Forevermybabies

I'm so sorry for your loss. She was, and is, a beautiful girl. You have my condolences.

I'm so sorry to hear that Belle iS gone. She's running free at the Bridge with all our sweet greys.

The kids were with us at the vet's office when he told us it was cancer, and my older son (then 8) just started to sob. He's a very stoic kid, and left the room after a moment of crying on me. When Joe actually was put to sleep, a couple of weeks later, we told the kids that Joe was terribly sick, and nothing was going to make him better, ever, and he was in a lot of pain, and was suffering (which, I think they could pretty much see for themselves, since he was coughing and pretty hang-dog the last week or so). We told them that the doctor was coming to help Joe die peacefully, so that he wouldn't suffer anymore. The vet came to our home, and the kids weren't there at the time, but when they came home, they said simply, "Is Joe gone?" and we said yes. My almost 7 year old said, "So, he can't ever come back?" I said no, he wasn't ever coming back. Then we talked about how our grief and sadness for Joe was a way for us to express how much we loved him and miss him, and it's okay to feel bad, sad, mad, whatever you need to feel. We kept his ashes in an urn I made for him, and sometimes the kids like to look at the urn and remember Joe. That was in 2001, and they still talk about Joe, and occasionally will come up to me and just say, "You know what? I really miss Joe." Or Gaby will say, "I feel really sad about Joe today." They understand that the disease that killed him was cancer, and when they hear that someone else has cancer, they always seem to draw that link. They are old enough now to understand that not everyone who has cancer dies from it, but they seem to feel more empathetic when they hear that someone has it. When we found out that my aunt has cancer, Greyson (my older son) said, "Well, Joe had cancer, but his was different, Mom. I'm sure your aunt will be okay." And he gave me a hug. Kids are capable of understanding and having empathy, and it's up to us, as parents, to teach them how to do that. Again, Deb, I'm very sorry for your loss. Please extend my condolences to your family. Tami

Those of us who've lost our beloved dogs completely understand your pain. I wish there was something to take it away, but feeling it is part of healing. Your grief is because of your love. Those who don't love their pets deeply, don't grieve for their loss. Be glad that it hurts. It means it was worth it.

I'm sorry for your loss. It would be heartbreaking to lose two so close together, and after such a short period of time together.

I'm sorry for your loss. She won't be alone there. I know she'll have many friends from here to run and play with her until you get there. (((HUGS)))

Crying for our babies on Christmas Eve... Morris the Minerboy Midnight Holly Kitty Shadow Joe God rest ye merry gentlemen (and furry ladies).

It's amazing how they never really leave you. All the animals I've loved and lost... But there are always more furry friends who need that love, so our hearts will never be empty.

What a cutie. He reminds me of a dog who came out of St. Croix Meadows whose name was Noodle-Nose or something like that. I'm sorry to hear of his passing.

So, I'm a little confused. Would it be frozen sperm, or sperm from one of his decendents? Either way, it would be an interesting experience.

It's so hard. I think the fact that we grieve so long and so hard for them is a tribute to the wonderful spirit that they shared with us.

I'm so sorry. You have my sympathy.

It appears that life does go on. Joe was our first greyhound, and was with us nearly 9 years. I found GT when Joe was very sick with the cancer that took him, and I've been grateful ever since for the support and caring and mostly, for the understanding, that I received from the people on this board. It's been one year and four months since Joe died, and we are just now starting to be able to talk about him, the things he did, and how we felt about him. It's been a long, hard road to travel, trying to drive around the potholes of hurt, and finally they are filling in a bit, and we are testing to see how much weight we can lay down before things get too rough. Here's our Christmas picture of Michael and the kids with Joe in 1996, the Christmas when I was too sick and awful looking to be in the picture. I took it, so looking at it reminds me of all the feelings of Christmas. Joe standing there looking so young and beautiful and the kids so little and happy. He sure was little, wasn't he? In some ways it was a simpler time, and a time when we just didn't know what we had in Joe. We found out when we lost him. So, anyway, hugs your dogs, your kids, and your loved ones.

We also adopted within two weeks of Joe's death in August 2001. I didn't think I was ready, and was just buried in grief, but Angel really was an important factor in me being able to begin healing. And since then, we've redoubled our dedication to these great dogs, and life has never been the same. We got Festus just two weeks after Angel, and he's been the most amazing dog ever, and now Sunscreen Man takes us to our doggie limit. Fate has a strange way of bringing you what you need when you need it most. I know that you are hurting, and part of you will always hurt, but you are moving forward, and some days will be better than others. Sometimes you will be able to talk about it without tears, and sometimes you won't. Hugs to you, your husband and all the kitties.

Emily's tragic death is one that stands out in my mind as well. She is missed, and won't be forgotten.

I'm so sorry for your loss. He was a beautiful dog. I'm sure that he has many wonderful friends to play with now at the Bridge.

Oh, that is so awful! I am soooo sorry! Poor Justin! Poor you! (((HUGS)))

I'm so sorry for your loss. I found Greytalk last August when my 11 yo grey, Joe, was dying. I hope you find it as comforting and supportive as I did. We understand your grief, and offer you our sincere sympathy. Hugs to you and your family (furry and not.)

Angel (Back on the Job) 18A/71087 Minnesota, USA Festus (Switzler Festus) 17C/63102 Minnesota, USA Our bridge baby (In Memory): Joe (Indio Starr) 119I/80635 Minnesota USA Brindle Raced at St. Croix Meadows, WI Born: 11/89 Died: 08/01 Male Sire: Pecos Rodriquez Dam: Indio Accent

Angel - AKA Back on the Job: Sire: P's Raising Cain; Dam: Searching Breeze Festus - AKA Switzler Festus: Sire: Switzler Forces; Dam: Switzler Shy

Angel (Back on the Job) - 1/98 - female - blue brindle - WI, CO Festus (Switzler Festus) - 1/97 - male - red - ?? & WI (briefly) We can't find much info on Festus' racing history. Maybe the owner will clue us in when/if she responds to our NGA transfer.

Greyhounds need a LOT of exercise. False: Greyhounds don't need any more exercise than your average dog. They are not used to extensive exercise, and are reknowned couch potatoes.

Joe and I used to visit at a loal nursing home. He couldn't sit on command (though occasionally he'd lie down if you said "sit.") They didn't even ask me. It was pretty informal. They gave us a list of residents who had said that they would like a visit, but it was up to us who we saw. We usually only went to a couple, or would go to people who were sitting around and looked interested. Joe never peed inside, but he ALMOST did once. (I saw him starting to lift, and said, "NO!" -- made one of the staff jump. Hee hee.) It doesn't hurt to call the local nursing homes and ask if they are interested, or you can call First Call for Help, United Way, or The Volunteer Center and ask if they have listings for requested dog visitors at various non-profits. There are usually crisis centers, centers for the disabled, or other places that would LOVE to have a grey visit their residents. Good luck! I hope you enjoy it! Tami

Festus came in from a jolly good romp outside with something like that on his chest, and I almost fainted when I say it...we were freaking out. But it went away in a couple of days, and I know what a loon he is outside, so I figured he bruised himself on some branches. (He and Angel like to play tag in the most crowded dangerous parts of the yard. I think I need to just get out there with the chain saw!)