GreyhoundNan

That looks exactly like my Hunky's feet used to look before my vet started treating him for SLO. He also has a wheat allergy but his feet are fine, dry, and void of scabs and sores since I switched him to a raw diet. He is currently taking a med holiday from his tetracycline and niacinamide protocol but if he has a flare up again he will go right back on it.

Electric City Animal Clinic is in Anderson and is VERY grey savvy. I LOVE that practice! I'm moving back to SC next week (provided I find a place to live, eeeeek!) and I will be taking my hounds there. In fact, I've taken them back up there the entire time I've lived here in Alabama!

I know not many may remember my handsome man because I don't post here often, but I lost part of my heart on Friday. See you soon, lovey-boy. Profile

I don't know much about her life before she came to us in April of 2001, except that she had three litters of pups and three of those were adopted out by the same adoption group Liz was. When she arrived and I went to pick her up at the holding kennel, she was brown and dirty and had no fur from her ribcage backward. She had on an orange plastic collar with the word LIZ written on it in marker, and as soon as I opened her crate to greet her she came charging out of it. She was with us as a foster for about 6 months, from the end of April to the end of September, 2001. She did go stay with another family for a very short time because they thought about adopting her, but she was returned to us for not getting along well with their little dogs. She was in active heat for about 3 months due to a cyst on one of her ovaries. She had breath that could stop a truck. Since then, both the cyst and all of her teeth have been removed. And one night she crawled into the bed with me and crawled under the comforter and into my heart. She has done more and lived longer than any of us thought she would. The six months we expected after we adopted her became just shy of four years. She's been to book signings, seen the beach, eaten sushi, and been to the renn fest to have a turkey leg. She has been our alarm clock, both to prevent oversleeping and to remind me that it's 4:30 sharp, time for doggie tea. She is my light and my love, and she's going to the bridge tonight. Her body can't keep up with her spirit anymore. I love you sweet Momma...I'll do my best to take care of the pups just like you've taken care of me. Now GIT and run like I know you want to... N

Julie, I'm so sorry...I still have the picture you sent me of Starla in your car wearing the daisy collar I sent you...looking like she owned the world. Run free pretty girl... N

Hunky sends his condolences and wants Elvis to know he understands. Hunky's best friend other than Mommy was a yellow lab named Winston. Our neighbors got him as a puppy, and Hunky raised him up right through the fence...but never let him win a race. Winston's owners moved recently and Hunk will still go to the fence and stand there, just looking for his buddy. Godspeed sweet Bo. N

Hugs to you, Pat...I too have fond memories of the Divine One...and Liz wouldn't let me get away without dedicating her book to Sugs (and Suzi Waddell). N

I can't believe it's been four years since Kim Owens and I went to deliver a foster...somewhere...and I took my then foster Bo along for the ride. I can't believe it's been four years since I talked non-stop about him and she finally asked me if DH and I would be able to let him go...and I said no. I can't believe it's been four years since I signed the adoption papers in her kitchen, before heading outside to take this picture: And I can't believe that this is the second Happy Gotcha wish I've had to send to the Bridge instead of being able to tell you in person, Bo-Bo. I miss you big boy, every day I still miss you. You left a giant sized hole in our lives, and we will never be the same. Thank you for letting me be your mommy, and keep on greeting the new arrivals at the bridge with that smile that I love. Happy Fourth Gotcha Day, Bo-Bo. Love, Mommy edited to add: If anyone has littermates or half sibs of my Bo Bo (Twilite Reward x Twilitehalfproud) I want to give you the link to the thread about his illness and death. Bo Bo had lymphangectasia, and our vet said that if he had it there's a good chance his sibs would too. Here's the thread: White Light for Bo. And here is the second thread. Sorry to hijack Remembrance with this, but the best way I can find to honor Bo's memory is to try to spare someone else the experience we had. Thanks, y'all.

Bless your heart. I notice that you're new to GT... when you feel ready, we'd love to hear more about this amazing dog that so obviously wrapped herself around your heart. Until then, we not only wish godspeed to the beautiful Hazel, but we're here for her Mommy as well.

