greyhoundlov Posted October 5, 2007 Share Posted October 5, 2007 (edited) Goodbye, my love July 17, 1995, our lives were changed forever. We brought you home from the track to foster you over the weekend, but we knew that you would never be adopted or be a pet in the normal sense of the word. You were so spooky that you hid in the corner during turnout and whenever people came to look for a dog to adopt. We never knew your age because you had no tats, but in November 1994 the vet estimated you to be about 2 years old. You were found November 28 so we made that your birthday. You hid in our closet and for the next 10 or so years, ate, slept – literally lived – there. Ten minutes after we arrived, we called the adoption office and told them we were keeping you. That began the 12 ½ year journey that has brought us to today. We knew all about you from our friend in adoptions – how you had been found running loose, how you were starved (you weighed 32 pounds when they found you), how you had heartworms, and how you had a fractured pelvis that had already healed. You were adopted by a couple of ladies who lived in Galveston, but you never really bonded. After you escaped and were on the lam for 2 weeks during Mardis Gras, they decided you were not the dog for them so they returned you. By then you weighed 40 pounds. I remember going to the vet's office once a month for a weigh-in and how excited we (vet and staff) were when you reached 45, 50, 55, 60, and 65 pounds. Your dad agonized for hours because you were so deathly afraid of him. He would spend time every day in the closet trying to make you understand that you were safe with him. It broke his heart that he would have to hide so you would come out to go potty. One of his biggest thrills, and one of the funniest memories we will always treasure is when we went on vacation to the beach at South Padre Island. I woke up one morning thinking, “Boy, Bob has really bad breath.†When I opened my eyes, Bob and I were looking at each other over your head. Evidently during the night you had jumped on the bed and somehow snuggled under the covers. There we were, three heads on the pillows. China Blue, our bridge angel, turned out to be your mentor/rock. She is the one who taught you to be brave when we went out front on the leash. She is the one who taught you that walkies were good things. She is the one who taught you that cat food was good but that kitty crunchies were even better. When she crossed the bridge, you were heartbroken and grieved her a lot. Dad didn't want to get another dog, but he made the mistake of asking me what I wanted for Christmas. Enter Gidget, the brat. Even though you two don't have a close relationship, you got along and it made you happy to have another companion. The last 2 years or so you began coming out of your shell. Dad and I were thinking that maybe as your hearing got worse, you trusted Dad more since you couldn't hear that gruff, loud voice. I can't begin to tell you how special you are to me. I don't know if it is because of your rocky start in life or if it is because you loved me so much—I truly do not know. I do know you are my love, my baby or, as the vet used to call you, my “Fraidy Freddy.†Your dad is suffering as well. He has been your main caregiver for that last 3 years because of the various surgeries I had, and he loves you so very much. I knew this day would come. I just hoped against hope that it would be later rather than sooner. Letting you go is so painful, but watching you suffer and lose so much weight is even more painful. Your coat is still shiny and bright, but your eyes are not. Last night when you got on the dog bed by Dad's feet, we knew. You never got on those dog beds, especially not near Dad. October 5, 2007, our lives were changed forever. Edited October 5, 2007 by greyhoundlov 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...
Guest boondog Posted October 5, 2007 Share Posted October 5, 2007 That was beautiful. Run free, Freddie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patricia Posted October 5, 2007 Share Posted October 5, 2007 Oh Mary. Words escape me. Freddie has always been so special to us. My deepest sympathy. As for Angel Freddie...I can only imagine the reunion at the Bridge when he and China Blue were reunited. Godspeed precious Freddie. Angel Freddie...loved and in our hearts always. Quote Patti-Mommy of Lady Sophia 7-28-92 - 8-3-04... LaceyLaine 8-2-94-12-5-07... Flash Gordon 7-14-99 - 8-29-09... BrookLynne...Pavé Maria... and 18 Bridge Kids. WATCHING OVER US~SOPHIA~QUEENIE~LACEY LAINE~ CODY ANGELO~FLASH GORDON. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jiffer Posted October 5, 2007 Share Posted October 5, 2007 I'm so sorry Mary! Run free, Freddie! Quote Jennifer and Beamish (an unnamed Irish-born Racer) DOB: October 30, 2011 Forever and always missing my "Vowels", Icarus, Atlas, Orion, Uber, and Miss Echo, and Mojito. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest PhillyPups Posted October 5, 2007 Share Posted October 5, 2007 Tears flowing here for Freddie, and thank GoD he found you with your patience, understanding and unconditional love, what a tribute to Freddie and to you. Run with the angels sweet Freddie, you are with some of the best!