love animals and do what was done to me? I hope she won't send me back to the pound.

I like having a family, a dog like Fred, food and snacks and a nice soft pillow.

Another day in the life of Nikki.