RileysLegacy Posted April 17, 2010 Share Posted April 17, 2010 I am scared to start this thread, because it seems like nothing I can say would do my boy justice. In the 8 years we were together we had so many adventures, lived in 4 different states, 9 different homes, traveled up and down the east coast, went to Dewey Beach twice, and flew half way across the world so he could be a Hawaiian hound . I was only 19 when I adopted him, and we grew up together. When he was with me, I felt safe, and so proud to be his mom. Everyone loved Riley, no matter where we went. He was so great with kids, he used to come to school when my ex-bf and I were teaching. He was so gentle and so sweet, and he had so much personality. He loved to sing "happy birthday" and another song I made up. He would chatter when he was happy, and do the air-snap when he was extra excited, and he would lean on you so hard he would literally fall if you moved. He was pretty independent, but when he wanted attention he would come over and bury his head in my lap, and he was not afraid to let me know when he wanted something. He was the softest greyhound I ever felt, everyone commented on how soft he was. I know I am lucky that he lived a pretty long (he was 11) and definitely a happy life, but I miss him so much. It's been 2 days since I've seen him, and I'm so scared that as time passes I will start to forget the little things about him. Like where his spots were, how he smelled, or the face he would make when I gave him something to eat he didn't like, like a french fry without ketchup. He only liked them with ketchup. The house is so empty without him, everywhere I look I can picture him there. I keep expecting to hear him breathing or see him get up from his bed. It feels so strange and empty with only the 2 iggies here. Riley was such an amazing big brother to them, and they adored him, especially little Jabari. We were a family, and now part of us is missing. I can't bring myself to look through old pictures of him yet. I hope you guys don't mind if I post some of them in the coming weeks. For now, here are a few I already have online. I am definitely biased, but I think he was one of the most gorgeous dogs I've ever seen. I still can't believe that I was lucky enough to get to share my life with him. Riley (Sparkplug Scott), 3/12/99 - 4/15/10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheFullHouse Posted April 17, 2010 Share Posted April 17, 2010 I'm so very sorry for your loss Lucy. Don't worry, you'll never forget all those little things, they are with you forever, just as Riley is. I know how hard it is, I've been there. My heart goes out to you, just remember he is always with you. Godspeed sweet Riley. 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 DundeeToddsMom Posted April 17, 2010 Share Posted April 17, 2010 (edited) I'm so sorry for the loss of your beautiful Riley. I always love looking at pics of he - he is really beautiful - those big stickem up ears! Don't worry you'll never forget the little things about Riley - he will always be with you. Godspeed Riley, run a few painfree laps with my Angels Tasha, Dundee, Buster...give them a big kiss for me. Send your mom a sign that you're ok and watching over her. Edited April 17, 2010 by DundeeToddsMom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laur Posted April 17, 2010 Share Posted April 17, 2010 Lucy, Jabari, Puzzle.....I'm so, so very sorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sweetdogs Posted April 17, 2010 Share Posted April 17, 2010 I'm so sorry for your loss. You weren't biased - Riley was a truly beautiful boy - it always showed through his pictures & your words. Godspeed Riley! 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...