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greyhound1 Posted October 5, 2007 Share Posted October 5, 2007 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CleosMom Posted October 5, 2007 Share Posted October 5, 2007 Godspeed sweet boy! Thank you for sharing Freddie's story and Freddie with us. He will be missed by all. Quote Jennifer Cleo (Golddust Cadilac 83484 Blazing Desire X Greys Blu Fox) Cole (Hallo Jeremy 88778 My Rooster X Bahama Tango) Athena (R and a Peach 93839 Coldwater Guv X R and a Lady) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Aggie94 Posted October 5, 2007 Share Posted October 5, 2007 I'm so sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grey14me Posted October 5, 2007 Share Posted October 5, 2007 I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet Freddie Quote Michelle...forever missing her girls, Holly 5/22/99-9/13/10 and Bailey 8/1/93-7/11/05 Religion is the smile on a dog...Edie Brickell Wag more, bark less :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShanakilMagic Posted October 5, 2007 Share Posted October 5, 2007 Oh Mary I'm sorry Run free sweet Freddie. Quote Clare and Dylan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest KennelMom Posted October 5, 2007 Share Posted October 5, 2007 (edited) I'm so sorry Edited October 5, 2007 by KennelMom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest rsqdogsmom Posted October 5, 2007 Share Posted October 5, 2007 My heart aches for you and your DH. What amazingly kind and loving people you are to have kept this scared boy and loved him so much for so long with such slow progress. I wish you had had another 10 years to enjoy each other. May God bless you both and grant you patience and peace until you meet Freddie again at the Bridge. God Speed, Freddie; Run Free. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patsy Posted October 5, 2007 Share Posted October 5, 2007 Run free and strong and happy, Freddy. Quote Patsy and DH with the Humane Society specials, Linus & Jazz, in North Dakota Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest trevdog Posted October 5, 2007 Share Posted October 5, 2007 I'm so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing Freddie's story, I know he will be greatly missed in your home but will always be there in your heart...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burpdog Posted October 5, 2007 Share Posted October 5, 2007 Sending my sympathy and hugs. Remember the good times--I don't think he'd have made it without the two of you letting him be who he was. Quote Diane & The Senior Gang Burpdog Biscuits Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4greyhounds Posted October 5, 2007 Share Posted October 5, 2007 I am so very Sorry!!!!! Run Free Freddie!!! Quote Darlene Mom to: Aladdin, Sophie ,Pongo, Jasmine, Relic Forever in our Hearts Champ at the Rainbow Bridge. Let a greyhound race into your heart Adopt Bay Area Greyhound Adoptions INC. Naples/ Fort Myers Chapter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nancy14 Posted October 5, 2007 Share Posted October 5, 2007 Mary, I am so sorry. Your tribute to your very brave boy is beautiful. I know how much you'll miss him. and Quote From Wisconsin -- It's Nancy, Bob, Carla, June Bug and our newby Skorch.... along with Buffy. She's the little hound that meows. With loving memorials to K.C., Barko and Major Turn -- all playing at the bridge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bevd Posted October 5, 2007 Share Posted October 5, 2007 I am so sorry Mary. I loved Freddie from afar and have done since I first read of him and saw his picture. I was so proud to be his secret santa one year. I will miss him very much. Sleep tight now angel Freddie Quote Deerhounds Darcy, Duffy, Grace & Wellington, Mutts Sprout & Buddy, Lurchers Ned & Jake plus Ella the Westie + cats. Remembering Del, Jessie, Maddison, Flo, Sally, Stanley, Wallace, Radar, Mokka, Oki cat, Tetley, Poppy & Striker. Please visit our web store at http://www.dogsndubs.com for our own range of Greyhound related clothing for humans! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest tricolorhounds Posted October 5, 2007 Share Posted October 5, 2007 I am so sorry for your loss Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rycezmom Posted October 5, 2007 Share Posted October 5, 2007 A new star in the night sky to watch over you Quote The more I see of man, the more I like dogs. ~Mme. de Staël Missing my Bridge Angels Ryce, Bo, Jim, Miss Millie, Miss Rose, Gustopher P Jones (Pimpmaster G), Miss Isabella and Miss Star Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest VanillaBean Posted October 5, 2007 Share Posted October 5, 2007 How truly lucky Freddie was that he found you. I am so very sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest argolola Posted October 5, 2007 Share Posted October 5, 2007 I'm so sorry for the loss of your precious angel. Freddie, you will always be loved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tenderhearts Posted October 5, 2007 Share Posted October 5, 2007 This hit me especially hard :cry1 Mary, my deepest condolences to you and your DH. Freddie, run pain free and say hello to Lori Ann and Skittle for me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neighsayer Posted October 5, 2007 Share Posted October 5, 2007 I'm so sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greybookends Posted October 5, 2007 Share Posted October 5, 2007 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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