Marina wrote:

They just rang. Nikki hasn't gained consciousness and her temp has
stayed over 41 C for several hours now. She keeps cramping, and on the
vet's recommendation, I gave them permission to release her. They asked
me if I wanted to b ethere with her, but since she hasn't regained
consciousness I'm not going. I don't want to have hysterics on the bus.
Frank and Mere are worried enough as it is. Oh, my poor baby girl.

If it's any comfort, most non-human animals accept death as
part of life - it's only humans who regard it as an
inevitably bad thing. I'm sure we all share your grief for
Nikki, but think of her as released from pain and hunting
happily through the Elysian Fields. (I remember your
stories of how much she and Frank enjoy the summer trips to
your island.)