GreytHurleyDawg

What a shocking death! Atari was gorgeous and very happy living with you for these years. I am glad he was your family member and not still at the kennel. My sympathies and condolences to you and your family in this difficult time. No words can express how tough it is.

I am so sorry for the sudden loss of your Lola. They try and make it easier for You at the end and yet that makes it more difficult to accept. Your bond with her will see you through this time, I hope. Run pain free, dear Lola!!!!

Oh, Lath, you left your human very saddened by your loss! Well, cuss, cuss, cuss to you too! I do love those spitfires who still find a way to dig deep into your heart! My sympathy to you for your loss.

I am so sorry Chelsa left this world in a diva's hurry. She had an important role in your family and I know it's a huge adjustment when you lose that member. I hope her Daddy carries her with him in his heart until we all see each other again. Condolences to all!

In the overall view, maybe a few months have to bear more losses so that most months can be low and normal. I noticed though that both October and April are important seasonal months of change. Fall in October really begins to hint or even welcome winter and April ushers in the precipice of the changeover to warmth and then summer.

My condolences and sincere hugs to you after Sophie's passing. She was a very special girl and will always have a special place in your heart. I hope you find a way to move forward while honoring her life. Run free, Sophie! My Hurley is up there warming up a bed and sharing toys.

Having lost our osteo pupper only 2 days after Charlie, life has been very surreal and I feel less like I am posting beautiful words about the wonderfully inspirational Charlie and more like I am comiserating with a fellow greyhound owner. But may you remember the good times, smile at his photos, think of him often, move forward knowing your life was changed for the better and know that we will all be together one day. I'm so so sorry Charlie had to leave this world!

Thank you for all the wonderful thoughts and responses. I can't really write his tribute any better than my husband, Jim. It was fitting and real. We added photos to the original post and there are so many more that we may be posting later! I have a few videos too, all post amputation!! Also, thank you Diane for adding those photos....I don't even remember seeing all of those! I know he is in good company now, pain and care free! Johanna (Hurley's person)

First, let me take a moment to clarify that this is not Johanna, but her husband Jim. I wanted to take a moment to write down a few things, to share with all of you some thoughts about our time with Hurley. As some of you may be aware, our dog, Hurley, was diagnosed with bone cancer in November. Although we took the steps of amputating his leg, in hopes of extending his life, the cancer had spread to his lungs. Shortly after Midnight, in the early morning of Monday April 23, it was clear to us that Hurley was struggling to breathe. Johanna suggected taking him to the 24hour vet, and I took a moment to remind her that he might never come home if we did. We both took some time to sit with him, and we made the call. While the vet was worried that we would have to carry him, Hurley did rise to his feet when we picked up the leash, a testament to his strength. We were encouraged by this, but we remained realistic as well. The vet confirmed that he was having heart problems, and while his heart was beating 180 bpm, he was not fully circulating. We sat and talked about the situation, considering the wisdom of checkin him into their ICU and waiting until our morning consultation. Six hours seemed like an eternity at that point, in which time Hurley could have had other problems, several of which might be too painful. And alone. We made the decision that all dog owners fear. It was Hurley's time. Before he suffered, before he was alone, before he was scared. We sat for a short time alone, then went to the family room, where we could be with Hurley. The three of us sat there, having our final moments, saying our goodbyes. And when the vet came in, Hurley sat between us, our hands continually on him, comforting him, and reminding him that he was not alone. It is truly a humbling experience to feel the last beats of your beloved pet's heart, but I would have been nowhere else in his final minutes. Never take for granted your pets, and the love that exists between you. Hurley was not our dog. Rather, Johanna was Hurley's person. It seems a fine distinction, but I know that many of you understand this sentiment. Since Hurley's transition from track (Geneva Lakes) to our home, he had taken to Johanna, making her his life's focus. He was never far from her when she is home, and when she is away, he clearly missed her. Her arrival at home was always met by Hurley's wet nose and chittering teeth. Since losing the ability to join us in the bed with the loss of his leg, he was our alarm clock, whimpering at the bottom of the stairs, imploring Johanna to come down and join him in the day. While some might think that this is hunger, or a request to be let out, I assure you that is not the case. When it was I who descended the stairs to check on his needs, he seemed disappointed, and returned to his roost on the couch. When it is Johanna, he was at her side, ready to seize the day. Hurley is not just a good dog. He is a great dog. And he made us better people. He had a perfect temprament. He was neither too aloof (sorry, Woodie) nor too bossy (sorry, Petra), but he was definately Alpha Dog. The following day, I found Woodie sitting at the front door, perhaps expecting Hurley's return. I hope that he, as well as the rest of our household, can find new ways to move past this tragedy, and celebrate the joy that our Hurley brought to our lives. Later, with Johanna, I hope we can post some of our favorite photos of Hurley, some of which have been previously posted, but a few new ones as well. Thank you all for your support and concern. It has been a few days, and Johanna and I have taken some time to collect a few photos. Here are some of our favorites. From early on, Hurley did some odd things, like roaching... The story behind this photo is simple enough...dumb luck. Just happened to snap the photo at the moment he jumped. Silly pajama time. Family photos. (I know, we are so odd.) Even with only 3 legs, loved to roach on the couch. This winter, as Hurley the tripod navigated the snowy yard. Finally, a last photo from Sunday, after the vet had already confirmed the tumors had spread to his lungs.

