ElizabethGPAPS Posted March 22, 2010 Share Posted March 22, 2010 (edited) Simon's story is not a sad one. After a short and unimpressive racing career at the well-regarded Multnomah Greyhound Park in Oregon, he retired at 2 years old and was adopted straight from the track into my home where he remained his entire life. He lived to a grand old age and, up until a couple of weeks ago, was getting around pretty well (if rather slowly and carefully). He enjoyed his reign as King Simon of Greytalk for almost 9 months - surely putting to rest any rumors of a "Suzy Awards curse". Heck, for a while there I thought he just might be the first back-to-back winner. But old age is no one's friend, and Simon's tired old body finally wore out. He couldn't get up on his own on Saturday and when it became obvious that he wasn't going to rally, we made that trip this morning to find his rainbow bridge. He went quietly and quickly, with a last great inhale and a sigh that sounded to me like sweet surrender. Simon fought the good fight, though, and for the most part kicked that hound-gobbling Father Time's a$$ pretty well. Simon's life was mostly uneventful but always full of new faces, both of the human and pointy-snouted kind. He was the one that started my odyssey into Greyhound adoption, first as a volunteer and then as the director of the group for the past 11 or so years. Simon let me know pretty early on that he wasn't the best choice as an "assistant dog" to do home visits with (Savannah was much more outgoing and effervescent, and much less likely to pee in people's living rooms) but he was a meet 'n' greet pro, not to mention a role model extraordinaire for the 250 or so foster dogs that came and went over the course of the past 12 years. He got along with every one of them, with never an altercation. The gentle brood mamas were his favorite, and the young hooligans simply didn't exist in his eyes. He employed the same "If I don't look at it, I don't have to deal with it" technique with cats - ignoring the unpleasant served him well as a life philosophy. He was always a calm dog...his nicknames included "Vanilla Bob" for his very middle-of-the-road personality. Simon's greatest joys in life were breakfast time, dinner time and car rides. These past few months I'd been taking him to work with me most days so I could keep an eye on him...as he grew more and more frail he would find the oddest predicaments to get into (such as sliding backwards off his dog bed and getting stuck for who knows how long). Going to work meant twice-daily car rides which he relished. Every morning we'd go out to the car and he would alternate touching his nose to the hatchback and then looking at me pointedly. He did the same with his food dish when mealtimes were close - subtlety was not something he believed in. I will remember Simon for his adaptable nature, peaceful spirit and gentle soul. He was a good boy. (It's weird - even as I type this I keep reflexively starting to jump up to go check on him. I guess that'll take some getting used to). A few photos: Last week - Car ride! Yesterday, stopping to lean in a doorway to rest after using all his strength to walk the 20 feet from the kitchen. He was just so tired. The scar on his face is from a carnassial tooth that abcessed and had to be extracted about 5 months ago. I really wasn't sure he'd make it through that one, but he did. Happier times - his coronation photo as King of Greytalk, last summer. The blanket has been well-used and will continue to be so, but his crown will go with his collars into my memory box. Thank you for reading about my special little man. Edited March 23, 2010 by ElizabethGPAPS Quote Rugrat's Rebel (Simon) 09/03/1995-03/22/2010, Silly Savannah 05/14/1995-02/13/2009, Isabella de Moreau the Sloughi 05/15/1993-10/14/2008, Hammy the IG 06/11/04 and ChiChi the Chihuahua 2003 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest boondog Posted March 22, 2010 Share Posted March 22, 2010 I'm so sorry. Godspeed, sweet Simon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neighsayer Posted March 22, 2010 Share Posted March 22, 2010 I'm so sorry. Even when they live to old age it is still not enough time with us. He was a special guy and had a happy life with you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maggiespet Posted March 22, 2010 Share Posted March 22, 2010 I'm so very sorry. Simon certainly did have a grand life with you. Thanks for sharing him and his story. Quote http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g240/mtbucket/siggies/Everyday-2.jpgJane - forever servant to the whims and wishes of Maggie (L's Magnolia of JCKC) and Sam the mutt pup.[/b] She's classy, sassy and a bit smart assy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dante2zoe Posted March 22, 2010 Share Posted March 22, 2010 What a greyt life to celebrate. Thank you for sharing him with us and I am sorry for his passing. 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...
