Nikita, The ‘Shaman Dog’, Needs Your Support

Hello friends, dog lovers, and animal care givers of all kinds...

I write to share Nikita's story as she is in need of support in removing a tumor in her paw and her recovery journey.

At nearly 14 years old, Nikita has had a very full life and yet, the doctors are saying she has more ahead of her!

We’ve been reassured: “It is not time to give up… she clearly has much life to enjoy still.”

However, at this point in time, finances have been exhausted and every dollar is helpful!

Recent Challenges:

In the last several months, Nikita has had different issues with her paws and different vets have said different things - a lot of resources were used to trying to figure out what was going on and if these issues were connected... (they were not).

Since September, we've come to the compassionate and thorough care of Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital (CSU) - their team of doctors are working devotedly to Nikita's recovery!

They have discovered a tumor within Nikita’s paw that is growing. What was just uncomfortable and weird, has now turned into extremely inflamed and painful… it needs to come out now.

We are being reassured: “Nikita still has SO much life in her!!”

Tests are coming back that her health is good and she shows lots of signs of happiness and energy: She greets her human companion by jumping up, wagging her fluffy tail, sometimes even chasing her around in excitement!

When on walks, she’s playful and curious - still enjoys prancing, even with a tumor on her foot! She loves chewing on her frisbee under the trees and even just feeling the wind flow through her hair.

Let’s do all we can to get her into winter so she can drag her frisbee in the snow (her ultimate favorite activity, besides meal time!).

Joni, her human companion, has been really careful in discerning the next best steps and has been reassured that Nikita is healthy.

Nikita’s Backstory:

Nikita was adopted back in 2012 from Boulder Humane Society coming from another state.

As a pup, she grew up in Jamestown - hiking, trail running alongside her mountain biking or snowshoeing human companion.

Growing up in the Twin Lakes neighborhood, she has met so many lovely people and other dogs. She's been so grateful to use these off-leash areas!

As a service dog, she has spent many years keeping her human companion safe. She has travelled across the country - hiking around the lakes of Minnesota, the black hills of SD, the rolling hills of Iowa, playing with fireflies in Nebraska, seeing the deserts landscape of Nevada and Utah, tried a warm winter in Arizona, and has been up and down the California coast!

Like most dogs, Nikita is an unconditional loving being and has been referred to as ‘The Shaman Dog' - she has sat with countless clients in healing sessions, helping to provide a sense of safety for them as these clients processed powerful emotions. She's shown support to those in need - whether in the therapeutic office or just walking in the park. She senses those who need care and special love.

She has touched the lives of so many!

What’s Needed:

We are asking for support from the community to help Nikita reach the next level of her aging process through funding this surgery, the aftercare, medicine and equipment needed for her recovery. The goal is to raise $5,555 for all of this.

CSU has been working with us and giving Nikita 2 grants that have been helping with her appointment and care fees. However, more is needed as she goes into surgery this Friday and is expected to have a recovery process of several weeks (depending on how much they have to remove, it could be longer and more extensive).

Why This Matters:

Nikita is such a loving being and has provided so much care. Nikita is more than just a pet - she is a being of Love, sharing and spreading this Love and joy wherever she goes! (and we all know that our world needs more Love)

Gratitude & Next Steps:

Thank you so much for taking the time to read Nikita’s story, for your consideration in helping with this recent challenge, as well as for your support, care, and Love.

Please consider donating to Nikita’s care and/or sharing this.

Please know, if we exceed our goal and there is funding left over that Nikita does not use, a donation will be made directly to Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital to help other animals in need - your donations will be going to excellent use.

Thank you!

Much Love,

~ Nikita & Joni