I will post a proper remembrance but my sister is visiting (which is so fortunate for me!) and it will take some time because I'd like to enjoy the short time that she is here! Thank you all for your kind words even though this isn't the ideal place for here. Zuri, be well! Pinky, get through your xray appointment with flying colors! Hugs to all who have reason to post here! It hurts so badly to know he has been gone for 24 hours but each milestone makes me remember him more and smile! Very important 'edited to add': We have some meds that we would love to donate or find a use for: a few tablets of Cerenia, the steroid Prednisolone (very low dose however) and his Heartgard. I noticed you guys shipping them out to each other. I was going to see if my vet would buy back the unopened Heartgard or give that to my group? Just looking for timely info! We never did get the supplements or antineoplastics ordered so I really don't have much.

Hurley was helped to the bridge at 4am our time. His heart was failing. No one else knows yet and I just feel like I can't sleep without letting someone who cares know. He had a really good run and he is always with me.

Krissy, everything is hard to look back at but I am a little amazed that they do wait so long between xrays. A blood exam and physical exam were all he had after chemotherapy. Apparently, those did not show any lung damage. April 2 was his physical. So either it really sprouted quickly or it was forming but silent. Xrays can't hurt!

Edited to add: we took him to the evet since the breathing was labored and we were hoping it was pneumonia or something. The news is not good : Hurley's lungs are full of metasteses. We have him on prednisone until the appt Monday to discuss palladia or other treatment. She assured us that we are not at the end yet but it will be soon. I'm just putting it all into perspective now. I was supposed to be enjoying my time with my sister(whom I haven't seen on 6 months) this week and instead I have some important decisions to make. I'm glad she will be here with me though!

Hurley has an xrays appt set up for Monday morning. If he becomes worse, I will take him to the e vet but I want the oncologist to make the diagnosis. I will post afterwards! Yes, I am hugging him and loving him right now. My sister is finally here in the state for a visit so she has not seen him since this all began.

Oh Charlie! He was the best ambassadog ever! My condolences and thoughts are there with you and your family!

I hope all is well for Legs! Odd that it is a periodic problem and not something that escalates. I hope OSU gets back to you quickly....they do so much good but with the workload it does take awhile sometimes. Praying they don't see osteo!

I am very sorry to read about Sam! Edited to add: I haven't given my condolences yet for Joe's family and was unable to find a Remembrance thread...so I just wanted to add that I am very sorry that Joe was taken away from those who loved him. I hope you heal and can find peace so that you can continue to help, but in your own time. Huge hugs. Edited to add: I think Sam's family had a heart-wrenching day and I offer the biggest cyber hugs possible!