TheFullHouse Posted March 22, 2010 Share Posted March 22, 2010 Oh Elizabeth, I'm so sorry for your loss. What a grand old man he was and quite the handsome King. Rest well Simon, you've earned it. 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 greybookends Posted March 22, 2010 Share Posted March 22, 2010 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrairieProf Posted March 22, 2010 Share Posted March 22, 2010 I am so sorry for your loss, but I loved hearing about Simon's long and happy life. That coronation pic is so sweet. "Vanilla Bob" :f_white Quote With Cocoa (DC Chocolatedrop), missing B for Beth (2006-2015)And kitties C.J., Klara, Bernadette, John-Boy, & Sinbad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greyhead Posted March 22, 2010 Share Posted March 22, 2010 (edited) When I saw the title "Simon," I hoped it was some other Simon. I'm so sorry, Elizabeth, but glad he went peacefully. He had a really wonderful life with you. Vanilla is my favorite flavor! And he made a handsome, noble King. Edited March 24, 2010 by greyhead Quote Mary with Jumper Jack (2/17/11) and angels Shane (PA's Busta Rime, 12/10/02 - 10/14/16) and Spencer (Dutch Laser, 11/25/00 - 3/29/13). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest dramaqueen Posted March 22, 2010 Share Posted March 22, 2010 Elizabeth--accept my condolences on your loss. Think of all the good times you've had together & a smile will cross your face. You certainly loved & cared for him & for that he was truly grateful & lived a long & happy life. He was a very busy good boy & I'm sure was an example for his breed. He will live forever in your heart. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greytbookert Posted March 22, 2010 Share Posted March 22, 2010 I'm so sorry! run free handsome, Simon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest HoustonGreys Posted March 22, 2010 Share Posted March 22, 2010 I'm so sorry for your loss, he was so handsome. Run free at the Bridge, sweet Simon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greysonly Posted March 22, 2010 Share Posted March 22, 2010 I am so sorry for your loss. What sweet peaceful face. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted March 22, 2010 Share Posted March 22, 2010 Elizabeth, I'm so sorry he had to leave. What a good boy, and what a good life he had with you! Godspeed, unforgettable Simon. 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 MorganKonaAlex Posted March 22, 2010 Share Posted March 22, 2010 What a sweet boy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carronstar Posted March 22, 2010 Share Posted March 22, 2010 Godspeed Simon. That was a lovely tribute to your special boy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burpdog Posted March 22, 2010 Share Posted March 22, 2010 Such a handsome guy! run like the wind Simon! Quote Diane & The Senior Gang Burpdog Biscuits Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3DogNite Posted March 22, 2010 Share Posted March 22, 2010 What a special old man ~ and wonderful friend he has been to you! Quote lorinda, mom to the ever revolving door of Foster greyhounds Always in my heart: Teala (LC Sweet Dream) , Pepton, Darbee-Do (Hey Barb) , Rascal (Abitta Rascal), Power (Beyond the Power), and the miracle boy LAZER (2/21/14), Spirit (Bitter Almonds) 8/14 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sweetdogs Posted March 22, 2010 Share Posted March 22, 2010 I'm so sorry for your loss. Simon was a beautiful boy & it sounds like he had the life he deserved - very well loved. Godspeed King Simon - it was Faolin's honor to be one of your subjects. 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...
MandysMom Posted March 22, 2010 Share Posted March 22, 2010 I'm so sorry. There's nothing plain about vanilla, it's just sweet. Godspeed Simon. Quote Beverly. Missing my happy toy-flinging boy Sammy (Where's Mandrill), (8/12/2009-9/30-2021) Desperately missing my angel Mandy (BB's Luv) [7/1/2000 - 9/18/2012]. Always missing Meg the Dalmatian and Ralph Malph the Pekeapoo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remolacha Posted March 22, 2010 Share Posted March 22, 2010 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Annie Posted March 22, 2010 Share Posted March 22, 2010 I am very sorry, Elizabeth. GODSPEED sweet Simon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaliforniaGreys Posted March 22, 2010 Share Posted March 22, 2010 God speed to you King Simon, knowing how very much you are loved and will be greatly missed Quote Missing my little Misty who took a huge piece of my heart with her on 5/2/09, and Ekko, on 6/28/12 For the sick, the lost, and the homeless Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5blackgreys Posted March 22, 2010 Share Posted March 22, 2010 Godspeed Simon, may you run free with the wind at the Bridge. Quote , Phoenix, Okie, Casey, and Ellie the Galga; with Aggie, Alexa, Bear,Cody, Gianni V., Missy B, Babette, Bernice, and BooBoo at the Bridge Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houndtime Posted March 22, 2010 Share Posted March 22, 2010 Vanilla is just as sweet as any other flavor. Simon had a good, long life with you. I am sorry to read of his passing. Say not in grief, "he is no more," but live in thankfulness that he was. ~ Hebrew proverb 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...
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