Sorcha Posted August 14, 2010 Share Posted August 14, 2010 Tuna (formerly known as "Zealya") November 20, 1995 - August 13, 2010 It started in the summer of 1998. During a trip to the animal hospital with my English setter, I saw a poster on the bulletin board about a greyhound “rescue” group (not my choice of words).A few weeks later I was on my way to pick up a 2 and ½ year old greyhound, sight unseen. She went by the name of Tuna and had flunked out of racing school. Driving home (alone) I remember thinking “What have I gotten myself into?!”. I was going through a difficult time in my life, and Tuna helped me through it. Together we learned a lot about one another, and figured it all out. During the next 3 years I moved four times and even with the addition of a saluki sister and a kitten during those years, Tuna never had a problem adjusting to changes. Her reward for the final move was a large, fenced yard with her very own sandbox. She loved being in that sandbox. Over the next few years greyhound fosters came and went, an Italian greyhound moved in, her saluki sister lost a brave battle with cancer, and a borzoi-saluki puppy arrived. She always handled the changes with ease but let each new arrival know she was queen. Eventually time caught up with her and hind-end weakness made it a challenge to get around like she used to. A ramp was put up to help her get in and out of the house. The prance in her step began to disappear, the sparkle in her eyes dimmed. Symptoms attributed to laryngeal paralysis eventually led her to not being able to eat her dog food without choking it up, so I became creative with her meals and everything went into the blender to make it easier for her to swallow, and baby food became a new favorite food. Home cooked meals became the norm, and much to her delight, canned dog food and a whole array of “human foods” were offered to her. Despite my best efforts, between LP and not being able to stand up long enough to finish a meal she started losing weight. She eventually gave in and took to eating while lying down, but was still not eating enough to maintain a good weight. I started giving her store-brand Ensure to get calories in her, she loved that (and it was the last thing she had). I struggled for many months with “the decision”. I realized that her quality of life had declined, but she was not in pain. I was waiting for that “sign” that everyone, including the vet, told me she would give me. On August 13, 2010 at 8:24 p.m., Tuna was given her angel wings. One of the things I told Tuna in our final moments together was to look for Ailish, that she would be waiting to show her the way and they would be together again. Rest in peace my beloved Tuna, I will love you forever and cherish your memory. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sambuca Posted August 14, 2010 Share Posted August 14, 2010 Beautiful tribute. I'm so sorry for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest how888 Posted August 14, 2010 Share Posted August 14, 2010 What beautiful memories you have.. Hold them close to your heart to get you through this.. I am so sorry.. Those eyes go right through you.. They look just like my Bullet... Tuna, you were so loved and please send mom a sign from Somewhere Over The Rainbow real soon.. Nike will show you around til we get there.. I can't even began to tell you how my heart breaks for you. Those pictures tell the story and the bond you two had together.. I am so glad she flunked out of racing school ..You two shared a beautiful journey together and that bond will never be broken.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wonder Posted August 14, 2010 Share Posted August 14, 2010 I'm so sorry Sarah Quote Kari and the pups.Run free sweet Hana 9/21/08-9/12/10. Missing Sparks with every breath.Passion 10/16/02-5/25/17 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest PiagetsMom Posted August 14, 2010 Share Posted August 14, 2010 That was beautiful........Tuna was a special girl and I'm so very sorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BellesDad Posted August 14, 2010 Share Posted August 14, 2010 Beautiful tribute to a beautiful girl. Godspeed Tuna Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EnzaFerrari Posted August 14, 2010 Share Posted August 14, 2010 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheFullHouse Posted August 14, 2010 Share Posted August 14, 2010 I'm so sorry for your loss. 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...
GreyPoopon Posted August 14, 2010 Share Posted August 14, 2010 I'm so very sorry. What a beautiful tribute to a very special and gorgeous girl. Godspeed Tuna. 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...
Valencia Posted August 14, 2010 Share Posted August 14, 2010 I am so, so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute. Run free, sweet Tuna. :grouphug Quote Shannon, mom to Shae, Jesse James and Linus the Chinese Cresteds,and bridge angels Sydney Sue and Stewart. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grey14me Posted August 14, 2010 Share Posted August 14, 2010 I remember when you were building Tuna's sandbox and I remember thinking that every greyhound should be so lucky. I'm so very sorry for the loss of your precious Tuna 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 Mom2Shiloh Posted August 14, 2010 Share Posted August 14, 2010 Thank you for sharing her with us ... how extraordinary was the life and the bond you two had; that was a most excellent remembrance. My heartfelt sympathy and white light for your healing-- even when it absolutely is the time -- it is still so very difficult. Bless Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest GoingRogue Posted August 14, 2010 Share Posted August 14, 2010 So sorry for your loss . She was a beauty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Flysmom Posted August 14, 2010 Share Posted August 14, 2010 I am very sorry! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest happygrey Posted August 14, 2010 Share Posted August 14, 2010 What a beautiful girl! I am so sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Greytluv Posted August 14, 2010 Share Posted August 14, 2010 RIP, Tuna You're are so loved Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Time4ANap Posted August 14, 2010 Share Posted August 14, 2010 Beautiful tribute. We are very sorry for your loss. Quote Camp Broodie. The current home of Mark Kay Mark Jack and Gracie Kiowa Safe Joan. Always missing my boy Rocket Hi Noon Rocket, Allie Phoenix Dynamite, Kate Miss Kate, Starz Under Da Starz, Petunia MW Neptunia, Diva Astar Dashindiva, and LaVida I've Got Life Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4greyhounds Posted August 14, 2010 Share Posted August 14, 2010 Beautiful Tribute, you can see she was a very Special Girl! I am so very Sorry! Run Free Tuna! 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...
Guest zoolaine Posted August 14, 2010 Share Posted August 14, 2010 I'm sorry what a beautiful girl! Run with the angels sweet Tuna Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forevermybabies Posted August 14, 2010 Share Posted August 14, 2010 I'm so sorry...I think that you were extremely brave through her final hours. Really. You held your composure and did what was best for Tuna. She was very lucky to have you, and you were so lucky to have her for so many years. God speed Tuna. Quote Tami, Nikki & Gypsy (non-greyhounds, but still pretty good dogs.) Deeply missing Sunscreen Man, Angel (Back on the Job), Switzler Festus and Joe (Indio Starr) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest FastDogsOwnMe Posted August 14, 2010 Share Posted August 14, 2010 I'm so very sorry... she was so loved, and is so beautiful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2hounds Posted August 14, 2010 Share Posted August 14, 2010 I'm so sorry Quote 2 Hounds Design Martingale Collars | 2 Hounds Design Facebook PageAlisha, Bob, Livvie (the 2.5 year old!) plus Mia Bella, Tippy, + Wahoo and Diesel the crazy kitties (and missing sweet Iceman, Paradise, Bandit, Cujo & Sebastian) in Indian Trail, NC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remolacha Posted August 14, 2010 Share Posted August 14, 2010 I am so sorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seeh2o Posted August 14, 2010 Share Posted August 14, 2010 I'm so sorry you lost your sweet girl, she was a beauty with lots of grace. Thank you for sharing. Quote Sunsands Doodles: Doodles aka Claire, Bella Run Softly: Softy aka Bowie (the Diamond Dog) Missing my beautiful boy Sunsands Carl 2.25.2003 - 4.1.2014 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greyhndz Posted August 14, 2010 Share Posted August 14, 2010 Loving baby. Loving mama. You're flying again, sweet Tuna. Your brothers and sisters are waiting for you, their Queen. My deepest sympathy, Sara. You made her happy for so long. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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