Guest houndog990 Posted December 23, 2008 Share Posted December 23, 2008 Her life ended with the typical “white coated vet….needle in the vein….my condolences…..” In my quest to pen this post, a scene from “The Last Samurai” with Tom Cruse came to mind. He is kneeling before the Emperor presenting the ever loyal Katsumoto’s sword when the Emperor asked him, “You were there? Tell me, How did Katsumoto die?” Cruse responds, “I will tell you how he lived.” Betsy was a good dog, I know how that sounds post-mortem, but she was. Other than the once-a-year newspaper shredding, she was perfect. No trash picking, No counter surfing, never got into anything she shouldn’t, never got up on the furniture. She never once tried to “play” (read: eat) the kids’ stuffies. In fact she didn’t even waste her time on them. Her first love was playing fetch in the one acre pen with her blue jack. This $9 kong type translucent blue four pronged thing with a rope handle could not be thrown fast enough nor far enough for her. Betsy would run even the youngest dogs into exhaustion, and in true Betsy form, she never lost. Betsy was patient. She was giving and most of all she loved people. She was a shameless hussy when it came to affection, pushing her snout under the most unsuspecting of people. My face would always turn red from embarrassment and my only reply was, “She thinks everyone has been hired to pet her….” On a Thursday night in September she came into the house with a limp, by Monday she developed edema swelling, she went on antibiotics and rymadal and never really went off. (soft tissue damage?) The swelling went down and a hard mass on her thigh was present, x-rays ruled out hip dislocation, but a needle biopsy revealed fresh blood (massive hematoma?) the next course of treatment was a drain put thru her thigh, blood loss to the point of near death ensued (arterial tear?) my DVM exhausted all possibilities and after a $1500 bill and every test done imaginable to man, Dr. Cruikshank told me to take her home. She needed a surgeon. My husband and I agonized over the decision. (“$6000 is too much money…” "But she is not sick, only injured....") That night Betsy lay down in the dining room and couldn’t get up. She was too weak, her gums were white from blood loss and her body emaciated. I had to hold her head up to give her water every hour or so. I said my good byes took off her muzzle; my good girl was not going to die with a greyhound racetrack muzzle on. Through our tears that night we agreed that if she was still alive in the morning I would take her to Ottawa for (at least) a consultation with the surgeon. During the night she drank more water and my good girl never tore at her bandages. My heart was pounding fiercely when I woke. I was shocked when saw her a bottom of the stairs wagging a good morning greeting. She was fighting and I could not give up on her. The surgeon at Alta Vista Animal Hospital was confidant he could repair the damage in her thigh muscle and she would be left with a 90% functional leg. My husband wanted to talk to the vet, Dr Bruce agreed to call him of the bill would be over the $1200 agreed upon price. The 15 minute surgery lasted 2 ½ hours and when I went to pay, Dr. Bruce (god bless Dr. Bruce) reduced the fees down to $800. He was one of my Christmas miracles! Weeks went by and Betsy was stuck in a “one step forward two steps back” pattern of healing. I was focused on her medical care, daily bandage changes, initial sterile ones in the surgical suite at Canton Animal Hospital allowed the staff to get to know the kind gentle soul Betsy was. So it was with great sadness when we finally allowed ourselves to realize she was not going to heal. That the “some thing else is going on” was hemangiosarcoma, soft tissue cancer. On a cold snowy December morning, 12 weeks after her initial “injury” I gave my faithful warrior permission to stop fighting. And with the heart of a Samurai, my wisp of a ballerina greyhound left this Earthly plain in search of the rainbow bridge. I am left with sadness, for what is an Emperor without an Army to lead? I miss you my good girl….. amy Betsy at the rainbow bridge 1-9-2000 to 12-20-2008 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest KyGrey Posted December 23, 2008 Share Posted December 23, 2008 What a grand and beautiful tribute to a very special girl. I am so sorry. Run Free Betsy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BertnLil Posted December 23, 2008 Share Posted December 23, 2008 I'm so sorry, she sounded like a one on of a kind girl. Run pain free, Betsy. Quote Pam with Sockem the GH, Birdie the JRT, Osorno the chocolate lab, and Shelby the shepherd mix. Missing Clarice (1991-2007) and Lily (2004-2012), always in our hearts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreytHoundPoet Posted December 23, 2008 Share Posted December 23, 2008 She sounds like an amazing girl and I can tell her you loved her very much. Run free Betsy. Quote Masquerade Hounds & The Hounds of East Fairhaven & Ibizan Hound Club of the United States Member Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remolacha Posted December 23, 2008 Share Posted December 23, 2008 what a lovely tribute! I am so sorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest houndstooth4 Posted December 23, 2008 Share Posted December 23, 2008 That was a beautiful tribute to a one of a kind girl! Bless her heart for fighting the battle for you. I am so very sorry for your loss! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jettcricket Posted December 23, 2008 Share Posted December 23, 2008 I'm so sorry....my heart hurts for you. Sending you peace and white light. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maximum Posted December 23, 2008 Share Posted December 23, 2008 That hurt my heart...I am so sorry Betsy had to leave. She lived (and died) noblely... :f_pink Quote My boys, together again... A hui hou kakou, my loves Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest boondog Posted December 23, 2008 Share Posted December 23, 2008 I'm so sorry. What a beautiful tribute. Run free, sweet Betsy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ss556 Posted December 23, 2008 Share Posted December 23, 2008 I am so very sorry. Run free Betsy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iluvgreys Posted December 23, 2008 Share Posted December 23, 2008 What a touching tribute to a hound well loved. My deepest condolences to you and your DH. Godspeed, sweet Betsy... 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...
