In 2010, we bought a dog, Odina. My parents had had Chihuahuas for several years, and with a young daughter, we felt this would complete our family.

Nina in 2010

Nina, as we called her, was an incredibly sweet dog. Whenever possible, she accompanied us. Shopping or outings in our own country, France, Belgium, Spain, Moscow, Crimea, last summer in St. Maarten, and Christmas 2025 in London.

Today, we sadly had to put her down. Shortly after New Year's, at 12:30 a.m., she suddenly started acting strangely, ears back, short of breath, and coughing. Later that night, she improved somewhat, but at 7 a.m., I woke up because she was pacing restlessly around the bedroom. She was short of breath and coughing again.

We called an emergency clinic (it was January 1st, just after 7 a.m.) and were able to take her right away. The vet detected fluid around her heart and admitted her. After some checkups, she was given something to help with fluid retention, which should ease the strain on her heart, and she was kept in an oxygen capsule. Initially, this didn't work, we were told around noon, but later in the afternoon/early evening we received better news.

Unfortunately, we received a call this morning saying she wasn't doing so well again. The medication wasn't working enough. We went to see her, and at first, we thought it wasn't that bad, but her enthusiasm for seeing us was too much. She started panting and became short of breath again. After consulting with the vet, we had to decide to put her down.

This was a terrible decision. A dog that is happy to see you and expects her owner to take her home and have everything go smoothly eats you up. It was good for her, but afterward, you feel like you're betraying her, the one you love most. Sorry, Nina!

Nina a few days ago

Nina, as we called her, was an incredibly sweet dog. We are devastated by her loss but find comfort in the beautiful memories we made with her. We loved her, we still love her and she will never be forgotten.

She would have turned 17 on January 20th. A beautiful age, but one she just missed.

Nina, rest in piece (20-1-2009 - 2-1-2026)