They say that you only get one dog like him in a lifetime, if you're lucky. Pictured above is my special dog, Ninja (aka-Sue Mac's NikoNiko Kuma). His registered name means "smiling bear" in Japanese and he is aptly named. Ninja was shown as a youngster and never completed his championship. This does not matter, he is admired and adored by all who meet him, he is a fantastic breed ambassador. There are simply not enough words in any language to describe what this dog means to me. Now a "veteran", he is my "heart". We got Ninja 1 year after we got married, he has endured good and bad times with me, never judging, never losing patience. He went through labor with me, he taught my son to play ball with him as a baby, he has endured the addition of other dogs into his domain, he has helped raise puppies, never questioning why, I have laughed with him and I have cried rivers of tears into his neck and he's ever patient, even now. Ninja was never bred and will never be (he's neutered now) so there won't be any offspring's eyes to look into years from now to catch a glimpse of him but that's okay because this special creature has left his pawprints all over my heart and they will be with me always.
As I said, "they" say you get one like him in a lifetime, if you're lucky. "They" are so right! As with many other breeders, I love ALL of my dogs, unquestionably, each one is unique, each one has their own personality and little quirks. Ninja just happens to be extra special to me, an extension of me.
Thank you, my friend, you have taught me so very much and continue to every day, you are my reason for loving this breed, you are my strength in sadness, you share the joy in my life! For all of this and more, I honor you here with mere human words and my undying love. Sadly, we had to say goodbye to our Ninja on September 30, 2003. It has left a huge hole in our hearts, you will never be forgotten, Nin, rest well, my beautiful, beautiful friend.
J.
