ZoomDoggy Posted September 7, 2007 Share Posted September 7, 2007 I had to let my Chancy go last Friday, at age 12 years, 8 months. Never a sweeter, gentler soul has graced this Earth, and I was privileged to call her family for a far-too-short 25 months. I wrote this article for GPA-MN's newsletter in April 2007 (It's rather long, so skip down to the pics if you've a short attention span. ): >>>> Each Day is a Gift. A Tribute to My Beautiful Stripey Senior Hound, Chancy We'd owned our first greyhound, Tipper, for two years. We'd had Sissy for one year. I had quickly become enamored of the breed, and was actively involved in volunteering for GPA-MN. One day I saw that another volunteer had posted to the GPA-MN listserve, looking for a "permanent foster home" for a senior brindle girlie named Chancy who had been recently surrendered to the group. Chancy was thought to be 12 years old, and had a small grocery list of health problems, mostly due to woeful neglect by her previous owners. She was deemed "unadoptable" because very few new adopters would consider a sickly 12-year-old hound. We had never planned to have three dogs. I had never really been tempted because our house is just a small two-bedroom bungalow in the city. But a sentence I had read one of my first GPA newsletters kept ringing in my head: "Adding a senior hound to your home is as challenging as adding a throw rug." My heartstrings were effectively tugged. I called my husband, who was out playing golf. He sounded mildly annoyed at my interruption, and not thrilled about my idea of adding to our pack. We agreed to discuss it after he returned home. Ninety minutes later, my phone rang. It was my husband, still on the golf course. His first words: "What's her name?" I knew he was sold, the big softie. We arranged for Tipper and Sissy to meet Chancy at her temporary foster home. This was the final deciding factor. I wasn't worried, as Tip and Sissy always adored other greyhounds. Chancy was no exception. She was extremely shy with adults and fearful of children. She had infected weeping open sores all over her feet between her toes and in her nailbeds. She had the worst teeth I have ever seen, literally black, mushy, infected and rotten. She had a large rash of blackheads on her belly and unusually thick fur, indicating she'd likely spent large amounts of time outdoors. And she had a raging case of tapeworms. The saddest part is that upon reading her ear tattoos, we discovered she was only ten years old! She just seemed much older because of her ailments. Chancy was in dire need of a nice quiet loving home where she could relax and be thoroughly spoiled for the rest of her days. Our home fit the bill perfectly. I brought Chancy home a few days later. She fit in effortlessly, like a missing puzzle piece. Tipper was overjoyed, and Sissy showed Chancy the ropes of our home life. Chancy's shyness with us melted away within a few weeks. She went from running to hide when my husband returned home from work, to being the first to greet him, pushing Tip and Sissy aside, tail wagging, grinning her goofy gummy grin, and pogo-bouncing for attention. I decided that this "Permanent Foster" idea, nice as it was, would simply not do. Chancy deserved to be properly adopted. I sent in my adoption fee as a donation, and volunteered to cover her medical expenses from there forward. It did take several months to get Chancy's medical issues under control. Now that Chancy is well cared for, she is often mistaken for being much younger than she is. I wouldn't deceive anyone as to the added expense. But the privilege of watching Chancy blossom into a joyful loving dog in our home is worth it. Senior hounds truly do seem so very grateful for even the most minor of luxuries: a soft clean bed, fresh food and water, slow walks in the parks on sunny days, and the occasional gratuitous car-ride. Every penny invested is returned a thousandfold in love and devotion. Chancy has been in our lives for over 20 months now, and she is twelve years old (for real, this time). I don't know how many days, months, or years we have with our brave, gentle tigerdog, but each one is a gift I will cherish forever. We unexpectedly lost Sissy to cancer last August at age ten. We did not plan to adopt a third hound again. At least not right away. In December we heard about another senior girlie who sadly lost her home. Her name is Marla... >>>> And now the photo-montage in two parts... This is one of the first photos I ever took of my beautiful tigergirl, simply doing what she loved best: lounging in the grass. Tipper and Chancy, a once in a lifetime shot: Sid already misses the one dog who allowed him to cuddle... Hubby cuddling Chancy after a hike & a picnic: The next five are from the beach on Madeline Island last Labor Day weekend. Chancy loved that beach like no other place on Earth. Chancy on her 12th birthday. I told her every day past twelve is a birthday. More in next post... Quote ~Aimee, with Flower, Alan, Queenie, & Spodee Odee! And forever in my heart: Tipper, Sissy, Chancy, Marla, Dazzle, Alimony, and Boo. This list is too damned long. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burpdog Posted September 7, 2007 Share Posted September 7, 2007 What a beautiful girl Sending my sympathy Quote Diane & The Senior Gang Burpdog Biscuits Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZoomDoggy Posted September 7, 2007 Author Share Posted September 7, 2007 Part 2 of 2... One of my favorite photos of all. Sissy, Tipper and Chancy. A perfect trio. Our January '06 trip to the north shore of Lake Superior. A late-season blizzard, perfect for a snow-day: And a short video of Chancy romping in the fluffy new snow... until Marla the fun-police steps in... Click here to watch Chancy-in-the-snow-24 Another beyond-adorable Sid & Chancy shot... Melted my heart every time they cuddled. That doe-eyed face... Chancy loved her ice cream. My gentle tigergirl was the only one who could be trusted not to eat my friend's unruly puppy... This was taken on Chancy's "Miracle morning." 24 hours after we were certain we'd lose her, 24 hours before we were forced to let her go. I'll love you forever, my sweet sweet doe-eyed girl. I hope you know that. I'm sorry we didn't have more time. Quote ~Aimee, with Flower, Alan, Queenie, & Spodee Odee! And forever in my heart: Tipper, Sissy, Chancy, Marla, Dazzle, Alimony, and Boo. This list is too damned long. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houndtime Posted September 7, 2007 Share Posted September 7, 2007 Thanks for sharing your words, your photos and your heart. I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful Chancy. Quote Irene Ullmann w/Flying Odin and Mama Mia in Lower Delaware Angels Brandy, John E, American Idol, Paul, Fuzzy and Shine Handcrafted Greyhound and Custom Clocks http://www.houndtime.com Zoom Doggies-Racing Coats for Racing Greyhounds Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest hannahmom Posted September 7, 2007 Share Posted September 7, 2007 Those beautiful pictures made me smile while I grieve for the loss of your sweet striped girlie. Thank you for sharing them Goodbye small one You will be missed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bowiebears Posted September 7, 2007 Share Posted September 7, 2007 What a blessing to all who knew her And your love and care for her was/is truly remarkable. My thoughts, prayers & sympathies are with you in your time of loss. One day we will all be reunited nad play together at The Bridge. --Isaac Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest tricolorhounds Posted September 7, 2007 Share Posted September 7, 2007 What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful girl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greyhoundlov Posted September 7, 2007 Share Posted September 7, 2007 Oh, Aimee, I'm so sorry. Quote Mary in Houston Everyone has a photographic memory, but not everyone has film. LAND OF THE FREE BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyTzu Posted September 7, 2007 Share Posted September 7, 2007 Quote Wendy and The Whole Wherd. American by birth, Southern by choice. "Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup!" ****OxyFresh Vendor ID is 180672239.**** Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JenFallon Posted September 7, 2007 Share Posted September 7, 2007 I'm so sorry, she was a beautiful girl. Her sad story has such a happy ending, you were both lucky to have found eachother. Thanks for sharing her story and pictures. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Carla Posted September 7, 2007 Share Posted September 7, 2007 I am so sorry for your loss. Run free Chancy. Hugs, Carla Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HopeForHounds Posted September 7, 2007 Share Posted September 7, 2007 Aimme you fought very hard and gave her a fighting chance. I'm so sorry you had to lose her so soon. Godspeed Chancy Girl! You were so loved. Quote Casual Bling & Hope for HoundsJanet & the hounds Maggie and Allen Missing my baby girl Peanut, old soul Jake, quirky Jet, Mama Grandy and my old Diva Miz Foxy; my angel, my inspiration. You all brought so much into my light, and taught me so much about the power of love, you are with me always.If you get the chance to sit it out or dance.......... I hope you dance! Missing our littlest girl. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nyGreys Posted September 7, 2007 Share Posted September 7, 2007 I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet Chancy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MauCarden Posted September 7, 2007 Share Posted September 7, 2007 I'm crying all over again. She lived a whole 'nother life in the time she was with y'all, wiping out all memories of her terrible past life. So when she left for the bridge, she left knowing she is a beloved, special dog. Quote Missing my sweet girl Scout. My snuggler, my chow-hound, my kissy girl. It never thunders at the Bridge, and your food bowl is ALWAYS filled. So strange not living in Atty World. I was a love struck handmaiden to your every whim. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Snowy8 Posted September 7, 2007 Share Posted September 7, 2007 - Aimee, I am so sorry. I love the photos, thank you for sharing. This is my favorite, and I hope its okay, I took it for my background. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest D_MansMommy Posted September 7, 2007 Share Posted September 7, 2007 I'm so sorry for your loss Run free sweet Chancy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jackandgrey Posted September 7, 2007 Share Posted September 7, 2007 I'm so sorry. Sweetest girl. You are so missed. Quote Susan, Jessie and Jordy NORTHERN SKY GREYHOUND ADOPTION ASSOCIATION Jack, in my heart forever March 1999-Nov 21, 2008 My Dancing Queen Jilly with me always and forever Aug 12, 2003-Oct 15, 2010 Joshy I will love you always Aug 1, 2004-Feb 22,2013 Jonah my sweetheart May 2000 - Jan 2015 " You will never need to be alone again. I promise this. As your dog, I will sing this promise to you, and whisper it to you at night, every night, with my breath." Stanley Coren Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LolasMom Posted September 7, 2007 Share Posted September 7, 2007 Thank you so much helping me to know her as well. I feel blessed. Run free Chancy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lisad Posted September 7, 2007 Share Posted September 7, 2007 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest KyGrey Posted September 7, 2007 Share Posted September 7, 2007 I am so sorry. She is a special pupper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarcR Posted September 7, 2007 Share Posted September 7, 2007 Thank you for sharing her with us. She was a beauty. My deepest sympathy. Quote Marc and Myun plus Starbuck (the cat)Pinky my AWOL girl, wherever you are, I miss you.Angels Honey (6/30/99-11/3/11) Nadia (5/11/99-6/4/12) Kara (6/5/99-7/17/12) Cleo (4/13/2000-4/19/2014) Antnee (12/1/2002=2/20/17) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BlackandBrindle Posted September 7, 2007 Share Posted September 7, 2007 She was beautiful and she knew every moment how much you loved her. I'm so sorry for your loss Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest MountainHounds Posted September 7, 2007 Share Posted September 7, 2007 Oh Aimee, what a wonderful tribute to your beautiful girl, she crossed the bridge knowing that she was well and truly loved Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Spiff Posted September 7, 2007 Share Posted September 7, 2007 :f_white :f_white Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest tammara Posted September 7, 2007 Share Posted September 7, 2007 What a beautiful girlie... I am so sorry for your loss... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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