I've been thinking about my Bo Bo (RB 2/14/03) a lot lately, and feeling the need to write...and I think I've finally gotten my thoughts together. To the hounds that suffer...peace, painfree moments, and the knowledge that you are loved and adored by your humans. To the humans that suffer...peace, painfree moments, and the knowledge that you are loved and adored by the hounds that both cause your heart to ache and soar. To the hounds that have left us for the Bridge...sunny days, warm skies, lots of squirrels, and the hope that you will still touch the hearts of the humans that you left behind, for they still need you. To the hounds that will come into our lives...may you fill some of the gaps left in our world by those that have left, and remind us that each time the Divine closes a door, somewhere a crate door is opened and another hound finds a home. Love, hugs, support and most importantly UNDERSTANDING from all of us who have been there and unfortunately will be there again. The circle is never ending...and there's no path I'd rather travel. N

Thanks to all of you...I posted this and then just needed to be away from GT for a few days...and return to the same love and understanding that I know I can always find here. I'm no longer with the adoption group where we got Bo, and none of its leadership ever bother to contact me to see how my dogs are doing...so I want to say thank you to GT for becoming my surrogate adoption group. You guys are the best~ I too can't believe it's been a year...I was receiving messages from Bo via an animal communicator that I know, but nothing in a long time. She says she feels that he's moved on, and while I'm glad of that it was sorta nice to think he was still standing guard under the big pine tree, keeping us safe from the dreaded squirrels. I'm going to suggest that we put Bo's muzzle, martingale/leash, and leather collar away to DH. He's kept them hanging up like a shrine, and I think it's time to put them somewhere for safe keeping. Thanks again guys...GT'ers are the best. N

A year ago this past Friday, I was sitting in the basement singing "Oooh Child" to my boy Bo, promising him that when he got better he could sleep on the couch upstairs again. A year ago this past Saturday, DH took Bo to the vet for his daily round of fluids after his biopsy to diagnose IBD/Lymphangectasia. A year ago this past Sunday, I cried and thought that I'd never smile again, because my Bo had gone to the bridge the day before. Last Friday I listened to "Oooh Child" and I cried...but not as much. Last Saturday DH and I talked about the good times we had with Bo, and we laughed. Yesterday (Sunday), I told Bo I loved him, and that I'd never forget him, and realized that my heart had healed...mostly. "Oooh, child, things are gonna get easier...Oooh, child, things'll get brighter...Someday, we'll walk in the rays of the beautiful sun, someday when the world is much brighter..." We love you, BoBo...can't wait for that Someday. love, Momma

Midget (cockapoo, childhood dog) taught me to live every day like it's your first rather than your last. Buffy (heart dog, cocker spaniel, died in March of 1991) was my best friend. She was 10 when she died, and I was 20. She was my soccer buddy, my dress up doll, and my welcoming committee when I came home from camp or college. Unconditional love was the gift she gave me... Kat (my first kitty, a stray) taught me about courage and thinking of others before yourself. Kat and her baby Kashmir were attacked in our backyard (my parent's home, back in '92 or '93) by two huskies. I came outside to find them playing catch with her. Kat got away and climbed a tree to safety, regardless of the fact that every bone from her ribs back was smashed beyond repair. We found Kashmir huddled under a car tire not far from where the huskies had caught Kat...I'm sure she threw herself in front of her baby to save her. Algernon (orange tabby with white socks, hit by a car at about 16 wks old), in his all too short life, taught me about being still and appreciating beauty. He had blue green eyes that I could fall into...and I still have a cheapy little ring that I bought just because the stone is the same colour as his eyes were. Bo, my beloved greyhound...Bo left us too soon, but left us with a strength and dignity I had never seen before in a dying animal. He was himself until the end, and though his death was a shock it still served to teach us again about strength...the strength to keep going and care for our other hounds. Bo also taught me about silent beauty...I miss him more than I can express. N

You know...I'm feeling better now that I posted that...must be the magic of GT. GT'ers are the best! N

