AngelWhispers Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 (edited) Thank you everyone for all your support, thoughts, prayers and for sharing the journey of Brooke's last 18 days. It means more than I can put into words. I know the vet misdiagnosed Boogers from the beginning and by doing that I doubted what SHE was telling me, but his mistake gave me 18 days to love her, hold her and spoil her, and I am so grateful for those days. I knew when we got up Monday morning that it was our last morning so we took a short walk in the yard and watched the sky turn shades of purple and pink as the sun started to come up. I talked to her the whole 90 minute drive to the office, sang what words I could remember of "The Dance" and climbed into the back of the van in the vet parking lot to love on her some more. When I handed her over to the vet assistant, I kissed her on her nose and told her for the millionth time how much I loved her and whispered in her ear to find her mother, Zack and Soju." I knew in my heart it would be the last time I would see her. The vet came out to talk to me and I told him I still thought she had cancer, he disagreed again and I told him "if you get in there and find there is cancer...please don't wake her up." He called me at 12:30pm and said "there's a tumor in the broken leg, and I xrayed the other leg and the left leg xray looks mottled, and you should let her go." I said, "I know, that's why I told you to not wake her up." Brooke gave me a journey I will never forget. She opened me up to the world of greyhounds and I am so glad that I didn't miss "The Dance". Looking back on the memory of The dance we shared beneath the stars above For a moment all the world was right How could I have known you'd ever say goodbye And now I'm glad I didn't know The way it all would end the way it all would go Our lives are better left to chance I could have missed the pain But I'd of had to miss the dance Brooke adopted me Aug. 31, 2002 and our journey began. It was full of bumps and twists, and tears and laughter. You see Brooke wanted to be an only child....boy, did she pick the wrong family! Brooke's first weeks with me were trying to say the least. Cat friendly - NOT!! Small dog friendly - NOT!! She stalked the cats with a focus not to be undone by squirt guns, the voice of DOG, or commands. She attacked little 5lb Soju with her muzzle on and sent him to the vet with a nasty head wound. She had severe separation anxiety, severe crate anxiety, and severe thunderphobia. Brooke's separation anxiety destroyed the brand new carpeting because she would lose control of her bowels and bladder. I couldn't walk out the door for 2 minutes without returning to a mess. Brooke made me feel like a prisoner in my own home! After two very unhappy weeks for both of us I called the track adoption rep crying and begging her to please take Brooke back...it just wasn't working! The cats were miserable, little Soju was miserable, and Brooke and I were miserable! They wouldn't take her back and I was stuck!! I cried for two solid hours after that phone call, then I counted to 10, prayed for strength and wisdom, and came up with a plan I hoped wouldn't kill both of us. I bought a steam cleaner, a couple baby gates and the training began!! It took a couple weeks and she learned to leave the cats and the little dog alone, and they eventually became best friends. Brooke was a kisser and she would lick the top of Soju and Wildman's heads until they were soaked. I would say, "Brooke is taste tasting to see if they're done yet." Brooke was very smart by greyhound standards. I broke my ankle in Oct. 2002 and to keep us from getting bored I decided to try clicker training with her. So with my foot propped up and armed with a package of hot dogs the training began. I put a quilt down in the middle of the family room and she learned: "go to your spot", "sit", "down", "wave hi", and "take a bow". Her daddy was out of town that day and when he returned the next evening, Brooke had her performance practiced and ready for him. She was invited to company picnics in the park twice a year to keep the kids entertained. The kids loved her and she even added "let's dance" to her performance....and she loved to kiss kids faces until they were laughing and begging her to stop. Brooke had a short fuse and every one of her house mates has a scar as a reminder. No growl, no snap - just full assault that often ended in a trip to the vet for the offender. They all learned to avoid the wraith of Brooke. I was fostering greys before Brooke adopted me, and because she showed herself to be dog aggressive I started taking in spooks and broken leg dogs. A whole new world opened up for me when I started fostering spooks and experienced the joy of watching them come out of their shell, and the broken leg dogs were so rewarding. I loved Brooke in spite of herself and started searching for a litter-mate, in stead I found Brooke's mama and Wanda joined her daughter in Dec. of 2002. In 2007 Brooke's brother, Blake, joined us and it must be genetic because Wanda and Blake also had bad reputations. To say that Brooke was a problem child is an understatement, but she was my first love and we both mellowed with age. I