queenwinniesmom

Bonnie, precious, we love you! Kristin, you are both in our prayers.

I'm so sorry you've gotten this devastating diagnosis. But you are moving forward, and doing what is best for your precious boy. Please know that you are not alone. There is a lot of knowledge and support here. And you and Willie are in our prayers.

I'm so sorry you have been blindsided by the monster. Too many of us know how you are feeling. Hug your precious boy, and cherish your time together.

I'm so sorry you lost your precious Link. How blessed he was to live his life so fully, right till the end, with the person who loved him so very much.

I'm so sorry you lost your precious boy. Run free, sweet Abbey.

That is heartbreaking. I can feel your immense sadness. I'm so sorry you lost your precious boy.

Oh, such a long, brave battle...I'm so sorry you lost your wonderful old boy.

Oh, Ranger, I'm so glad to hear that you're doing so well, but try not to scare the poop out of your Mom, or make her carry you up the steps. Just take it easy, big guy, you're doing great. And you have the best Mom in the world! Did she get her sense of humor from you or vice versa?

Wish I had some advice, but I'm just so sorry you and Beau are going through this.

I think she looks incredibly beautiful, and that incision is going to get better and better. Both of you are doing really well. Give her a gentle hug, please, and know that you're still in our prayers.

Oh, Claudia, I'm just seeing this! We'll be thinking about your precious Wayne tomorrow, and hoping for the best possible results. Please let us know what's going on. And Wayne, we love you!

I'm so sorry you lost your precious girl. But so glad that you and Cindy found each other, and shared such a strong bond. The love you had together shines through in every word. I can't think of a more loving passing---how lucky she was to have a Mom who made that final, most difficult gift, so safe, so gentle. I have no doubt that she has let you know that she's okay now. And she will let you know when it's time to open your heart to another Grey. She'll send you someone, and it will be the most fitting tribute to the love you shared, to welcome another dog who needs you into your home. Thank-you for sharing your sweet girl with us in such a beautiful tribute and pictures.

Oh, no. I'm so sorry you lost your precious boy, especially on Christmas.

I'm just seeing this! And I'm a little teary eyed, as sometimes happens when I read about Winslow. But what a lovely post-Christmas present, for many reasons. First, I am so honored that Winnie and I could play even a small part in Glynis and Winslow's journey in dealing with osteo. I think our conversation on the sidewalk that evening was Winnie's first Dewey after her amp, about 5 months before that. I was still in the stage of being amazed at her resilience, and though I never quite got out of that stage, at that point, I was still adjusting too. I couldn't believe that she was pulling me down every street, around every corner, and into every doorway. So I guess I was filled with such pride that I was eager to tell everyone I saw what an amazing creature my Queen was! And isn't it even more than serendipitous that I did? If there was ever a person who would take each inspiration, each positive influence, and pay it forward times ten, it is Glynis! How many of us have been given hope, how many have laughed or beamed with pride when reading about Winslow and his wonderful Mom. And how many hounds and humans have they helped, not only through their physical presence, but by their amazingly generous contributions to Hope For Hounds and the Greyhound Angels Network. Her auction donations and Winslow's store have undoubtedly made a huge difference. I truly believe that Glynis and Winslow are angels on earth! Don't mean to embarrass you guys, because you're only doing what comes so naturally to you, but it's true. And hey, she will sing Winslow's artistic praises, but his talent comes from his Mom, not the other way around! If you're not familiar with Glynis' artwork, you should be. So this is a chance to say a public thank-you. For keeping me sane and inspired during my very difficult summer when I broke my ankle and lost my best friend, for giving me a gift I will treasure forever, and for the latest update on her very special boy. The pictures are incredible, especially that close-up (yes, what a luxurious coat he has). It's just good to know they are both out there, doing what they do best. Thanks, guys, TO YOU!

On Christmas....I'm so sorry you had such a stressful time. Smokey and your family will be in our prayers. Please let us know how he's doing. There is a lot of support and information here.

Hi Jen, Poor Tanner! Wish I had some experience or advice for you, but I don't---just wanted to say I hope he feels better. I know you'll do everything you can for him. And a small hijack---though I'm sorry to see you posting in H and M, I can take the opportunity to thank you for the Burpdog! Lydia was ecstatic, as were Polly and Tess. You and Crisco are the best! We sent you some pics. Give the sweet boy a hug from me and a smooch from his sweetie. And let us know how Tanner is doing.

I'm just now seeing this too. I'm so sorry you are spening your holiday waiting for test results. That truly sucks. We are not good "waiters", we become "worriers". So know that we all know how you feel, and are sending our prayers and while light out to you and Samm E. Bammer. The farther down those dang things are, the better, I think. Like Iris and Xan said, it could end up very minor. But they do need to biopsy, just to be sure. Chanting here in the Burg.

Yes, I think you can bring that girl home! What a wonderful Christmas present that would be for both of you. Who was it---Ranger's Mom---who was talking about these laser treatments? They sound very helpful for wound healing. I'm so glad she's doing well. Keep it up, sweet girl!

I'm so glad he's home and doing well. You're doing a great job too! To answer one of your questions, yes, they run! He will probably scare the poop out of you, but Ranger is going to be running again. In fact, I think sometimes it's easier for them to run than it is for them to walk. The tripod gait seems awkward as they have to hop along, but running....it just works. Here's Winnie keeping up with her younger, 4 legged sisters. I held my breath sometimes when she took off, but she just loved it so much that I had to let her do it. She would know when it was time to stop.

