FiveRoooooers Posted December 11, 2014 Share Posted December 11, 2014 (edited) (Foster)Sweet. After we’d lost Sorella (TPGIT), Seamus needed a new friend, someone close to his own age. “Sweetie” was available from WAG and on 9/28/13 the young’uns and I picked her up. The WAG folks were upfront about her “quirks” but we were game and got on board. She’d had a very brief racing career, went on to be a brood momma, and after that she languished at the farm in W. Virgina. For a long time. She was 10.5 when she finally got her traveling papers. She bounced around a bit through a couple of foster homes until we found her. She was my first foster and my first brood momma. As you have heard me say before ... What was I thinking?! Her name was “Sweetie” but I shortened it to “Sweet” to underscore the authority it was clear she had earned. She loved to “run” but it was such an odd way that she traveled, she looked like those horses in c.1700 prints with all four feet off the ground in an anatomically-impossible stance! Structurally, she was a nightmare, with crooked hind legs, little-to-no muscle on her right hind, and hideous scars on all four legs. Her front legs had chronic sores that only recently were close to healing. She was thin and long but not very tall. She had lived a lot of life before her real retirement began with us She loved rides in the BOH! She was a voracious eater and efficiently cleaned her plate with calculated speed, a skill she undoubtedly learned in her role as a mom. She was a hoarder collector of stuffies and nylabones. Quirk #1: If I couldn’t find her all I had to do was look down between my knees She would appear from out of nowhere and put herself there. AllTheTime. Trying to cook in our small kitchen I would say “Sweet, GO” and show her to the living room. She took that to mean “Go to the living room, turn around, and return to resume leaning on mom or standing between her knees.” AllTheTime. The biggest quirk that worried me, though, was her yelling and getting ugly when another dog would get in her face. Too many dogs at once was overwhelming, even if they were simply walking past her - she could turn and be anything but sweet. For a little girl, she had a big voice and she knew how to use it. She was the Brenda Lee of greyhounds Twice she nailed me when I walked past her bed and thought about adjusting the wrap on her sore paw. Bad move, momma, back off! But even then there was something magical about Sweet, and I am forever greytful to her for being every bit the friend to Seamus that I had hoped she would be She never, ever talked back to him. From the very beginning she and Seamus were buds. She was a camper for just 14.2 months and somewhere along the way, she stopped yelling. Until recently when I started looking back at our short lives together, I had completely forgotten about that quirk because I hadn’t seen it in such a long time. She was finally content and happy. Sweet’s beautiful cupcake collars came from NancyB, who thought that Sweet should also be the Sweetest Thing at Christmas. I love her in her peppermint candy collar, which she wore this week. A month ago while playing, while doing what she loved to do, the little girl with the wonky legs took a tumble. Thank you to WAG: it was then, while deciding on a course of treatment, that WAG graciously stamped her file "Adopted" and put the "(Foster)" on (Foster)Sweet In addition to our wonderful vet, Sweet was cared for by one of our top neurologists. As she was so unstable, I had her set up in Bug’s Healing Camp which kept her safe from the young’uns. But she hated it. She hated not being in charge. She hated not being mobile. She would turn back to look at her legs with an expression that clearly said “WTH?” We thought that she was beginning to rally and for a few days she really did seem to be that tough old broad again. The HelpEmUp harness was tremendous for getting her in and out to potty. On Monday this week she fell again, and when I got home from work it was the first night that she wasn’t wonkily standing up waiting for me. The light had dimmed from her beautiful eyes and she told me how tired she was of fighting. Last night in the wind and torrential rain that had pummeled us all day, our wonderful vet and Norm came by to help my girl on her way. I held (Foster)Sweet and told her how much I loved her, how thankful I was for her friendship to all of us, and to not be afraid, to look toward the light, and to Seamie, who would be there waiting for her. He had probably been cooking all day in anticipation. Thank you for the fox you sent before you left. THIS is how I will remember you, Sweetgirl: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfP29NtK82Q&feature=youtu.be Godspeed Sweet-heart. No more pain, no more wonky legs, no more sores. If anyone gets in your face, you tell ‘em. And the strength continues. In a run-on sentence I would call her Sweet / Sweetgirl / Earlsweetgirl /EF!!Earlsweetgirl, never knowing what the heck EF meant. A fellow GT-er