Good-bye, Mr. Man-Dog

Well, Rafiki passed away last Monday at 9:17 A.M. He had been having lots of health issues within the past month and, especially, in the past week. We took him to the veterinarian and found he had kidney problems, but before the tests could come back to tell us the seriousness of the problems, he had died. His kidneys failed. Me (Geno), Dominic, Anthony, and Ezekiel were there when he left us. He passed away in the kitchen: the perfect spot for him. He had peace when he went and didn't look scared at all. He looked at us all for the last time and, amazingly, smacked his tail on the ground one last time before dying. Mom and John walked in right after he passed. Needless to say, it wasn't the best day. He was the best dog ever. We had him for nearly 8 great years. He always brought a smile to our faces. Here's the most recent picture we have of him:That was only a week and a half ago. He was doing pretty well then, but deteriorated quickly. Also, my Great Uncle Gene passed away last week as well. He lived in New Mexico. Ironically, as we were looking through pictures the other night, we found this one, which has both Fiki and Uncle Gene.
Please keep us and those close to Uncle Gene in your prayers. We'll always remember Uncle Gene as a kind and loving Uncle who was much like a grandpa to us. He always talked with us and was interested in whatever we were doing. He and Aunt Janice, his wife, had a lot of love for each other and for others and it was not hard to spot.

And if any of you have a special memory of Fiki, we'd love it if you would write it down and email it to us if you find the time.

We'll always remember him as a dog who had nothing but love to give to everyone. Oh, and the reason behind the nickname: Fiki got so accustomed to being an inside dog and hanging out with humans, that I'm pretty sure he felt like he was one. Because when we would tell the dogs it was time to go out, he would watch them like: "Yeah dogs, go outside. Us people would like to have some peace and quiet." So we decided he acted as much man as dog, hence the nickname, "Man-Dog."

God bless!

Geno

That was Fiki in 2002.

And in 1999, the first year we had him.

We love you Mr. Fikers!