Aiko

Dear Aiko,

Hi baby, it's mom. There is so much I need to tell you Booger. I know I told you here on earth, but I wanted to remind you while your with the angels. Aiko, do you know you were "the one"? My first magnificent greyhound who brought to me awareness of the racing grey's plight, and to fall in love with your breed. Do you know because of you, my art is now 90% greyhounds, and you are my model for nearly every piece. You are, were, and will always be my inspiration. I will forever be indebted to you and the greyhounds cause.

Do you know how much I miss you? Your warm, wet black nose, that gorgeous distinguished block head, those amber eyes, those Mickey Mouse ears? Your silly whine when you missed me, or wanted me. The way you arched your neck and pawed the floor in play just like an Arabian. The way we played tug o war with the stuffies and how you'd jump 5 feet to catch them mid air. The way we ran in the fields and when I forgot your stuffies I'd let you use my arm. OUCH. I miss how you always had to walk next to me. If Griffin or Goose was, you'd slow down, come up behind them, and squeeze in to be next to me. I was so intrigued how you'd rather walk by my side than run with them.

Do you know I miss laying with you, and smelling your head and ears and paws. I miss talking to you and looking in those eyes and seeing your very soul that told me you understood. Gosh you were so so smart Aiko. I miss pulling in the driveway and hearing you barking and yipping inside "mommy's home, mommy's home". I miss that oh so cute butt that I'd squeeze every day. I miss how I would be on my computer and look back at the love seat and you'd just be sitting there staring at me. How I wish I could read your mind.

Aiko, mom will see you again, I promised you that as I held you that last day. Do you remember? Please don't forget, I promise. I hope you are having fun and Griffin has found you, and Luger too and you are running and playing pain free and happy except for missing me.

Mom has to go now baby. I just wanted you to know how much you meant to me. Aiko. You were.........priceless.

Love you always,
Mom

Aiko (Ike-O)
aka Dark Vapor (racing name)
aka Hawk (kennel name)
8/7/93 - 1/4/03

On the wings of angels you now fly
You haven't left me, you did not die

You are in my dreams, my soul, my heart
With the bond we had, we'll never part

I'll carry you with me wherever I go
I will never forget you, that you know

I thank you for all you've given me
Your heart, your love, so unconditionally

Soar like a hawk, my sweet Aiko
The hardest thing was to let you go

But I will in time see you again
My faithful companion, my faithful friend

-Jen Howard