Pam, my heart breaks for you and Marilyn, and the many people who loved Ranchie and tried so hard to save him. Though his time with us was short, he taught us all so much about courage, patience, joyfulness. Thank-you for letting him know how very much he was loved.

Hey, honey girl, how's your pee today? Just because red is pretty, you don't want your PEE that color! Purple is a lovely color too, but there is no purple pee. At least you got to schmooze with Racer. That took the sting out of the visit a little, didn't it? Please let us know how you're doing. ETA I meant to say that we'll say a prayer for Racer too.

I'm just seeing this now, too, and have been reading over all the posts and updates. I'm so sorry that you and Ranger have gotten this terrible diagnosis. But I am getting such a positive vibe from your posts. It's very obvious how much you love this boy, and how committed you are to his treatment. I feel that you are doing everything right! And thankfully, you have skipped some of the stages that come with an osteo diagnosis, mainly that dreadful period of agonizing over what to do when you first get the news, and are still reeling from the shock. Unable to process that, and faced with such a finite time frame, many of us stumble back and forth between options, not sure what is best for our beloved dogs. For better or worse, your decision to amputate was made FOR you, and you proceeded with the knowledge that you would do whatever you had to do. You will learn a lot in this journey, from other people who have been there, and from Ranger himself. You'll learn that there is so much support and comfort and knowledge in the Greyhound community, and you will learn that these dogs are remarkably brave and resilient. And you might as well know now that it might get worse before it gets better. Hang in there. You seem to be in excellent hands. Dr. Couto is a saint! And your vet seems to be on top of everything. That laser treatment sounds great---I think so many more dogs could have benefitted from it. So if they want to keep him, that is probably best. They have so many adjustments as they process and eliminate the anesthesia, and work out how they are reacting to the various pain meds. Their systems are all so different, and often, their recovery times vary. You're also right to try and get some sleep before the boy comes home---you will need it! The rugs are necessary, and you're being really proactive. Those dang right hind legs! It seems like that's where a lot of them get the tumors. That's where Winnie's was. She had a remarkably uneventful recovery and adjusted beautifully to life as a tripod. Her already rather quirky personality magnified some of her quirks even more---she absolutely refused to walk on slick floors for the last 3 years of her life! I can still smile over memories of her being carried by her Dad into various rooms because she put on the brakes and refused to budge. The Queen certainly knew how to make an entrance! And yes, we had 3 1/2 good years with Winnie after her amp. Unlike most, we did not do the chemo, instead treating with immune system boosters like artemisinin and pycnogenol, fish oil, and a high protein, low carb diet. We actually lost her to kidney failure, and I believe she was truly in remission from the osteo. While our story may be atypical, Winnie has been an inspiration to many owners whose dogs are fighting this terrible disease. We do what we can because we love them, and hope for the best. I hope the best for your precious Ranger. He's so beautiful, and obviously a character who has found his perfect home. Please continue to let us know how he is doing---and how YOU are doing! You are both in my prayers.

Oh, my gosh, I don't think I realized she was still at the vets! The poor girl. Poor you! But I like the word optimistic. It sounds like she's making steady progress, and I think there is that point where they "turn the corner", and the real healing starts. It's hell before you get there, but once past it, they don't look back. She is indeed "your Mango", and you will realize that even more when she finally gets back home. I think I've closed my eyes and tried to will this girl to get better so many times in the past few weeks, and I'm just one of many who are doing the same thing, and keeping her in our prayers. We'll keep it up. Be sure and let us know when she comes home, and how she's doing.

I love reading these stories. And I love the spooks. Our Angel Buster seemed to be a spook (but I think he was more very shy than a true spook) when he came to us as a foster. He was 8 years old, a 2 time bounce, and had been super shy in both homes. He was especially afraid of men and kids, but seemed to be drawn to my husband Doug immediately. Since he had so many issues, and we'd never had an extremely shy dog, we planned to foster him, then let him go. But we kept holding him back from adoption days to see if he'd adjust. We did decide that we'd at least try, but if he didn't get a home, then he was meant to stay with us. And when we finally took him, about 4 months later, he cowered in his cage, head down, eyes raised, low growl. Always attractive to perspective adopters! Needless to say, Buster came back home with us, and we had a "Duh!" moment. The guy knew the minute he walked in our door that he had found his forever home, and it took us 4 months to realize it! When we succumbed, we fell so deeply in love with him that we were certain he was meant to be ours. He did improve gradually, but it took a long time. We'd never taken him to GIG or Dewey, but after a few years, decided to give it a try. Well, first he got his leg stuck inside his coat and fell out of the car at a rest stop, and halfway to Gettysburg, he took a huge dump in the car. And behind the Battlefield Holiday Inn one very dark night, I'm sure he saw a ghost! Then there was the table dancing episode at McShea's in Dewey.... He wore a red bandanna at functions for years, but finally outgrew it. But Buster, oh Buster.... what a complex, hapless, tough or terrified on the outside, tender at the core, loyal, devoted guy. God how I loved him! I think we become so enamoured of the shy ones because it feels like such an honor that they have chosen YOU, chosen you to trust and to love. And whatever the time frame, each victory is to be celebrated, knowing that it happened because the right dog found exactly the right family.

Oh, I'm so sorry you lost your precious girl, and that you didn't have more time after her diagnosis. But you are right, trying to make it to her birthday would have been more for you than her. I wish for all our dogs the peaceful passing you so lovingly provided for her. I was just looking at her incredibly beautiful photo. OMG, it is stunning! How wonderful that you will have this lovely remembrance. It seems that she was beautiful inside AND out.