Guest KennelMom Posted May 19, 2010 Share Posted May 19, 2010 (edited) With heavy hearts, we helped our proud old lady to the Bridge yesterday. She has been in declining health in the last couple months, with her diabetes getting harder and harder to control. Though the xrays looked ok, her breathing was getting more labored and her heart sounds were not great. Her spark and fiery personality waning. She was getting tired. Ken and I had been having "the talk" for a couple weeks now....we knew her time in this life was approaching an end. We've been through this too many times before. Monday night she became unable to stand on her own and walking was tremendously difficult, with one leg just not working properly and knuckling under. An x-ray yesterday indicated a collapsed disc. Considering all things and after a discussion with our vet, Ken and I made the decision to let her go. I will never forget meeting Quilty that fateful day in June at the adoption kennel in Birmingham...She had been found wandering as a stray a the age of 13! Emaciated beyond description, the sight of her literally took your breath away....and not in the good way. But, pity soon melted away as within minutes you could see that Quilty was not a victim of her circumstances. She was sassy and spritely and full of life. I fell in love instantly. A week later, Melony (brcgreys) called and asked if we were still interested in adopting her....and of course, we were! At the time we already had a full house at 17 hounds, plus a mama dog we were fostering that had just given birth to 7 beautiful puppies. But there was never any doubt. Quilty was our dog. I knew she'd fit in just fine. And she did. Our vet discovered she was diabetic, so with twice a day insulin shots she started putting on much needed weight. She helped us raise those puppies. She ruled the pack with a not-so-velvet paw. She pretty much did everything she wanted to do, when she wanted to do it. She would simply have it no other way...if she wanted outside, she would bark until we let her go outside. If she wanted to hang out in the kennel building, she would bark at the kennel door until we let her inside. If she wanted a snack or a meal, she would bark until we fed her. If she wanted on the sofa with us, she'd give us "the eye"....and then bark until we lifted her up. After a couple months we started to learn what different barks meant and we happily obliged. She took full advantage of her "old fart privileges" She would even remind us to give her insulin shot if we delayed. All greyhounds are special...but Quilty was extra special. I don't know what the 13 years were like before she lived with us, but I have a feeling, they were spent ordering other humans around. She came to us doing it too well for it to have been a newly acquired skill So, while I celebrate a life well lived (it certainly was with us!), I am sad that I don't get to see my Q today or tomorrow. But, perhaps one day our paths will intersect once again. Coming home last June She loved to lay outside...she did so nearly every day. She loved to run and play... Being bossy Beautiful and proud Be yourself. Life is precious as it is. All the elements for your happiness are already here. There is no need to run, strive, search or struggle. Just Be. --Thich Nhat Hanh This is Quilty. This is what she taught me every day. Edited May 19, 2010 by KennelMom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted May 19, 2010 Share Posted May 19, 2010 I'm sorry she's gone, Heather and Ken. Who knows, but maybe she was wandering just so she could find the two of you to cater to her as she deserved. Godspeed, most precious girl. 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...
ZoomDoggy Posted May 19, 2010 Share Posted May 19, 2010 I am so sorry your time with her was so short. I remember her story vividly. What a special beautiful girlie. Quote ~Aimee, with Flower, Alan, Queenie, & Spodee Odee! And forever in my heart: Tipper, Sissy, Chancy, Marla, Dazzle, Alimony, and Boo. This list is too damned long. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gazehund Posted May 19, 2010 Share Posted May 19, 2010 Rest well you grand old lady. I am sorry she had to leave Heather. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyPoopon Posted May 19, 2010 Share Posted May 19, 2010 I'm so very sorry. She was an extraordinary girl, and she found the perfect place to spend her last months. We will all miss her. Godspeed Queen Quilty. 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 tricolorhounds Posted May 19, 2010 Share Posted May 19, 2010 So very sorry to hear that Quilty's time with you is over and she is on to her next adventure... She'll still be with your in that special corner of your heart. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgeofNE Posted May 19, 2010 Share Posted May 19, 2010 I'm so sorry--but how wonderful for her that you gave her a lovely happy home in her old age. Run free Quilty! Quote Susan, Hamish, Mister Bigglesworth and Nikita Stanislav. Missing Ming, George, and Buck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PattyE Posted May 19, 2010 Share Posted May 19, 2010 I'm sorry she didn't have more time with you. You gave her love and dignity in her final months. I will always remember Queen Quilty. Quote Patty, Mom to Jaxson 5/12/2017 Forever in my heart: Joey 11/01/2007 to 12/06/2018, Scout 11/19/2005 to 07/15/15 and Jack 01/03/2004 to 06/11/2011 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest SusanP Posted May 19, 2010 Share Posted May 19, 2010 I'm so sorry her time is over, but so happy to hear about the happiness and pampering she had with you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maggiespet Posted May 19, 2010 Share Posted May 19, 2010 So very sorry that Quilty had to leave you. But so joyful that she had found you. Regardless of her life before she got to your sofa, she knew, in the time she spent with you, that she was loved. GodSpeed sweet Quilty. 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...
