MisserGil Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 (edited) In January 2004, on a trip to Shoreline Star to take one of our Foster boys for Surgery to have a broken leg mended, I met a little girl who was there.. She was frightened and in the back of her crate. Something about her kept calling me to her and I asked Penny what her story was. She told me that she was a genetic spook that had been there for six months. Not many groups have the ability to take a major spook and she felt that if someone took her and spent time wit her, she would be a great pet. After we finished helping feed and turnout the dogs, we headed back to Virginia in what was supposed to be a little dusting of snow, but turned into a major mess in the North. If I remember correctly numbers like 18 inches of snow arrived. While driving home, I kept thinking of Dimples and couldn't get her off my mind so I called Penny and told her to go ahead and have Dimples Vetted that week and I would pick her up the following weekend when I picked Kidd up from his surgery. She asked me if I was sure, and I said I could never be more sure about something and would do my best to work with her and find a good loving home for Dimples. After we picked her up, the ride home was interesting.. Here we had a dog who was scared to death and one with repairs to a rear broken leg. My son rode in the back of the van with them and gave Dimples lots of loving along the way, but he remembers that she didn't move the entire trip home and was scared to death. Once we got home she quickly found her crate and was happy there. During the first week she went out one night at last turnout, and decided she wouldn't come inside. I did everything I could for 4 hours in 18 degree weather to lure her in. Finally I learned I had to leave the door open and hide.. That worked and after that she went out on a leash for a while, and then we went back to leaving the door open and hiding so she could come in. She figured out each of our hiding places but we kept doing it and soon she figured out it was safe inside. Once I showed her the couch, it was apparent she was feeling more comfy. After a couple months, I had an adopter who fell in love with her and wanted to give it a try with her so I let her take Dimples home. About three weeks of trying and Dimples would have nothing to do with another home. The day she came back to the house, Dimples ran into my house and jumped on the couch where she stayed. I knew she was home and would not be leaving. Over the years, the use of medication daily, Dimples blossomed. She loved people but only loved watching them.. Having someone come to our house was major trauma and threw her into a tailspin. She was always ready to ride in the van, but didn't want to be around the people so many times she would sit in the back of the van on the big seat and just watch out of the many windows. I learned her limits but also learned how to push them so she could experience new things. I learned how to alter routines that I had so she could experience things. We would arrive at Dewey Beach early, go to an area where no one was and take walks on the beach so she could enjoy the sand and water. At home she quickly learned how to open baby gates with her mouth. If I was working on a project, either cooking, or renovations on the house, Dimples would stand there with me observing, me telling her each step. I kept hoping that one day she would take it on herself to finsh some of the many projects we started. LOL The strides she made over the years were amazing and while large crowds of new people were difficult for her, once she realized they were going to give her loving, she became their best friend. Five weeks ago, Dimples broke her leg while I was at the Evet with our friend Nerice and her Whippet Diego. We will never know how she broke her leg but it was a nasty spiral fracture in the bone between her elbow and shoulder. Her First surgery was tough but she managed to learn the tripod walk without using that leg even though it was her favored leg. I created a recovery room and slept on the floor or on the loveseat so I could give her pain meds every four hours as she recovered. Right as we were two weeks into the recovery and going in for a check up, the pin in her leg started protruding more and more from her shoulder. An xray showed the break had slipped, so a second surgery was done with heavier wires and a larger pin/rod. We made it to the two week part and had staples removed, however the rod had to be reset deeper, and a splint added to help straighten the paw. Then the same week we had to add staples because the rod kept busting the stitches. Pain meds were constant and this past weekend it was apparent that they were now working as they should be. On Monday I started Injections of a strong pain medication until we could see the surgeon on Tuesday. Tuesday morning we went in and the rod was protruding an inch out of the skin. He kept her so he could sedate her for an xray. Yes, she was still spooky enough to not deal with things like that well. I received the call that the repairs had blown out and it looked as if no healing had taken place over the five weeks. And while there was no visable signs of cancer, we all knew that something else was keeping the bone from growing. Her pain was kept under control only by high doses of pain meds. And after speaking to many friends and greyhound collegues, I knew what I had known had to be done. So on February 15th, Dimples joined so many other Greyhounds including some of my own at the bridge. Our wild and wacky girl was no longer in pain. Dimples gave so many of us such joy and taught us so many things. Her outlook on life, the way she nuzzled my neck at night, how she loved the kitties, but would get tired of them and with a little spasam like movement from her back leg would kick them off the sofa. How she learned to open a baby gate with her mouth and how she tried so hard to open the doorknobs on the house, she did what she wanted to do, and knew she could do it. Her love was amazing and she had so much to give. She didn't understand personal space and had to get to know someone by sniffing their hair, ears, face, all on her own terms. What a special treat it was for me to be a part of her life, and to watch her as she blossomed and grew. The love she gave was uncondtional and it will be missed. My heart is broken but I know she is no longer hurting and is chasing the furries at the bridge and I am sure she immediately found a sofa to lay on as she waits. Run free my sweet girl, come back to visit when you want as you know your place in my heart and home will always be here. Thank you for all that you taught me and for allowing me to be a part of your life. Thanks for the endless amount of love and joy you brought me. You went too soon, but there is a reason you had to go join the others. This morning I know you visited me and woke me up. Your special way of waking me up is going to be missed.. I love you Puddin head.. Reb's Dimples... 09/2001 - 02/2011 Edited February 16, 2011 by MisserGil Quote <b>These of course are just my humble opinions and in no way express the thoughts or ideas of the management, staff or members of this or any other board.. </b>James River Greyhounds, Richmond VAHomer, Gunnar and Scarlett,... Bridge Kids, Belle, Toby, Tanner, Pumpkin, Dimples and Tyrone, Willis, Duncan, Clea,Cable and Gracie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gazehund Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 I am so sorry for your loss Gil. Spooks are so very special. Rest well Dimples. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greybookends Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 I am so sorry Gil! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZoomDoggy Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 (edited) Oh Gil, I am just heartbroken for your loss. I know you worked so so hard to try and help her heal. I wish I could hug you right this minute. Edited February 16, 2011 by ZoomDoggy 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...