knew Brooke was sent to me to teach me and help me grow as a person. She taught me patience...lots and lots of patience! She taught me to never give up even when the obstacle seemed insurmountable. She taught me that dancing to loud music during a thunderstorm at 2am is a joy. Brooke's name evolved to Boogers about 4 years ago. She loved to run just for the pure joy of running. I would tell her "boogity-boogity-boogity" and she was off like a rocket! She would run and run and come back to me smiling and chattering and then she'd be off running again. So I started saying "boogity-boogity Boogers." Boogers did become the "perfect greyhound" as she aged and the light beginnings of a perfect heart started appearing on her face. I loved that heart shaped face and loved kissing it! In June "06 when Mama Wanda left for the Rainbow Bridge she sent me a sign of a single Christmas cactus bloom. There was 1 single bloom that was out of season for the little plant and I knew it was from Wanda, they don't bloom in June and it never has since then. This morning on Wanda's plant the girls sent me a sign...there are 2 beautiful flowers side by side and I know Boogers and Mama Wanda are together again. Boogers run and run on your new healthy legs! Be nice and no grumps from you, please. I love you and miss you, baby girl. Edited October 22, 2008 by AngelWhispers Quote Denise & Strider, Blake, Fields, Frank, FlippyDoo, and Momma Gail. The Bridge Angels Zack(Ags Marble Chip) 4/25/93-2/16/06, Wanda(Rainier Rowanda) 12/14/94-06/09/06, Brooke/Boogers(Rainier Restive) 01/01/99-10/20/08, Warlock(Rainier Rammer) 4/29/99-10/01/09), Patsie(Frisky Patsy) 5/17/96-2/05/10, Hatter(Cals Madhatter) 6/3/00-3/11/10, Dodger(Rainier Ransack) 4/29/99-4/16/10, and Sparkle(Okie Sparkle) 11/8/2000-1/28/11 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheFullHouse Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 Denise, my heart goes out to both you and Steve. I'm so very sorry for your loss of your sweet baby girl. I know how hard this has been for you. What a wonderful tribute to your special girl. Godspeed Brooke sweetie. Let your mom know you're okay. Quote Judy, mom to Darth Vader, Bandita, And Angel Forever in our hearts, DeeYoGee, Dani, Emmy, Andy, Heart, Saint, Valentino, Arrow, Gee, Bebe, Jilly Bean, Bullitt, Pistol, Junior, Sammie, Joey, Gizmo, Do Bee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest HeatherDemps Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 Awww.... such a beautiful tribute for a beautiful girl. I'm so sorry for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burpdog Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 Well, I cried a bunch.....what a special girl Sending my sympathy Quote Diane & The Senior Gang Burpdog Biscuits Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest MomoftheFuzzy Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 Denise and Steve, problem child or not, she was certainly beautiful. What a colorful life she led, too. And she was quite fortunate to have been on her journey with you both there to guide her. Again, I'm so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing Brooke's story with us. The boogity-boogity part of your story made me smile. Run free, sweet girl. "Boogers..." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest caiteag Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 I couldn't read your whole post because I am just crying too hard to see properly.... thankfully I can touch type... I am so sorry for your loss... I had truly hoped Brooke would get through this. My heart and prayers are with you and your whole family. Run free, beautiful Brooke. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sweetdogs Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 I'm so sorry for your loss of Brooke. I would wish her Godspeed but it appears she's already at the bridge as evidenced by your 2 little flowers. Quote Deirdre with Conor (Daring Pocobueno), Keeva (Kiowa Mimi Mona), & kittehs Gemma & robthomas. Our beloved angels Faolin & Liath, & kittehs Mona & Caesar. Remembering Bobby, Doc McCoy, & Chip McGrath. "He feeds you, pets you, adores you, collects your poop in a bag. There's only one explanation: you are a hairy little god." Nick Galifinakis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyPoopon Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 I'm so very sorry. She was too young, and I wish your last days together could have been easier for both of you. Godspeed Brooke. Quote Standard Poodle Daisy (12/13) Missing Cora (RL Nevada 5/99-10/09), Piper (Cee Bar Easy 2/99-1/10), Tally (Thunder La La 9/99-3/10), Edie (Daring Reva 9/99-10/12), Dixie (Kiowa Secret Sue 11/01-1/13), Jessie (P's Real Time 11/98-3/13), token boy Graham (Zydeco Dancer 9/00-5/13), Cal (Back Already 12/99-11/13), Betsy (Back Kick Beth 11/98-12/13), Standard Poodles Minnie (1/99-1/14) + Perry (9/98-2/14), Annie (Do Marcia 9/03-10/14), Pink (Miss Pinky Baker 1/02-6/15), Poppy (Cmon Err Not 8/05-1/16), Kat (Jax Candy 5/05-5/17), Ivy (Jax Isis 10/07-7/21), Hildy (Braska Hildy 7/10-12/22), Opal (Jax Opal 7/08-4/23). Toodles (BL Toodles 7/09-4/24) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jettcricket Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 ...tears here in NJ for your sweet baby girl. I'm so sorry for your loss....go find Jett sweetheart. He'll show you the ropes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest VaGreymom Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 What a beautiful tribute. Hugs and strength as you cope with your loss. She was a beauty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maddiesmom Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 What a beautiful tribute to Brooke. I am so sorry for your loss but she is running free at the Bridge now with everyone. Hugs to you. Quote Amy Human Mommy to fur baby Maddie (Doobiesaurus) TDI certified. May 5, 2002-September 12, 2014 and Mille (Mac's Bayou Baby)CGC, TDI certified. http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj93/Chillyhorse/siggies/maddie.jpg"]http://i270. photobucket.com/albums/jj93/Chillyhorse/siggies/maddie.jpg[/img] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 What an amazing story, her life with you. Over the Bridge, gorgeous girl, everybody gets to play-grump and nobody ever gets hurt. Godspeed. Quote Star aka Starz Ovation (Ronco x Oneco Maggie*, litter #48538), Coco aka Low Key (Kiowa Mon Manny x Party Hardy, litter # 59881), and mom in IllinoisWe miss Reko Batman (Trouper Zeke x Marque Louisiana), 11/15/95-6/29/06, Rocco the thistledown whippet, 04/29/93-10/14/08, Reko Zema (Mo Kick x Reko Princess), 8/16/98-4/18/10, the most beautiful girl in the whole USA, my good egg Joseph aka Won by a Nose (Oneco Cufflink x Buy Back), 09/22/2003-03/01/2013, and our gentle sweet Gidget (Digitizer, Dodgem by Design x Sobe Mulberry), 1/29/2006-11/22/2014, gone much too soon. Never forgetting CJC's Buckshot, 1/2/07-10/25/10. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest EmbersDad Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 farewell sweet brooke, run like the wind on pain free legs sweetheart Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BradyzMommy Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 I am so sorry. she was far too young..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greybookends Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 I am so sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remolacha Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 what a beautiful and moving tribute! There is something special about the love of a "difficult" child I am so sorry for your loss Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Becki Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jerrybird Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 What accomplishments both you and Brooke both made; together. A beautiful eulogy for a beautiful gal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dante2zoe Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 I am so, so sorry. Your tribute was so beautiful and moving. You and your family are in our thoughts. Quote Cindy with Miss Fancypants, Paris Bueller, Zeke, and Angus Dante (Dg's Boyd), Zoe (In a While), Brady (Devilish Effect), Goose (BG Shotgun), Maverick (BG ShoMe), Maggie (All Trades Jax), Sherman (LNB Herman Bad) and Indy (BYB whippet) forever in my heart The flame that burns the brightest, burns the fastest and leaves the biggest shadow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrAlexTheDog Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 rest well, brooke. Quote Steve, owner/photographer Crackerdog Photography, writer of ShutterHounds. Follow me on Instagram.Alex (Sanja Black Eyes [1989-2003] - Sanja Superfrank x TH's Fandango), Nikki (Ein's Ardonis [1995-2008] - Farmer Wilson x Legs Polly),Sadie (Carla Tar [2002-2014] - Coldwater Guv x Canatar), Katie (Leading Home [2003-2013] - Iruska Excalibur x Impress Me Much),Bean ([2013-] - DJays Octane x O Ya Cranberry), and Billy Bob (O Ya Billy Bob [2011-2020] Dodgem By Design x O Ya Cranberry) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bevd Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 What a tribute - but then - what a dog I'm so sorry she had to leave you 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...
nancy14 Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 Denise, I am so sorry. You had a special journey with your girl who was loved so much. Your tribute is beautiful. Hugs to you and Steve. 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...
FosterFlunker Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 Denise I am so sorry for your loss of "Boogers" Run free sweetheart. Your only a breath away. Quote Make a fast friend adopt a greyhound Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maryz Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 I'm so sorry for your loss. She sounded like such a special girl and very smart. I'm sure she is running on two good legs with her mama and I'm so happy they sent you a sign. Hope there will be more to come. Run free baby. 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...
4greyhounds Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 I am so Very Sorry. Run Free Brooke 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...
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