Guest lisajaye2000 Posted October 11, 2011 Share Posted October 11, 2011 (edited) Iceman- Ice Clean (February 28th, 2000-October 9th, 2011) Grad A racer: Raced 126 races, won 14, placed 2nd in 36. Previous owner Clinton E. Blair; Final family: Lisa, Robby, and Annabelle Shelton. I first learned about greyhounds in 1998 when I was at the Colorado Renaissance Festival in Larkspur as a young teenage girl. I met the dogs, and there was one who picked me out of a crowd and bee-lined for me so I could pet him. I fell in love with the breed right then and vowed to get one someday. It wasn't until 6 years later when I would finally call a greyhound family. I waited until I had traveled to Spain (met my husband there), got married, and was in the middle of nursing school to finally adopt. My husband and I had an apartment together in Longmont, and very shortly after we were married, we were ready for a dog. I had read the Cynthia Branigan book when I first learned about the breed, and had done my research thoroughly. I convinced my husband (it wasn't difficult), he also wanted a greyhound. I remember first seeing Iceman's picture on the Recycled Racer's web sight. He was called Cling there. I remember thinking he looked skinny and funny in his picture. My husband and I took our honeymoon in December of 2003 for 2 weeks. When we got back, I filled out our application for a dog. When Marnie at Recycled Racers called me, I told her I had no preference of male or female dogs, and she responded that was good because there were a couple of goofy males there who needed homes, and many people wanted small females. We drove to Commerce City and met the two goofy males. One was Iceman and the other, a brindle (huge!) dog named Gar. Since Gar was so big, we thought Ice was medium but we later found out at 76lb, he was quite large even for a greyhound. Also, after putting on 10 lb and a gleaming coat he was breathtakingly beautiful. We would be stopped in the street by people complimenting his beauty and several people asked to buy him from us! Of course family isn't for sale. I fell in love with Iceman when he leaned full body into me and let me stroke his velvet fur under his neck and behind his ears. He closed his eyes as if it was the best petting he ever had and Marnie said, "You see, that is the kind of attention he has never had before." I told my husband I wanted him and he agreed. We took him home and thus began what I equate with my married and grown up life with the constant of Iceman. Iceman enjoyed 5 years of us 3 alone together before we had our (now 3 year old) daughter Annabelle. Iceman accepted with grace, the transition from baby of the family to second. He gradually accepted Annabelle as one of his pack and favored her for the snacks she always slipped to him. Looking back at my favorite things about Iceman: His "smile", the way he got excited when we came home, the way he ripped around my grandma's back yard, He helped her with gardening and learned digging from her, an action he continued to burn energy with in the living room or on random spots of carpet. I love the way he jumped in bed with me when Rob got up to go to work, always keeping me warm. He taught me to savor sleeping, the most important things in life. I love the way he only barked in his sleep apparently in hot pursuit of some dream animal while he thunked his sleep running legs against the wall or the closet or whatever was in his way. His leaning against you; his independence, his enjoyment of cuddling and being pet. Laying on the couch or the bed. He always knew exactly how to comfort me when I was sad and crying, and tolerated my hugs like he enjoyed them while I blubbered over him. Ice lived with us in our two apartments, then the house we purchased. He was there while my husband finished his 2 Masters degrees, while I finished nursing school, nursed spinal cord injured patients for 7 years, finished my Masters and was promoted to Magnet Program Director. He was there when my husband's dad died. He was there while I puked my guts up for all 9 months of pregnancy. He was there in the night when my daughter woke up every 2 hours for 20 months. In my exhaustion during that time, he reminded me about the power of naps. He has been here for 1/3 of my life! Iceman was my first success at pet caring. Growing up, my family was very irresponsible with animals. We had many dogs that were hit by cars, abused by step dads, and left out in the sweltering sun with little food and worms crawling on their coats. I was terrified to get a dog for fear I would be neglectful and abusive like my parents had been. My husband and Iceman showed me, I am not like that. Iceman showed me my own capacity to love and to care beginning with him, moving to myself and including my patients. He has represented so much for me and it seems he has always been here. Looking back for pictures of him, I noticed he was in many I hadn't meant to take of him specifically. He is there in the background of pictures of family, my daughter, pictures of pumpkins at Halloween, the Christmas tree foreground, pictures of rooms in the house. I am sure his white hair will be discovered for years and years. I found some in my laptop today; all over my black coat, the couch, knitted into my projects. I believe he will keep popping up. Ice was a very healthy boy showing little signs of aging until about 2 weeks ago when he developed a limp. He was diagnosed with osteosarcome and developed it in 2 legs. We had to say goodbye yesterday because although his spirit was strong, he couldn't get around on just 2 legs. I have felt this overwhelming sense of grief for his loss. He has represented so much to me and I will always be greytful for his companionship, love, and constancy. Iceman, I love you. We love you so so so much. We couldn't see you suffer any more and had to do our one unselfish act in your life, let you go. You see, even though we gave you a home, and love, and attention, and affection, you gave us more. Thank you! Love, Your forever family. Edited October 11, 2011 by lisajaye2000 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest IrskasMom Posted October 11, 2011 Share Posted October 11, 2011 (edited) So wonderfully said .I am so very sorry Edited October 11, 2011 by IrskasMom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocsDoctor Posted October 11, 2011 Share Posted October 11, 2011 What a lovely tribute to your boy - and what a lovely life you gave him. Run free, Iceman! Quote Clare with Tiger (Snapper Gar, b. 18/05/2015), and remembering Ken (Boomtown Ken, 01/05/2011-21/02/2020) and Doc (Barefoot Doctor, 20/08/2001-15/04/2015)."It is also to be noted of every species, that the handsomest of each move best ... and beasts of the most elegant form, always excel in speed; of this, the horse and greyhound are beautiful examples."----Wiliam Hogarth, The Analysis of Beauty, 1753. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fliggie Posted October 11, 2011 Share Posted October 11, 2011 I'm very sorry Quote My Photojournal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BertnLil Posted October 11, 2011 Share Posted October 11, 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...