So, Hurley has been coughing and sputtering and making choking sounds off and on, sporadically for about a week or so. Tonight, I came home and he sounded like he was choking again. We tried to write it off and not worry each individual time but it's obviously a pattern. His breathing sounds a little noisy now, he tried to pretend it's not happening but I can hear it. I booted up the computer to ask whether this means lung mets and founf the thread about Charlie (which was a surprise to me from hiding under my rock so long) Charlie, you are the strongest greyhound I know and we will all get through this! Anyway, I will obviously take him in for xrays but I don't know if I should rush in now (I'm supposed to meet my husband and a friend in an hour and a half for a drink) or tomorrow but certainly I will move them up to this week (they were scheduled for May 1)......and try not to freak out until I know the truth. I was supposed to be posting that all was good, we had just visited the holistic vet and got our recommendations but I may have to wait on that now. I need more time, dear Hurley Dawg!

Hi guys! I thought I'd check in since I have apparently been avoiding this thread like the plague....not intentionally, but avoiding it nonetheless, possibly just because of time constraints. Hurley is doing WELL!! He has had two post-chemotherapy checkups and has had no problems. He is not on any medications at the moment and is ecstatic to be at home romping in the yard. I have never seen a happier dog! Except in the mornings, when he whines until I get out of bed (upstairs, where he doesn't go)....he misses me that much. I am trying to gradually break his neediness of me because it is noticeable that my husband isn't acceptable for him.....he needs ME. But this sort of 'problem' is nothing to complain about, just to work on! He has one more monthly checkup and then he goes to every 3 months for xrays. His insurance JUST renewed on Monday and I had to push that last appt to that day because VPI was rejecting the last few payments since he must have reached a maximum for the diagnosis. I'll let you know if I make it to the holistic vet and decide to proceed with any recommendations for cancer-prevention. I just don't know if insurance would cover anything optional like that so then I may or may not decide to pay for it. We'll see what information I glean through the appointment. Once I make it! The main thing is he is doing GREYT!!!!! Everyone is in my thoughts and prayers. Joe's new collar is a touching story! Johanna

I am very sorry to read this....what a quick and demanding way to go. May you find peace with the loss of your Saint and may he find those loved ones in his new home beyond the Rainbow Bridge!

I am so sorry for the loss of your little Peanut...she certainly lived up to her name! Thank you for posting a Happy Memory remembrance, it's good to have a few of those sprinkled in! Thank you, Peanut - Fth Buttercup!

I am glad to hear they got the tumor out and that there were not as many tumors! Many good thoughts for the beautiful girl's recovery!!!!

I have one big update: Hurley is done with his chemo! Apparently since he did not do carbo and doxy together, he is done after 4 doses! I might have been getting my info from here, I don't know where I got mixed up. He is doing fine. I asked my onco about metronomic protocol and she did not offer much info. I was not armed with my info since I thought we had 2 more chemos. So I will be going to a wellness vet soon for some holistic and other treatments but I may or may not start an official protocol backed by osu. It would be nicer to get in on their studies than to have to chart it out alone and fund it considering the prices mentioned. Unless insurance will help? Does anyone know if becoming a greyhound consultation member helps with that? I still have to pay it...have been putting it off!

Wendy, I am glad there is a good pupdate on Twiggy...I am sending more good thoughts as she has more healing to do!! At least her spirits and appetite are up! As for the onco, I totally agree that it is time to fire her...she may care enough to cover her butt but where is the truth that is needed when dealing with a beloved pet? If she was truthful, she would have said she doesn't see bleeding after chemo to be a response that could have been caused by chemo...instead she said it wasn't life or death. Well, no, it's survivable but the reason must be kept in mind...there has to be one, so why can't she be bothered to worry about it or comment on it?? Ugh! Of course, it is totally your decision and there are some things you need a real oncologist for but I'm thinking that in your area, you could do better. After all that wonderful news about Hurley that I posted yesterday, he vomited up half his dinner last night!! I do think it was random, somehow, as he seemed good after that and he had an enormous appetite again today. So, we are in the hopeful phase again. Petra was not gated away from Hurley while he was eating that meal and he very suddenly ran away after she infringed on his personal eating space...then he was wobbly on the couch as he tried to spin and sit down....instead he horked up his meal onto the floor. So, I am chalking it up to nothing at all!

Sending many good, healing thoughts and prayers that the Pred is to blame!! And hoping Ace's tail can wag after a break from the Pred!