Hawthorn Posted December 23, 2008 Share Posted December 23, 2008 What a lovely tribute to your good girl Betsy. Quote When a relationship of love is disrupted, the relationship does not cease. The love continues; therefore, the relationship continues. The work of grief is to reconcile and redeem life to a different love relationship. ~ W Scott Lineberry Always Greyhounds Home Boarding and Greyhounds With Love House Sitting Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anne Posted December 23, 2008 Share Posted December 23, 2008 I am so very very sorry. Godspeed Betsy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest HighMaintenance Posted December 23, 2008 Share Posted December 23, 2008 That tribute moved me to tears. What a beautiful soul Betsy was. She is running, pain free, and happy with all of our beloved babies. They will take her in and make her feel welcomed. Until you are reunited again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fiona3 Posted December 23, 2008 Share Posted December 23, 2008 That was a moving and truly lovely tribute to your beautiful girl. Betsy was a gentle and special soul. You succeeded admirably in telling her life as she lived it. :f_pink Quote Hobbes - April 2, 1994 to April 9, 2008-----Tasha - May 23, 2000 to March 31, 2013 Fiona - Aug 29, 2001 to May 5, 2014-----Bailey - March 22, 2001 to Jan 20, 2015 Zeke - June 1, 2004 - Jan 26, 2016----Callie - July 14, 2006 to July 27, 2019 Forever in my heart: Chooch, Molly, Dylan & Lucy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest rsqdogsmom Posted December 23, 2008 Share Posted December 23, 2008 How much she must have loved you to fight so hard to heal; and how very much you loved her to try everything you could to help her and still be brave enough to know when to let her go. May God heal your hearts, diminish your pain, and restore EVERY good memory you have of your time together. My heart goes out to you and your family at this difficult time. GOD SPEED, sweet girl. Run free. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greytpups Posted December 23, 2008 Share Posted December 23, 2008 I'm so sorry for your loss Quote Jan with precious pups Emmy (Stormin J Flag) and Simon (Nitro Si) and Abbey Field. Missing my angels: Bailey Buffetbobleclair 11/11/98-17/12/09; Ben Task Rapid Wave 5/5/02-2/11/15; Brooke Glo's Destroyer 7/09/06-21/06/16 and Katie Crazykatiebug 12/11/06 -21/08/21. My blog about grief The reality is that you will grieve forever. You will not get over the loss of a loved one; you will learn to live with it. You will rebuild yourself around the loss you have suffered. You will be whole again but you will never be the same. Nor should you be the same, nor would you want to. ― Elisabeth Kübler-Ross Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patricia Posted December 23, 2008 Share Posted December 23, 2008 I know Betsy is watching over you as she romps and runs with our Angels. My deepest sympathy...we here...know how much it hurts. 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...
retiredracers Posted December 23, 2008 Share Posted December 23, 2008 Your tribute to your brave girl is so sweet and touching. You are in my thoughts. Run free, Betsy! 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 greybookends Posted December 23, 2008 Share Posted December 23, 2008 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grey14me Posted December 23, 2008 Share Posted December 23, 2008 I am so very sorry 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...
Guest Becki Posted December 23, 2008 Share Posted December 23, 2008 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazygang Posted December 23, 2008 Share Posted December 23, 2008 I'm typing this in a blur with eyes stinging, blinking rapidly. Can't find the right words......sorry seems weak after a tribute like that to your amazing girl. Deepest Sympathy Quote Run free our beloved Sir Snowy, Pip, Queenie, Sadie, Tess & Rosie until we meet again......I would rather feel the thorn than to never see the rose Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlies_Dad Posted December 23, 2008 Share Posted December 23, 2008 I am so sorry for your loss of Betsy, she sounded like a real sweetie and a fighter to the end. Run free sweetie, run free... Quote Kyle with Stewie ('Super C Ledoux, Super C Sampson x Sing It Blondie) and forever missing my three angels, Jack ('Roy Jack', Greys Flambeau x Miss Cobblepot) and Charlie ('CTR Midas Touch', Leo's Midas x Hallo Argentina) and Shelby ('Shari's Hooty', Flying Viper x Shari Carusi) running free across the bridge. Gus an coinnich sinn a'rithist my boys and little girl. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest VelvetEars Posted December 23, 2008 Share Posted December 23, 2008 A beautiful soul, a beautiful life, a beautiful memory.... Godspeed, sweet warrior. You have earned your rest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.