Guest VelvetEars Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 I apologize in advance for the length of this post. I have been working on it since Monday - but how do you capture the spirit of a beautiful soul in earthly words? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jane was the un-greyhound. In spite of an extra year on the farm, she was never able to make it to the track. She was built like a tank and stubborn as a mule. No svelte, charming greyhound here. She was more like a lab, with broad shoulders and solid haunches, and full of piss-and-vinegar. She could knock a grown man over (and did many times, as DH ruefully relates to anyone who will listen). She was my first greyhound, my first dog as an adult. She was the only greyhound we looked at when I decided to give myself an anniversary present nearly 5 years ago. She came to us as "Jane Doe" - no racing name, nothing but a generic moniker meant as a placeholder for a nameless dog. By the time we figured this out, she had already accepted Jane as her name. We officially named her Lady Jane Grey - she deserved a more formal title as the heir to our couch. Unsure of herself or her place, I quickly learned why her foster mom called her "Shadow." Her world revolved around me, and anyone else was just an obstacle between us. She was not interested in other people at meet and greets, and would growl at any grey who came near her. She would strain at the end of the leash if I were out of her sight for more than a few seconds. We went through several (looooong) years of severe separation anxiety. We adopted Porsche as a companion for her when it quickly became apparent that she would not do well as an only dog. A pet psychic predicted it would take several years before she finally believed I would always come back - and she was right. I tried to return her several times, only to be sobbing at the thought of life without her. I just couldn't give up on her - because if I couldn't love her, with all her issues, no one could. Somehow, I reasoned, we would get through this. Jane hated my husband with a passion and ferocity that surprised me. She would fall asleep in bed with me when he was staying up late, and then try to kill him when he came to bed. Some nights, he just slept on the couch rather than trying to deal with her and possibly lose a body part. She was my protector, and she would have done anything to make sure I was safe. The pack order in our house was me, Jane, and then everyone else. We went through a lot, Jane and I. She had a number of bizarre injuries, but she was a survivor, and I refused to give up on her. When she had a stroke last summer, I promised her that as long as she was willing to fight, I was willing to do whatever it took to get her well, which included a week at Mizzou's vet school. She made an amazing recovery, all things considered. She went from at least partially blind and unable to walk, to seeing again and even doing stairs, albeit 1/3 of a tail shorter. Occasionally, she could still make a mad dash to the back door after a good pee. Jane was a true testament to the power of love and determination. .....It's hard to say if she would have survived the exploratory surgery and bowel resection. We don't know if the tumor on the Xray was cancer or something benign, but it was preventing that bone from passing through. I prayed. I asked her to tell me she what she wanted, hoping that she would say, "Are you kidding? Of course I'll get through this - bring it on!" But her eyes told me that she was done. She had run her race, and she was ready to rest. Jackson and my mom came with me to the vet. My mom had a few minutes with her alone, before I came. She had been with me at Jane's adoption, and Jane loved her like a second mother. I was able to spend about 30 minutes with her, saying goodbye. I feel so incredibly blessed that the vet who treated her this one last time was a grade school classmate and childhood friend I had not seen in 25 years. To have had a stranger escort us on this last earthly journey together would have been all the more difficult. When the time came, I held her on my lap, soaking her neck with my tears, as she transitioned from this world to the next. I felt her heart slow and then silence. I whispered, "she's gone." After she left us, Jackson, who had been pacing nonstop, laid down next to her. With all we'd been through over the years, I thought loving Jane was one of the hardest things I'd ever do. It turns out, though, that loving her was the easy part. Saying goodbye was the hardest thing I've ever done. Janey, my love, my Lady Jane, my wolf in sheep's clothing -- I miss you more than words can say. I miss your growling and barking to announce that you, the Queen, were eating. I miss your deep brown eyes, and your middle-of-the-night whine to go outside. I miss your insistence at having a bedtime cookie every night, and your attempts to convince us that every night was a two-cookie night. I miss finding bread wrappers under your bed from your thievery and carb addiction. Jackson misses you, too. He looks for you everywhere. He takes cookies and leaves them on your bed. He won't eat because you're not there with him. He waits for you to come in the yard and pee so he can pee on your spot. Although I'm not ready, and no one can ever replace you, I hope you will help us pick out a new companion for Jax soon, sweetie. We are looking this weekend - help us know which one you've picked out for him. You have left more than just footprints on my heart, baby girl. I have no doubt that you will be waiting for me at the bridge, anxiously awaiting my arrival, ready to knock over anyone who gets in the way of our reunion. 