clued me in: Sweet's breeder was Tomblin Kennels. The "E" stands for Earl Tomblin Sr. The "F" stands for Faye Tomblin, Earl's wife. It explains where the "Earl" in Earlsweetgirl came from. I wonder if Mr. and Mrs. Tomblin had a special fondness for their "Sweetgirl" Thank you friend for sharing this with me, plusalso that my Sweet and your girl were cousins Edited December 8, 2019 by FiveRoooooers Quote Old Dogs are the Best Dogs. Thank you, campers. Current enrollees: Punkin. AnnIE Oooh M Angels: Pal . Segugio. Sorella (TPGIT). LadyBug. Zeke-aroni. MiMi Sizzle Pants. Gracie. Seamie . (Foster)Sweet. Andy. PaddyALVIN!Mayhem. Bosco. Bruno. Dottie B. Trevor Double-Heart. Bea. Cletus, KLTO. Aiden 1-4. Upon reflection, our lives are often referenced in parts defined by the all-too-short lives of our dogs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spottydog Posted December 11, 2014 Share Posted December 11, 2014 A truly lovely remembrance. Godspeed Sweet. Loved the video...why we love them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Time4ANap Posted December 11, 2014 Share Posted December 11, 2014 Jan, I'm so sorry. I know how special she was to you. Run pain free, Sweet. Seamie will be waiting for you by the buffet. Quote Camp Broodie. The current home of Mark Kay Mark Jack and Gracie Kiowa Safe Joan. Always missing my boy Rocket Hi Noon Rocket, Allie Phoenix Dynamite, Kate Miss Kate, Starz Under Da Starz, Petunia MW Neptunia, Diva Astar Dashindiva, and LaVida I've Got Life Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MP_the4pack Posted December 11, 2014 Share Posted December 11, 2014 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houndtime Posted December 11, 2014 Share Posted December 11, 2014 Jan, I am so sorry. Quote Irene Ullmann w/Flying Odin and Mama Mia in Lower Delaware Angels Brandy, John E, American Idol, Paul, Fuzzy and Shine Handcrafted Greyhound and Custom Clocks http://www.houndtime.com Zoom Doggies-Racing Coats for Racing Greyhounds Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ramonaghan Posted December 11, 2014 Share Posted December 11, 2014 I am so sorry you've lost your special girl. Rest well, Sweet. Quote Rachel with littermates Doolin and Willa, boss cat Tootie, and feline squatters Crumpet and Fezziwig. Missing gentlemen kitties Mud, Henry, and Richard and our beautiful, feisty, silly Sweep. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kikibean Posted December 11, 2014 Share Posted December 11, 2014 She was such a beautiful girl. I'll miss hearing about her and seeing her pictures. She's got many friends waiting. Quote Wingnut (DC Wingnut), Voo Doo (Voo Doo von Bonz), Barb (Myokie Barb) & Romey (Nose Stradamus)at the bridge Molly (CM Blondie) 9/8/14, Maddy (Reuniting) 10/17/13, Rocky (Ranco Popeye) 1/7/12, Mimi (Flying Ringneck) 8/13/09 and RJ (RJ What For) 5/3/05 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheFullHouse Posted December 11, 2014 Share Posted December 11, 2014 Jan, I'm so very sorry for your loss. Quote Judy, mom to Darth Vader, Bandita, And Angel Forever in our hearts, DeeYoGee, Dani, Emmy, Andy, Heart, Saint, Valentino, Arrow, Gee, Bebe, Jilly Bean, Bullitt, Pistol, Junior, Sammie, Joey, Gizmo, Do Bee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beachbum1 Posted December 11, 2014 Share Posted December 11, 2014 So very sorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remolacha Posted December 11, 2014 Share Posted December 11, 2014 I am so sorry It is amazing how quickly the old ones become a part of your life, and how big a hole they leave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greyhoundlov Posted December 11, 2014 Share Posted December 11, 2014 This is just heartbreaking. Quote Mary in Houston Everyone has a photographic memory, but not everyone has film. LAND OF THE FREE BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest shanesmom Posted December 11, 2014 Share Posted December 11, 2014 I am so sorry for the loss of your very special girl. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmontgomery48 Posted December 11, 2014 Share Posted December 11, 2014 So sorry for your loss of beautiful Sweet Quote Nancy~Mom to Wizard July 9, 2006 and Lexie June 25, 2009 Always in my heart, my goofy boy Sarge 8-25-04....5-17-11 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracey Posted December 11, 2014 Share Posted December 11, 2014 I'm so very sorry for your loss. Quote ...............Chase (FTH Smooth Talker), Morgan (Cata), Reggie (Gable Caney), Rufus (Reward RJ). Fosters check in, but they don't check out. Forever loved -- Cosmo (System Br Mynoel), March 11, 2002 - October 8, 2009.Miss Cosmo was a lady. And a lady always knows when to leave. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hawthorn Posted December 11, 2014 Share Posted December 11, 2014 So sorry for your loss of Sweet. Quote When a relationship of love is disrupted, the relationship does not cease. The love continues; therefore, the relationship continues. The work of grief is to reconcile and redeem life to a different love relationship. ~ W Scott Lineberry Always Greyhounds Home Boarding and Greyhounds With Love House Sitting Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest goofydog Posted December 11, 2014 Share Posted December 11, 2014 I'm so very sorry for your loss. Godspeed Sweet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fiona3 Posted December 11, 2014 Share Posted December 11, 2014 Jan, I am so sorry that it was Sweet's time to leave. Your remembrance for her is beautiful. The photos of Seamie & Sweet are so touching to see. It is clear that they had formed a bond of companionship. In her time with you, Sweet discovered a wonderful, loving home, a place where she found she was special, a quiet haven from her previous life. In so many ways the best part of her life was saved for the last 14 months. Rest well Sweet - the girl who truly lived up to her name! Quote Hobbes - April 2, 1994 to April 9, 2008-----Tasha - May 23, 2000 to March 31, 2013 Fiona - Aug 29, 2001 to May 5, 2014-----Bailey - March 22, 2001 to Jan 20, 2015 Zeke - June 1, 2004 - Jan 26, 2016----Callie - July 14, 2006 to July 27, 2019 Forever in my heart: Chooch, Molly, Dylan & Lucy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brandiandwe Posted December 11, 2014 Share Posted December 11, 2014 I'm so sorry. Run free Sweet! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted December 11, 2014 Share Posted December 11, 2014 In your words I can feel how very much you love her. I'm so sorry she had to leave you. Godspeed, Sweet. Quote Star aka Starz Ovation (Ronco x Oneco Maggie*, litter #48538), Coco aka Low Key (Kiowa Mon Manny x Party Hardy, litter # 59881), and mom in IllinoisWe miss Reko Batman (Trouper Zeke x Marque Louisiana), 11/15/95-6/29/06, Rocco the thistledown whippet, 04/29/93-10/14/08, Reko Zema (Mo Kick x Reko Princess), 8/16/98-4/18/10, the most beautiful girl in the whole USA, my good egg Joseph aka Won by a Nose (Oneco Cufflink x Buy Back), 09/22/2003-03/01/2013, and our gentle sweet Gidget (Digitizer, Dodgem by Design x Sobe Mulberry), 1/29/2006-11/22/2014, gone much too soon. Never forgetting CJC's Buckshot, 1/2/07-10/25/10. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robinw Posted December 11, 2014 Share Posted December 11, 2014 (edited) I'm so very sorry. She was quite a character, wasn't she Edited December 11, 2014 by robinw Quote Xavi the galgo and Peter the cat. Missing Iker the galgo ?-Feb.9/19, Treasure (USS Treasure) April 12/01-May 6/13, Phoenix (Hallo Top Son) Dec.14/99-June 4/11 and Loca (Reko Swahili) Oct.9/95 - June 1/09, Allen the boss cat, died late November, 2021, age 19. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
macoduck Posted December 11, 2014 Share Posted December 11, 2014 What a wonderfully sweet 14 months she had with you. Quote Freshy (Droopys Fresh), NoAh the podenco orito, Rita the podenco maneta, Howie the portuguese podengo maneto Angels: Lila, the podenco, Mr X aka Denali, Lulu the podenco andaluz, Hada the podenco maneta, Georgie Girl (UMR Cordella), Charlie the iggy, Mazy (CBR Crazy Girl), Potato, my mystery ibizan girl, Allen (M's Pretty Boy), Percy (Fast But True), Mikey (Doray's Patuti), Pudge le mutt, Tessa the iggy, Possum (Apostle), Gracie (Dusty Lady), Harold (Slatex Harold), "Cousin" Simon our step-iggy, Little Dude the iggy ,Bandit (Bb Blue Jay), Niña the galgo, Wally (Allen Hogg), Thane (Pog Mo Thoine), Oliver (JJ Special Agent), Comet, & Rosie our original mutt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neighsayer Posted December 11, 2014 Share Posted December 11, 2014 Hugs! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moneypenny Posted December 11, 2014 Share Posted December 11, 2014 Oh Jan - I am so sorry. What a lucky lady she was to land at Camp Greyhound. Another bright star in the heavenly skies I am quite sure she and Seamus enjoyed a wonderful reunion. Quote Mom to Emmi (WM Lickety Split) & Asia (Devious Walker)Waiting at the Bridge: Shadow, Willow, Tony, Nina, Reggie, Sunny, Webb, Rosie, Rowdy, Ivy, Smoke & Raina Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FiveRoooooers Posted December 11, 2014 Author Share Posted December 11, 2014 Thank you all so much. For a little girl she sure had a huge presence here. She is missed. Quote Old Dogs are the Best Dogs. Thank you, campers. Current enrollees: Punkin. AnnIE Oooh M Angels: Pal . Segugio. Sorella (TPGIT). LadyBug. Zeke-aroni. MiMi Sizzle Pants. Gracie. Seamie . (Foster)Sweet. Andy. PaddyALVIN!Mayhem. Bosco. Bruno. Dottie B. Trevor Double-Heart. Bea. Cletus, KLTO. Aiden 1-4. Upon reflection, our lives are often referenced in parts defined by the all-too-short lives of our dogs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest AimeeBee Posted December 11, 2014 Share Posted December 11, 2014 Rest easy, Sweet. Hugs to you and your crew. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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