...and I still think that somehow it was all a mistake...that he's going to come home from the vet, all well after three months of rest...but the little box of ashes downstairs tells me I'm wrong. Anyway...I wanted to share something that I have on Bo's page on my website...I can't remember if I'd shared it here before. In the last week of his life, we were taking him almost every day for fluids to our vet, an hour from home. One of my favorite songs was on a CD that I was listening to, and it sort of became a theme song for those trips. After we lost Bo, I couldn't listen to that song for a long time...but now I think I can. I wanted to share it here b/c I think it's a good song for Bridge Kids of all shapes and sizes. Ooh Child - The 5 Stairsteps (Stairsteps Five) Ooh-oo child, things are gonna get easier Ooh-oo child, things'll get brighter Ooh-oo child, things are gonna get easier Ooh-oo child, things'll be brighter Some day, yeah We'll put it together and we'll get it all done Some day When your head is much lighter Some day, yeah We'll walk in the rays of a beautiful sun Some day When the world is much brighter Ooh-oo child, things are gonna be easier Ooh-oo child, things'll be brighter Ooh-oo child, things are gonna be easier Ooh-oo child, things'll be brighter Some day, yeah We'll put it together and we'll get it all done Some day When your head is much lighter Some day, yeah We'll walk in the rays of a beautiful sun Some day When the world is much brighter Some day, some day, some day We'll get it together and we'll get it all done Some day When your head is much lighter Some day, some day, some day We'll walk in the rays of a beautiful sun Some day When the world is much brighter Ooh-oo child, things are gonna get easier Ooh-oo child, things'll be brighter Ooh-oo child, things are gonna get easier Ooh-oo child, things'll be brighter Right now You just wait and see how things are gonna be Right now...

What a nice thread...I've had some wonderful memories while coming up with my list of Bridge Kids... Laddie (Irish setter girl) Lady (Brittany) Midget (cockapoo) Tiffany (cocker spaniel) Buffy (cocker spaniel) BeeBo (Hamster) Kat (self explanatory) Kashmyr (cat) Trouble (black tabby) Odie (orange tabby) Beauty (mink colored cat) Algernon (orange tabby kitten) Bo (2/14/03...banana brindle greyhound) Momma loves all of you and can't wait to be with you again... N

Healing thoughts to your heart, Becka...I'm sure my Bo was waiting to show Spade where the yummy squirrels are at the Bridge! We're all here if you need us.

Now that I'm a little more calm and sane, I wanted to share with you beautiful words that my obedience trainer, Jane, sent about my Bo Bo. My heart split wide open on February 11, 1999 when I lost my majestic "wind spirit" as I called her, my Brighton, my beautiful brindle girl...born in November 1986. Her life was long and entertaining, she loved me more than any human ever could, and she waited to tell me she was ready to go, so we could be together and hold each other tight as her spirit left. Tonight I mourn the passing of another majestic creature, Bo. A Greyhound with the body of Atlas and the soul of a saint. Perhaps he was aware of his destiny from the minute he was born and decided to live life in his own unique way. The beautiful package that contained his beautiful soul could no longer provide for him so he had to leave it behind. Dearest Bo, You made a very important journey today, you've gone to a place where you can run free and fast. You stop once in a while and long for Nancy and Scott, but then you run again because you know that when you are reunited with all who have loved you, they will understand why you are now so happy. I miss you Bo and am honored to have had the pleasure of knowing you. Tell Brighton I love her and touch her velvety ears for me. Love, Your teacher and admirer - Miss Jane Jane Fink Greyfaire Kennel www.westieworld.com/westiewisdom www.westielovers.com/arf4westies

My heart is broken.

Senior hounds are the best...well, okay, all my hounds are the best, and only two of them are seniors. DH and I adopted Liz a year and a half ago, just months after her 11th birthday. She was a scrawny thing with no fur from her ribs back due to a flea allergy (that must have been left madly untreated!), she was and is still covered in liver spots, her skin is too big for what's in it...and her mouth smelled like a swamp. And when she crawled under the comforter with me to sleep one night, I knew she wasn't leaving. She's still my lovebug. We wouldn't trade her for the world, and we constantly learn new things from watching her explore the world. Our other senior is Profile...he's just turned seven this past July and is every bit the grumpy old man. He's my snuggle-bug, and he's showing us how to adjust to life with a senior...just doing it on his terms. I can't say that my next dog will be a senior, but I've got two six year olds that are headed that way next year...wow...my entire pack save one will be a senior! Nan