Forevermybabies

One day after Joe died, I was lying in bed when I saw a brindle back end with a white-tipped tail run out of the room. I didn't hear anything at all, which was odd, because out the door of our room is two wood steps leading down to the hardwood floor, so you always hear thumps and the ticking of toenails. I was so tired, I just thought, eh, it's Angel. But then I thought, WAIT a sec...Angel doesn't have a white-tipped tail...does she???? I got up and checked. Not only was she lying there at my feet, but she does NOT have a white-tipped tail. Joe did. That was the one and only time I ever saw anything. I know that others have also experienced this. It's an interesting thing for them to let you know they are still there.

It's so hard to deal with the loss of our dear friends, and to think of getting another...well, that, too, is difficult. I wasn't sure that I wanted another after Joe died...at least not for a while. But every day I cried, and the wound was so painful. My DH finally took me to the track, and we brought home Angel that day. I wasn't sure that I would even be able to bond with her through my grief. But I did, and her presence (and then Festus and SM) eased the pain so much, I can't tell you. They gave me LIFE to focus on instead of grief and memories. I have Joe's picture here at my desk, and I often look up and see him looking back at me. He is with me always. His ashes on the mantel, his pictures everywhere, his collar in a handmade jar. I know that Joe is at peace now, and I know that animals forgive us and love us eternally. My love for Joe is not diminished by my love for Angel and Festus and Sunscreen Man, it is proven.

Very very sad. It feels like the end of an era. She was an inspiration to many, and certainly lived a very long life, and died loved by so many -- even those who never met her. A great and lasting legacy for anyone, and an even greater achievement for a dog.

Jeff has announced that he and Tammy are taking an extended trip to the Caribbean. Thank you. Management :lol (I'm kidding of course. The Caribbean is such a cheesy destination, I'm sure they'll go someplace REALLY nice.)

I sent a donation in the amount that I would normally pay for a magazine subscription, but I sure get a lot more information and enjoyment per month out of Greytalk. Thanks Jeff!

I'm so sorry. What a sad sad day.

Gosh! That's just awful! They must be just devastated! I'm so sorry. Any idea what happened?

That is a lovely tribute Stacey.

I've met a lot of really sweet greyhounds, but Joe really was the most tolerant and gentle dog I've ever known. If he had opposable thumbs, I probably would have let him babysit.

This is a picture of Joe and my son, Greyson, taken October, 1993. Joe was our first greyhound...so I SWEAR my son's name is just a coincidence. Or maybe an omen of things to come. This picture makes me proud and misty all at the same time. I found it in a greyhound book I was looking through...apparently at some point I was using it as a bookmark, and had forgotten all about it. I always carry it in my purse now...He was such a beautiful dog in every way.

She was a beautiful girl. I don't recall what happened with her, either, but I'm sorry that you are suffering.

I'm so sorry for your loss. I know how badly it hurts. ((HUGS)) Tami

I'm so sorry for your loss. She was lucky to be with you for her whole life.

I'm so sorry for your loss...

I don't know that it ever goes away. I still grieve for my animals who are long, long gone. But it gets easier with time. My sister sent me a card when my cat died - long ago - that said, What is loved remains in the heart. I think that's true. They never leave us because we loved them.

It's very very hard. Everyone grieves in their own way. After Joe died, I really didn't think I could deal with having another dog because they, too, would die eventually. But at the same time, I was driving around trying to find a greyhound...I ended up at an impromptu meet and greet at our local Petco. When I walked in and saw the one dog there, I just started to weep. I asked if I could please hug their dog...I just missed Joe so badly. On one hand, my heart hurt from not having another greyhound, and on the other hand, I was so afraid to have my heart broken again. In the end, my husband pushed us into getting another greyhound, and I'm glad that he did. We have three now, and though I know that my heart will break again and again and again...I also know that what they bring to my life right now is worth that heartache later. I hope that you and your husband can work it out and bring another grey home soon.

It was very kind of you to care. Prince was lucky to find you instead of a lonely death in pain. You did a good thing taking him in.

I'm very sorry. I love ferrets. I babysat once for a family who had a very silly ferret, who stole my shoes. I had to borrow a pair to go home in. They found them later stuffed behind the couch. Such sweet, funny, smart little animals. You have my condolences.

I'm so sorry.

Molly, I'm so glad you found us...I know that many of us share and understand your grief all too well. ((HUGS)) Tami

I'm so sorry...

You have my sympathy. I know what that's like. Joe also died of lymphoma.

Nan, I am so sorry...

He's lovely. Say hello to Joe for me Brian!

When my cat, Holly, died, my sister sent me a card that said "What is loved remains in the heart." I've always remembered that. It is because of your love for Roo that he stays with you, and it is because of your love that it hurts. It's been one and a half years since Joe died, but to talk about him or write about him still makes me cry. The first two weeks were nearly unbearable, and then we got Angel, and I had something else to concentrate on. Joe'd been our only dog for so long, and his loss left a huge silent hole. Try to share your love and grief with the other members of your family, and let them help fill that hole in your heart. ((HUGS)) Tami