Guest KnightRider Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 Although I am new here, I wanted to tell my boy's story. Brucie came into my life in the fall of 2001. He was a race school flunkie and not even a year old. Brucie was one of the quirkiest greyhounds I had ever met in my life. He would hide under tables at meet-n-greets, growl at people when they went to pet him, skulk in the back of his kennel when adopters came to visit, and just overall exhibited an anti-social personality. After he'd been in the kennel for two months and with no prospective homes in sight, I decided to foster this boy. He knew me and so the change from kennel to home wasn't as traumatic as it could have been. Within a week, Brucie became an entirely different dog. He was a nut! He smiled, he bounced, he barked, he played. Where had this creature come from?!?! He was going no where but straight into my heart! In 2004, I lost several of my greyhounds due to a house fire along with enduring a brutal divorce. Brucie was one of the survivors. He was patient and resilient during our time of separation while I found a new home and he (and my other survivors)was in temporary foster care. When he came home to me, he was the same Brucie; silly and goofy and one of the few remaining constants in my life. Several weeks ago, Brucie began to exhibit some discouraging signs. He started having days when he wouldnt' eat, he began to trip and stumble, and generally didn't act like himself. The eating didn't worry me too much because it wasn't unusual for any of my dogs to pout about their food some days. However, the skipped meals began to happen more and more. Brucie had also developed a lick wound on his leg that just wouldn't heal and seemed to trigger endless licking episodes. A trip to the vet resulted in yet another round of antibiotics, anti-inflamatories, and pain meds. After coming home, Brucie seemed to perk up and ate like a horse. However, it was short lived. By the next evening, he had lost all use of his back legs and my daughter and I had to physically carry him into the living room. My husband was working third shift that night and a trip to the ER Vet was impossible. Brucie was a BIG male and my daughter and I struggled to get him to the living room. Trying to get him to the car was out of the question. She and I stayed up with him all night and as soon as my husband was home he loaded him in my car. I knew this wasn't good. The vet did x-rays and a thorough exam and diagnosed him with a rapid progressing spinal cancer. I know he said some technical terms but all I could hear was that my boy was dying and in pain. There was nothing to be done. It was time to say good-bye and my heart was (and still is) in pieces. I have since remarried and my husband is still learning about the greyhounds. I told him that there is just SOMETHING about these dogs...something special that is above all other breeds. Its as if God put a special touch on the greyhounds. For those of you who have lost a beloved hound recently or at some point in the past, I understand your pain and hurting heart. I know in time it gets easier but they sure leave us with an empty place when their gone. Angie Knight Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest HappyHarleysMom Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 Oh, I am so sorry for your loss. Brucie sounds like he was just wonderful, and my heart goes out to you. I do know it hurts, as I lost my Harley on Monday, and he was another of our goofy boys. God bless you for taking Brucie into your home, and your heart. He needed his own patient and kind human, to feel safe, relax, and enjoy life. And, that he certainly did with you. I would like to think Brucie was met at the Rainbow Bridge by all our hound angels, Harley included. They are pain free, and happy as can be while they run in the fields. Please accept my most heartfelt condolences during this sad time. Brucie was blessed to have you, and you were blessed and meant to have him in your life. Godspeed Brucie, handsome boy. Run free now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juliemac Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 I lost my first grey to spinal cancer, and my heart breaks for you. Brucie clearly thrived in your home, and I'm so glad that he trusted you to give him a fabulous life, and as a result you & your family were able to see the wonderful boy that was hidden behind all of the fear. Thank you for taking a chance on Brucie, and hugs to you all as you cope with the hole that he's leaving in your hearts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greybookends Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyPoopon Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 I'm so sorry. Godspeed Brucie. 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...
Batmom Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 I'm sorry he had to leave you. Godspeed, sweet boy. 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...
Trihounds Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 So sorry for your losses - what a tough, but very endearing story. He sounds like a wonderful guy. We have a Brucie also - Doe's Bruciebaby was his racing name. He's a goofy one, too, and glad to hear he lives up to his namesake's precedent. Run free with the angels sweet guy. Quote Doe's Bruciebaby Doe's Bumper Derek Follow my Ironman journeys and life with dogs, cats and busy kids: A long road Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MP_the4pack Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 I'm so sorry Brucie is gone. I think I remember reading about your horrid fire years ago. It's hard to hide greyhound news. It's almost unbearable to lose a heart hound. I still cry over my Pearl, her 1st year anniversary is this saturday. I hope time helps to heal your heart. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grey14me Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 I'm so 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...
mychip1 Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 I'm so sorry for your loss. They take huge pieces of our heart with them when we lose them...... Your boy, Brucie, sounds like a wonderful character who provided you the "constant" in your life when you needed it most - in a way that only our four-legged companions can do..... Quote Robin, EZ (Tribal Track), JJ (What a Story), Dustin (E's Full House) and our beautiful Jack (Mana Black Jack) and Lily (Chip's Little Miss Lily) both at the BridgeThe WFUBCC honors our beautiful friends at the bridge. Godspeed sweet angels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BertnLil Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 I'm so sorry. 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...
racindog Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 I'm so sorry. My deepest sympathy. Wonderful tribute-very moving. What a houndie! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carronstar Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 I am so very sorry. Brucie knew he was a deeply loved hound. Godspeed, Brucie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
queenwinniesmom Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 It's so clear that you and Brucie were meant to be together. You were each other's angels. I'm so sorry you lost your precious boy. 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...
sabrina Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 Sorry for your loss of Bruce Quote Caroline, Mom to Daphne (49B-50215) and Penny (41D-55779)Remembering Bridge Angels Margo and Sabrina Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remolacha Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 I am so sorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheFullHouse Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 I'm so very 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...
Burpdog Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 Sending my sympathy. I do remember.... How wonderful he was able to stay with you for awhile after all the other losses in your life. He sounds like a very special guy, meant for you and your heart.. Quote Diane & The Senior Gang Burpdog Biscuits Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fostr_Mom Posted February 4, 2011 Share Posted February 4, 2011 Godspeed Brucie. I am sorry for your loss. Quote <p>Mom to Kyle (Diehard Kyle) & Angel Gracie (KB's Sankey) Foster Mom for AFG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Gingergrey Posted February 4, 2011 Share Posted February 4, 2011 I am so sorry for your loss. Brucie sounded like a wonderful friend. Godspeed sweet Brucie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fliggie Posted February 4, 2011 Share Posted February 4, 2011 I'm very sorry. Quote My Photojournal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cully Posted February 4, 2011 Share Posted February 4, 2011 Run free sweet baby. Quote waiting at the bridge Connie Van Teddy & Jojo, Cobra Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobinM Posted February 4, 2011 Share Posted February 4, 2011 God Speed Brucie Quote ROBIN ~ Mom to: Beau Think It Aint, Chloe JC Allthewayhome, Teddy ICU Drunk Sailor, Elsie N Fracine , Ollie RG's Travertine, Ponch A's Jupiter~ Yoshi, Zoobie & Belle, the kitties. Waiting at the bridge Angel Polli Bohemian Ocean , Rocky, Blue,Sasha & Zoobie & Bobbi Greyhound Angels Adoption (GAA) The Lexus Project Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bonnebike Posted February 4, 2011 Share Posted February 4, 2011 I'm sorry for your loss. There is a very special bond when the dog's personality comes out on your watch. Run and play, Brucie! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houndtime Posted February 4, 2011 Share Posted February 4, 2011 I am so sorry for your loss of Brucie. 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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