We adopted Nikolas the Red in the fall of 1991. He was the puppy nobody wanted out of a litter of four. I can’t figure out why that was. He is the absolute best dog in the world. He is the biggest love-bug. Everyone loves Nik. He is the most popular dog at my house. He is generous with his kisses, always wags enthusiastically, and assumes all visitors are there strictly to wait on him hand and foot. Visitors are always surprised by Nik’s open affection for them, expecting each person who sits on our sofa to cuddle him and give him belly-rubs. There is nothing shy about Nik.

Nikolas was the best "papa dog" we ever had. Although he retired in 1996, he continues to treat all the puppies at my house as if they are his own babies. He has been caught sneaking into the puppy room many times, while the mama is outside doing her business, laying down in the whelping box to kiss all the puppies and allowing them to snuffle all over him. The only thing he doesn’t appreciate is when the babies try to nurse on his "winky".

Nikolas’ passions are his Nylabone, Kong toy, and playing fetch with his tennis ball. Even though his face is becoming white, he is still a young pup in my eyes.

More Pictures:

Nik as a Puppy
Brandee and Nik
Elizabeth and Nikolas