BertnLil Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 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...
Guest TBSFlame Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 I am so sorry for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houndtime Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 Oh, Gil, I am so sorry for your loss. 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...
queenwinniesmom Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 Oh, Gil, how you loved her! Could she have found a better family to understand her, indulge her and love her unconditionally? Never! She will leave a huge empty space in your home and heart. I'm so sorry you lost your precious Dimples. 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...
greytpups Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 Oh Gil, I am so so sorry. I will always remember your sweet quirky girl who let me pet her on the bed. The shy spooky ones always have a special place in my heart and Dimples was one of them for sure. Quote Jan with precious pups Emmy (Stormin J Flag) and Simon (Nitro Si) and Abbey Field. Missing my angels: Bailey Buffetbobleclair 11/11/98-17/12/09; Ben Task Rapid Wave 5/5/02-2/11/15; Brooke Glo's Destroyer 7/09/06-21/06/16 and Katie Crazykatiebug 12/11/06 -21/08/21. My blog about grief The reality is that you will grieve forever. You will not get over the loss of a loved one; you will learn to live with it. You will rebuild yourself around the loss you have suffered. You will be whole again but you will never be the same. Nor should you be the same, nor would you want to. ― Elisabeth Kübler-Ross Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheFullHouse Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 Oh Gil, I followed daily on FB the journey you were taking with Dimples. I'm so very sorry things went so badly. My heart goes out to you. Godspeed Dimples, you daddy loves you so very much. 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...
MisserGil Posted February 16, 2011 Author Share Posted February 16, 2011 I know many of you did follow the last five week journey on Facebook and I appreciate all of the comments and support there. The last five weeks I was focused on Dimples and her recovery. And like her surgeon said yesterday, this is not how this was supposed to be or end. His concern and care was amazing. He even came in on his day off to do one of her surgeries because he wanted to be the one that did it. So many people have been with us on this journey and helped out. And the love and support from around the world has bee overwhelming. She loved her pretty collars and actually expected one when Uncle Chris Carpenter came for a visit. And he knew it too and made sure he had a collar for her when he came to visit. LOL The other day, I removed the price tag on a really expensive raincoat that I had bought her right after I got her. I had bought the other dogs these coats as they would use them.. Everyone told me that I couldn't leave Dimples out even though she didn't really go places to need one. So i got her one anyway. It actually worked well to keep her from bothering her incision. LOL Quote <b>These of course are just my humble opinions and in no way express the thoughts or ideas of the management, staff or members of this or any other board.. </b>James River Greyhounds, Richmond VAHomer, Gunnar and Scarlett,... Bridge Kids, Belle, Toby, Tanner, Pumpkin, Dimples and Tyrone, Willis, Duncan, Clea,Cable and Gracie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greytbookert Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 Gil, I'm so sorry for your loss. Your love for Dimples is obvious in your writings, what a beautiful tribute for a special girl. R Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wonder Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 I'm so sorry to see this Gil. I too was following on FB and am so sad for you. 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 February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 It sounds as though Dimples had the very best that you could give her........I'm so very sorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brandimom Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 What a beautiful story and tribute to a little girl that came a long ways with your love and guidance. You are truly a wonderful person for opening your home to Dimples. Godspeed Dimples and may the wind always be at your back. My sincere sympathy to the ones left behind that are faced with the void and emptiness. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
turbotaina Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 :grouphug I'm so sorry, Gil. She had the best home anyone could have asked for I'm happy I got to meet her at GiG years ago. Quote Meredith with Heyokha (HUS Me Teddy) and Crow (Mike Milbury). Missing Turbo (Sendahl Boss), Pancho, JoJo, and "Fat Stacks" Juana, the psycho kitty. Canku wakan kin manipi."Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities." - Voltaire Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest CampWhippet Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 I am very sorry Gil. Run Fast Dimples. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maggiespet Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 I am so very sorry. GodSpeed Dimples. 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...
Remolacha Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 Gil, I am so sorry you lost your special girl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Stripeyfan Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 I am so sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sabrina Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 Sorry for your loss of Dimples 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...
mychip1 Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 So sorry for your loss. 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...
MauCarden Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 I've been following on FB too and kept hoping and praying for the best. I am so sorry for your loss. Quote Missing my sweet girl Scout. My snuggler, my chow-hound, my kissy girl. It never thunders at the Bridge, and your food bowl is ALWAYS filled. So strange not living in Atty World. I was a love struck handmaiden to your every whim. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ml529 Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 I'm so sorry Gil. She was such a special girl. Quote Melanie and Eric with Leminim and Eieio and silly kitty Elsa.See you again someday, my sweet Payton (Flying Payton May 9, 2000-March 18, 2012) Missing my sweet JJ, world's sweetest cat (April 1997-November 30, 2015)Stealing food in heaven, my darling Minnie (2006-April 21, 2016) Reunited with her favorite person in heaven, my Dad, Satin the skittish kitty (2002-May 7, 2016) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burpdog Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 Sending my sympathy I remember her coming home..... Quote Diane & The Senior Gang Burpdog Biscuits Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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