Guest VaGreymom Posted April 17, 2010 Share Posted April 17, 2010 I am sorry for the loss of your handsome boy. He is one of the first hounds I read about when I first came to GT. He will always be in your heart. It is the most difficult time when you loose one. Prayers and many hugs for you. Run Free Riley. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krissn333 Posted April 17, 2010 Share Posted April 17, 2010 Riley-moo! Lucy, I'm so sorry for your loss. Riley was a GT favorite for so many of us. So handsome, and dashing...so sweet and gentle. My heart aches for you and your little guys I love the pic of him running - he seemed to be such a gentle soul, and quiet...nice to see him busting loose Quote Kristin in Moline, IL USA with Ozzie (MRL Crusin Clem), Clarice (Clarice McBones), Latte and Sage the IGs, and the kitties: Violet and Rose Lovingly Remembered: Sutra (Fliowa Sutra) 12/02/97-10/12/10, Pinky (Pick Me) 04/20/03-11/19/12, Fritz (Fritz Fire) 02/05/01 - 05/20/13, Ace (Fantastic Ace) 02/05/01 - 07/05/13, and Carrie (Takin the Crumbs) 05/08/99 - 09/04/13. A cure for cancer can't come soon enough.-- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gazehund Posted April 17, 2010 Share Posted April 17, 2010 Lucy, Dewey Beach 2004 was my all time favorite Dewey of the 7 trips I have made there. It was the year I got to meet you and Riley. What a clown your sweet boy was ! That memory is one of my most enduring memories of all the many people and hounds I have met over the years. Thank you and Riley for it. I will never forget you or your boy. Rest well Riley. You had a life well lived and well loved. We miss you terribly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest PhillyPups Posted April 17, 2010 Share Posted April 17, 2010 Oh Lucy, I am so very very sorry we are traveling this journey together. Knowing the emptiness, and the peace that Riley, Nike and Zeus are running pain free at the bridge. to you. Read the tributes we write to your handsome Riley, find peace in your heart that he was so loved and feel so very special that you were entrusted to share his journey. Run with the angels sweet Riley, you are with the very very best ~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cully Posted April 17, 2010 Share Posted April 17, 2010 Run free sweet baby. Quote waiting at the bridge Connie Van Teddy & Jojo, Cobra Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
queenwinniesmom Posted April 17, 2010 Share Posted April 17, 2010 Oh, Lucy, don't be afraid that you couldn't do him justice! You have written a lovely, sensitive tribute to a dog who was just as beautiful inside as he was outside. Your love for him, and his for you, shines through in every word, and we can feel and understand your pain and deep sense of loss. That loss is still too fresh and too enormous for you to feel any other way. When a person and a dog share such a history, it feels as if a very basic foundation has been pulled out from under you. In a way, Riley was even more than a beloved companion, he was your HOME, your constant in the face of so many changes. Though it is a shared sadness because we do understand, it is also a very personal and unique grief that you must process in whatever way you need to. I don't think that emptiness ever truly disappears, but the spaces, in time, are filled with memories so precious that they will always be a comfort. Please know that so many are sharing your sadness. And looking at his wonderful pictures with smiles and tears. I'm so sorry you lost your precious Riley. Quote Nancy, Mom to Evangelina and Kiva Missing Lacey, Patsy, Buster, my heart dog Nick, Winnie, Pollyanna, Tess, my precious Lydia, Calvin Lee, my angel butterfly Laila, and kitties Lily, Sam and Simon My Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Catsburgandhoundtown Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ss556 Posted April 17, 2010 Share Posted April 17, 2010 I am so sorry for your loss. You won't forget him, ever. Yes, he was stunning! You were both lucky to have each other. Hugs to you. Run free sweet Riley. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Newgreymom Posted April 17, 2010 Share Posted April 17, 2010 Lucy, I'm so sorry for your loss. Riley was one of my favorites on GT..Godspeed Riley! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KahluasMagic Posted April 17, 2010 Share Posted April 17, 2010 Riley was a gorgeous dog. I am so sorry for your loss. Run free Riley. Quote Lynn Missing Pepper,Magic,Kahlua, Hobbit Ziggy Jasper and Bella Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted April 17, 2010 Share Posted April 17, 2010 The little things will stay with you, don't worry about that. I hope you will post more pictures as time goes by. He was uniquely handsome, and his bond with you and the small pups -- heartwarming. I'm so very sorry he had to leave you. Riley, may the sun always shine for you and may all the french fries have ketchup, forever and ever. Rest well. 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...