Batmom Posted October 11, 2011 Share Posted October 11, 2011 I'm so sorry your good boy had to leave you. Run with the wind, Iceman. 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...
Hawthorn Posted October 11, 2011 Share Posted October 11, 2011 I'm so sorry you had to say goodbye to Iceman, but he will live on in your hearts and in all the happy memories you have of your life together. Rest in peace, Iceman . Quote When a relationship of love is disrupted, the relationship does not cease. The love continues; therefore, the relationship continues. The work of grief is to reconcile and redeem life to a different love relationship. ~ W Scott Lineberry Always Greyhounds Home Boarding and Greyhounds With Love House Sitting Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maximum Posted October 11, 2011 Share Posted October 11, 2011 The story of you and Iceman is beautiful; these creatures bring out something special in us simple humans. The specialness of Iceman shines through your words, as does the love you shared. Love never dies...my condolences on the loss of such a special boy. Quote My boys, together again... A hui hou kakou, my loves Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
galgrey Posted October 11, 2011 Share Posted October 11, 2011 Beautiful tribute to a well loved hound. Run free, Iceman. Quote Cynthia, & Cristiano, galgoAlways in my heart: Frostman Newdawn Frost, Keno Jet Action & Chloe (NGA racing name unknown), Irys (galgo), Hannah (weim), Cruz (galgo), & Carly CW Your Charming Princess http://www.greyhound-data.com/d?i=1018857 "It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life, gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are." -- Unknown Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FiveRoooooers Posted October 11, 2011 Share Posted October 11, 2011 I am so sorry. Beautiful tribute to your boy. Godspeed Iceman Quote Old Dogs are the Best Dogs. Thank you, campers. Current enrollees: Punkin. AnnIE Oooh M, Ebbie, HollyBeeBop (Betty Crocker). 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...
racindog Posted October 11, 2011 Share Posted October 11, 2011 Your tribute brought tears to my eyes. What a guy that Iceman! Love that strong never dies. I am sure he will always be there with and for you. You know how angels are! You'll recognize him. The heart knows what the mind can't understand. My deepest sympathy. :f_red "For love is as strong as death.... Many waters cannot quench love, nor can the floods drown it. If a man would give for love all the wealth of his house, it would be utterly despised." -Song of Solomon 8:6-7 "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart." "What we have enjoyed we can never lose…All that we love deeply becomes a part of us."-Helen Keller <BR style="mso-special-character: line-break"><BR style="mso-special-character: line-break"> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greybookends Posted October 11, 2011 Share Posted October 11, 2011 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheFullHouse Posted October 11, 2011 Share Posted October 11, 2011 What a beautiful tribute to your sweet boy. 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...
Charlies_Dad Posted October 11, 2011 Share Posted October 11, 2011 A great tribute to a great pup. You were both lucky to have found each other and the love shines though with your words. I am truly sorry for your loss of your sweet boy. Run free Iceman, run free sweetie... 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...
Cully Posted October 11, 2011 Share Posted October 11, 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...
Guest PiagetsMom Posted October 11, 2011 Share Posted October 11, 2011 You see, even though we gave you a home, and love, and attention, and affection, you gave us more. Thank you! Lisa, this is so true. Since losing my girl, I've found that our pups touch, not just our lives, but those we aren't even aware of, in ways we sometimes don't know. You gave your Iceman a beautiful tribute, he was obviously well loved.......I'm so very sorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyPoopon Posted October 11, 2011 Share Posted October 11, 2011 I'm so very sorry. You wrote a wonderful tribute to your special boy. Godspeed Iceman. 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...
Houndtime Posted October 11, 2011 Share Posted October 11, 2011 I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing Iceman's stories and your memories. Say not in grief, "he is no more," but live in thankfulness that he was. ~ Hebrew proverb 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...
BatterseaBrindl Posted October 11, 2011 Share Posted October 11, 2011 So very sorry for your loss. You had many years and built some fabululous memories with Iceman. Remember those good times...I'm sure they will bring smiles to your face when you least expect it. Quote Nancy...Mom to Sid (Peteles Tiger), Kibo (112 Carlota Galgos) and Joshi. Missing Casey, Gomer, Mona, Penelope, BillieJean, Bandit, Nixon (Starz Sammie), Ruby (Watch Me Dash) Nigel (Nigel), and especially little Mario, waiting at the Bridge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendie Posted October 11, 2011 Share Posted October 11, 2011 I'm so very sorry for your loss Quote Forever in my Heart Joe T Greyhound, Charly Bear, Angel Daisy, and Katze & Buzz Kitty. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burpdog Posted October 11, 2011 Share Posted October 11, 2011 Your tribute brough tears to my eyes too. Every greyhound should have such a wonderful family. Sending my sympathy It is evident he will be greatly missed. Quote Diane & The Senior Gang Burpdog Biscuits Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remolacha Posted October 11, 2011 Share Posted October 11, 2011 What a beautiful tribute, I am so sorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carronstar Posted October 11, 2011 Share Posted October 11, 2011 What a beautiful tribute to your well loved boy. Godspeed, Iceman. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ml529 Posted October 11, 2011 Share Posted October 11, 2011 I'm so sorry for your loss. He was such a special boy. 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...
grey14me Posted October 11, 2011 Share Posted October 11, 2011 I am 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...
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