racindog Posted May 19, 2010 Share Posted May 19, 2010 I mourn the passing of such a beautiful extra special lady with you. That last picture is awesome. What a powerful lesson she has given us all. Run fast dearest Quilty. Run fast, free, healthy and happy. You are loved always. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlies_Dad Posted May 19, 2010 Share Posted May 19, 2010 What a beautiful girl. Thank you for taking her in and giving her a loving home for her final days. I'm sorry you had to make this decision and now Quilty is running 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...
LaFlaca Posted May 19, 2010 Share Posted May 19, 2010 Precious girl. Rest now. You are loved. Quote Irene ~ Owned and Operated by Jenny (Jenny Rocks ~ 11/24/17) ~ JRo, Jenny from the Track Lola (AMF Won't Forget ~ 04/29/15 -07/22/19) - My girl. I'll always love you. Wendy (Lost Footing ~ 12/11/05 - 08/18/17) ~ Forever in our hearts. "I am yours, you are mine". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Adrianne Posted May 19, 2010 Share Posted May 19, 2010 She was absolutely beautiful. And what a fitting name and a lovely tribute. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest K9Cookies Posted May 19, 2010 Share Posted May 19, 2010 I never expected her name in Remembrance now. Thank you for the time, attention, and love you guys gave to Quilty. She certainly seemed like she was one of a kind and wanted everyone to know it. Run free, Quilty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cully Posted May 19, 2010 Share Posted May 19, 2010 Run free sweet baby girl. Heather & Ken Thank you for giving her a wonderful end of her life. Quote waiting at the bridge Connie Van Teddy & Jojo, Cobra Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Swifthounds Posted May 19, 2010 Share Posted May 19, 2010 (edited) Heather and Ken, so sorry for your loss. Run free, sweet Queen Quilty. Edited May 19, 2010 by Swifthounds Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5blackgreys Posted May 19, 2010 Share Posted May 19, 2010 Godspeed Quilty, 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...
Fiona3 Posted May 19, 2010 Share Posted May 19, 2010 Quilty was a one of a kind, very special girl who found her way to the perfect home to be pampered and loved. She was meant to be with you and although you will miss her dearly, she could not have found a better way to spend her final days. I'm sorry you could not have had more time with her. Rest well Miss Quilty, you will always be remembered. 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 larock Posted May 19, 2010 Share Posted May 19, 2010 (edited) That is so sad to hear, I enjoyed every moment of your posts about Quilty. To me she lived a whole life in the time she spent with you and Ken. God Bless you both. Edited May 19, 2010 by larock Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meandmy Posted May 19, 2010 Share Posted May 19, 2010 I'm so sorry to see this. I have tears in my eyes from reading your tribute - what a sassy lady! It sounds like she gave you and Ken such joy. It's hard to say goodbye to that. Run free, Quilty! Quote Jenn, missing Shadow (Wickford Big Tom), Pretty Girl (C's Pretty) and Tori (Santoria) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hubcitypam Posted May 19, 2010 Share Posted May 19, 2010 Godspeed Quilty. Heather I know she left a big pawprint on your heart. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest redreed Posted May 19, 2010 Share Posted May 19, 2010 Godspeed Queen Quilty, thank you for the lessons that you taught me, even though I never met you. My eyes are filled with tears for the loss of this beautiful lady. I'm so sorry for your loss, many blessings to you both! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retiredracers Posted May 19, 2010 Share Posted May 19, 2010 I'm sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful girl. 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...
winnie Posted May 19, 2010 Share Posted May 19, 2010 I'm so deeply sorry for your loss. Quilty was very fortunate to have you guys. Quote Laura with Celeste (ICU Celeste) and Galgos Beatrix and Encarna The Horse - Gracie (MD Grace E) Bridge Angels Faye Oops (Santa Fe Oops), Bonny (Bonny Drive), Darcy (D's Zipperfoot) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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