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iluvgreys Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 A very touching tribute to a unique girlie that stole your heart and bed. She will guide you in the choice of a new companion for Jax, and will live on in your memories, safe within your heart space. Quote Jeanne with Remington & Scooter the cat....and Beloved Bridge Angels Sandee, Shari, Wells, Derby, Phoenix, Jerry Lee and Finnian.....If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heavenand bring you home again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest lotsahounds Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 A wonderful tribute to a very special girl. I'm so sorry for your loss Meredith. Run free Jane, you were loved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bona60 Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 Heartfelt story! We all love Lady Jane. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest argolola Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 I'm sobbing like a baby as I read your post-a testament of true love. You and your family will be in my prayers. Please take comfort in knowing that Jane knew the wonderful love of a family. God bless you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greyhound1 Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guinness_the_greyt Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Greyglo Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 I'm so sorry to read of the loss of your special girl, and loved your description of her. Thoughts are with you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest IrskasMom Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 I am so so sorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greybookends Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest laceyj Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 I am so very sorry for your loss. Your tribute was beautiful. Sometimes I think the more challenging ones dig a bit deeper in our hearts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robinw Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 what a wonderful, tribute. i'm so sorry Quote Xavi the galgo and Peter the cat. Missing Iker the galgo ?-Feb.9/19, Treasure (USS Treasure) April 12/01-May 6/13, Phoenix (Hallo Top Son) Dec.14/99-June 4/11 and Loca (Reko Swahili) Oct.9/95 - June 1/09, Allen the boss cat, died late November, 2021, age 19. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nyGreys Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 I am so very sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest GreytMuse Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 My condolences for your huge loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ss556 Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 I'm so sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retiredracers Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 She sounds like my Elphie (tough, non-girly, protective and so in love with me) and your tribute brought back painful memories of my Crooke's last days. I'm sorry that you had to say goodbye but it sounds like she'll be waiting for you for as long as it takes. She'll never forget you like you'll never forget her! Big hugs!! Quote Elphie, Kulee, Amanda, Harmony, Alex (hound mix), Phantom, Norbet, Willis (dsh), Autumn (Siamese) & Max (OSH) & mama rat, LaLa & baby Poppy! My bridge kids: Crooke & Mouse (always in my heart), Flake, Buzz, Snake, Prince (GSD), Justin & Gentry (Siamese), Belle (Aussie/Dalmatian mix), Rupert (amstaff) and Fred, Sirius, Severus, Albus, George, Hagrid, Hermione, Minerva, Marilyn, Wren, Molly, Luna, Tonks, Fleur, Ginny, Neville, Bill, Percy, Rose & Charlie (rats) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Becki Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest vahoundlover Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 My heart goes out to you, I am so very sorry. Godspeed Jane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maryz Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 What a beautiful tribute for a very special girl. She must have been a pistol. Run free, sweetheart. Quote Mary, mom to kitty Rebel.Always missing Sherri (SO DELICIOUS) (12/6/2005-8/29/2018) kitties Marley (4/2000-12/3/2015) and Beady (4/1998-2/24/2006) and Dalmatian Daisy (7/25/1984-5/13/1999). The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not - Thomas Jefferson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tallgreydogmom Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 Quote Then God sent the Greyhound to live among man and remember. And when the Day comes, God will call the Greyhound to give Testament, and God will pass judgment on man. (Persian Proverb) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4greyhounds Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 That was a very touching tribute! It made me cry. I am so sorry!!!! Run Free Jane 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...
Guest Snowy8 Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 (edited) I am so sorry for your loss..... They show us so many things. We are honored to be a part of their life and their passing. Edited January 17, 2008 by Snowy8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobinM Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 I am so sorry. I had been thinking about the both of you. Run free Lady Jane. Quote ROBIN ~ Mom to: Beau Think It Aint, Chloe JC Allthewayhome, Teddy ICU Drunk Sailor, Elsie N Fracine , Ollie RG's Travertine, Ponch A's Jupiter~ Yoshi, Zoobie & Belle, the kitties. Waiting at the bridge Angel Polli Bohemian Ocean , Rocky, Blue,Sasha & Zoobie & Bobbi Greyhound Angels Adoption (GAA) The Lexus Project Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houndtime Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 Each one who leaves takes a piece of our hearts. I am so sorry for the loss the Lady Jane. 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...
turbotaina Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 :cry1 :grouphug I'm so sorry for your loss... Quote Meredith with Heyokha (HUS Me Teddy) and Crow (Mike Milbury). Missing Turbo (Sendahl Boss), Pancho, JoJo, and "Fat Stacks" Juana, the psycho kitty. Canku wakan kin manipi."Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities." - Voltaire Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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