45MPHK9 Posted April 17, 2010 Share Posted April 17, 2010 we are so sorry for your loss. he was stunning. Quote Tricia with Kyle, our senior mutt dog Always missing Murray Maldives, Bee Wiseman, River, Hopper, Kaia, and Holly Oaks Holly“You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.“ -Bob Dylan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greyt2love Posted April 17, 2010 Share Posted April 17, 2010 (edited) Lucy, I am so sorry for your loss. Riley was indeed a stunning boy, and I would be happy to see more pictures of him anytime ! So much of your life was shared with him, no need to worry that you will forget anything important about him. It will stay with you in his special place in your heart where he stays with you forever. Run free, handsome Riley ! Edited April 17, 2010 by greyt2love Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luvhounds2 Posted April 17, 2010 Share Posted April 17, 2010 I'm so sorry for your loss. Riley was truly a very beautiful boy. I love those pictures of him. His essence just seems to shine right thru the pictures --- he looks truly outstanding. Oh, how you'll miss him, I can understand. But, just like Miss Pat (of PhillyPups) put it, "you should feel so very special that you were entrusted to share his journey." That is so true. He wouldn't have been "him" without you; and you wouldn't be "you" with him. to you. Barb, and the Girls Quote Barb, Mom to Grey's Tickertape & Grey's McCarthy.Always missing: Wizzie and Desi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracey Posted April 17, 2010 Share Posted April 17, 2010 Lucy, Riley has been a favorite of mine since I joined Greytalk. Riley was such a fixture here; I can't imagine this place now without him around. I am sorry I never got a chance to meet you and your handsome boy but I feel like I knew him through all of your gorgeous photos. I was always impressed with how tolerant he was of his little brothers; but grateful because it sure did make for some great photo ops. We never get enough time with them, but I am glad for you that you had the time you did and were able to make so many wonderful memories with Riley. In time, I hope your tears will be replaced with smiles as you remember the great times you had with your beautiful boy. Hugs. Quote ...............Chase (FTH Smooth Talker), Morgan (Cata), Reggie (Gable Caney), Rufus (Reward RJ). Fosters check in, but they don't check out. Forever loved -- Cosmo (System Br Mynoel), March 11, 2002 - October 8, 2009.Miss Cosmo was a lady. And a lady always knows when to leave. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5blackgreys Posted April 17, 2010 Share Posted April 17, 2010 I'm sorry for your loss. Riley was a very well loved, handsome fellow. Godspeed Riley 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...
Guest BlackandBrindle Posted April 17, 2010 Share Posted April 17, 2010 Even though I knew what was coming, seeing Riley's name in remembrance was like a punch in the stomach. I am so incredibly sorry for your loss Lucy. Riley was a very special boy who etched himself deeply into your heart. You'll never lose that connection with him. I am so very sorry... :grouphug Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houndtime Posted April 17, 2010 Share Posted April 17, 2010 I am so very sorry for the loss of your special boy Riley. We will all miss him very much. Thank you for sharing his photos, and your memories with us. 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...
Anne Posted April 17, 2010 Share Posted April 17, 2010 I'm so very very sorry for your loss Lucy. Riley was a wonderful boy and we will all miss him. Godspeed Riley. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robinw Posted April 17, 2010 Share Posted April 17, 2010 Lucy, I am so very sorry. I remember meeting you and Riley at Dewey and thinking that he was even more beautiful in person than he was in pictures. He was so special and his photos with Jabari are amongst my all time favourites. I'm sure Loca met him at the bridge with lots of love, so he'll be safe and happy. We'll all miss him. 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...
FiveRoooooers Posted April 17, 2010 Share Posted April 17, 2010 Riley What a stunning, gorgeous hound. Lucy, I am so sorry. I have said this before, someone once told me that missing someone is a way of keeping them with us when they are not. It has helped me tremendously, and I hope you can find some comfort there, too. You will remember everything, and if something does slips by, someday it will come back and you will tear up at the same time that you smile. It's amazing. Quote Old Dogs are the Best Dogs. Thank you, campers. Current enrollees: Punkin. AnnIE Oooh M Angels: Pal . Segugio. Sorella (TPGIT). LadyBug. Zeke-aroni. MiMi Sizzle Pants. Gracie. Seamie . (Foster)Sweet. Andy. PaddyALVIN!Mayhem. Bosco. Bruno. Dottie B. Trevor Double-Heart. Bea. Cletus, KLTO. Aiden 1-4. Upon reflection, our lives are often referenced in parts defined by the all-too-short lives of our dogs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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