There are moments when love asks more of us than we ever imagined,
when goodbye comes like winter wind — sharp, breath-stealing, unfair.
Yesterday, the world shifted.
And a loyal heart crossed quietly into light.

Nicky — sweet boy, gentle soul,
the one who loved without hesitation,
who welcomed even the “annoying little Abby” with patience
only the kindest spirits carry.
He was loved deeply, and he gave that love back tenfold.

Now, at the Rainbow Bridge, he waits —
not lonely, not afraid, not gone.
He is surrounded by every life Andrea touched,
every dog she carried to safety, every heartbeat she saved.
They knew him before he arrived —
stories of his goodness reached them long before his paws did.

I imagine them greeting him like old friends:
tails wagging, noses nudging soft welcome,
a circle of gratitude forming around the boy who loved everyone.
He is not lost.
He is home, and he is honored.

Andrea’s heart is heavy, November unforgiving,
grief a weight she never deserved to carry again.
But love like theirs does not end —
it expands.
It becomes memory, breath, heartbeat, starlight.
It waits patiently for reunion.

One day, when her journey here is finished,
she will see him again — bright-eyed, whole,
running toward her with the same joy he always carried.
Until then, he watches over her,
warm as the dogs she placed in loving arms,
steady as the work she has done,
faithful as he always was.

Run free, sweet Nicky.
You were and forever will be
the best boy.