NeylasMom Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 I feel a little strange writing this, as it's a remembrance to one of my fosters, not one of my own and I still haven't been able to bring myself to write Neyla's remembrance, but Gwen has a special story, and a special place in my heart, so I wanted to share it here. In January of 2002, Gwen came off of the track and into my home as my 8th foster dog 2 months shy of her second birthday. She was a beautiful brindle girl who was terrified of the world around her. I remember a particularly frustrating first week when she refused to come out of the crate in my bedroom. She was also terrified of peeing on lead in front of me and since I didn't have a yard, we had to develop this dance where I would extend my arm as far as I could so she could get 8-9 feet from me and I would watch her out of the corner of my eye so I could slow down when she started to squat without letting her know that I was looking. Sometimes it would take us an hour of doing this "dance" before she would do her bedtime potty. In the 3 weeks I had her she remained pretty fearful, but she did start coming out fo her crate for hot dog bits from me and a few other select people. The thing that made me fall in love with her though was that she would dart out, grab a toy and dart back into her crate with it. She would do this until the entire toy basket was inside. Here's a photo of her in those early days. You can see in this photo she's even collected her track collar After only 3 weeks, a volunteer came to meet her. She liked her quirkiness and because we knew each other from volunteering she trusted me when I said she would be a good match for her home. I was thrilled and thought she had found her forever home. Unfortunately her owner wasn't completely respectful of Gwen's fear issues and put her in a situation where she bit a child (she was backed into a corner on a dog bed when the child ran up to her). After that, there were no issues until about 5 years later in 2008 when I got an email telling me her owner was going to put her to sleep because she had "bitten" (in actuality she had snapped at, but never made contact with) another child. They told us that they had sworn that if she ever bit again, they would put her to sleep rather than risk her being a danger to others. After much begging and pleading, she agreed to release her to us if we would sign a waiver, but she gave us only until 4 pm that afternoon and in the years since she had adopted she had moved to NY! Thankfully, Paula from Forever Home Greyhounds was our savior. She immediately drove to the owners house and picked her up and held her until one of our volunteers could make the 5-6 hour drive up there to get her. Our volunteer then met up with me so that I could take her in as a foster again. The story then unfolded - Gwen's "brother", the male greyhound she had known her entire life in her former home had passed away, leaving her as an only dog and her owners had had a baby about a year ago. On top of all of that, her tail was literally hanging by a thread from a wound that had gotten infected and not been treated properly. I got her right into our vet who immediately scheduled her for a partial amputation. After that, her tail healed up and we began the process of learning to trust again. She was pretty wary in my home (I had moved since I last fostered her), but I do think she remembered me as she would sometimes lean up against me and let me pet her, which she wouldn't let anyone else do. Over the next 9 months, she came out of her shell and became the quirky playful girl I had seen hints of the first time around and she settled in with my pack like she belonged there. If I had the ability, she would have stayed with us, but I already had 2 of my own. Here are some photos of her from that time: Pretty girl: Snuggled up: She wanted nothing more than to snuggle with other dogs. She knew better than to try with Neyla, but Zuri would tolerate it: She also LOVED to run, with my dogs after the big snow storm here in '09: Finally, after 9 months, a couple came along who I knew would be perfect for her. They had recently lost one of their greyhounds and were looking for a companion for their remaining older male. Gwen wanted very little to do with them when they came to visit, which was typical for her with strangers, but they saw the same thing I had seen in her years ago and decided to adopt her. They took her home with them in June of '09 and renamed her Etta and up until this past weekend she has lived a wonderful happy life with them and her male siblings. This past Friday her owners let me know that she had been diagnosed with osteo. I had hoped to visit with her on Sunday, but unfortunately they found out that she had fractured her leg and they had to let her go on Saturday. She was running and playing with her brother as recently as Thursday so it came as a total surprise. It saddens me that yet another pup was taken by this disease and that it had to be so suddenly. I will always be sad that I didn't get the chance to see her one last time. I've been lucky enough to see her at many open house events since she was adopted and to watch her while her owners were out of town. It always made me happy that she remembered me and greeted me with her little stump of a tail wagging furiously. I am grateful though that she finally found the perfect forever home. Her time there was too short, especially after the rough road she traveled to get there, but at least she knew what a truly loving home was like. I hope you are out there running like crazy with Neyla and your brothers who have gone before you. Quote Jen, CPDT-KA with Zuri, lab in a greyhound suit, Violet, formerly known as Faith, Skye, the permanent puppy, Cisco, resident cat, and my baby girl Neyla, forever in my heart "The great thing about science is that you're free to disagree with it, but you'll be wrong." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BootsyCollins Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 She was so lovely, Jen, and you were both blessed to have each other, even for a short time. Quote Christie and Bootsy (Turt McGurt and Gil too) Loving and missing Argos & Likky, forever and ever. ~Old age means realizing you will never own all the dogs you wanted to. ~ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaryJane Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 What a lovely tribute. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarcR Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 I'm so sorry for Etta's loss. Run free, Etta. Look for a big brindle girl named Honey. She'll let you snuggle with her. Quote Marc and Myun plus Starbuck (the cat)Pinky my AWOL girl, wherever you are, I miss you.Angels Honey (6/30/99-11/3/11) Nadia (5/11/99-6/4/12) Kara (6/5/99-7/17/12) Cleo (4/13/2000-4/19/2014) Antnee (12/1/2002=2/20/17) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 What a beauty she was, and what a treasure to those who took the time to know her. I'm so sorry she had to leave. Godspeed, sweet pea. 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...
RaineysMom Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 what a beautiful girl :cry1 Quote Kim and Bruce - with Rick (Rick Roufus 6/30/16) and missing my sweet greyhound Angels Rainey (LG's Rainey 10/4/2000 - 3/8/2011), Anubis (RJ's Saint Nick 12/25/2001 - 9/12/12) and Zeke (Hey Who Whiz It 4/6/2009 - 7/20/2020) and Larry (PTL Laroach 2/24/2007 - 8/2/2020) -- and Chester (Lab) (8/31/1990 - 5/3/2005), Captain (Schipperke) (10/12/1992 - 6/13/2005) and Remy (GSP) (?/?/1998 - 1/6/2005) at the bridge"Always do sober what you said you'd do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut." -- Ernest Hemmingway Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MauCarden Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 Heartbreaking. 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...
greyhead Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 What a beautiful sweetheart! I'm so sorry for her loss. Quote Mary with Jumper Jack (2/17/11) and angels Shane (PA's Busta Rime, 12/10/02 - 10/14/16) and Spencer (Dutch Laser, 11/25/00 - 3/29/13). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest tammara Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 She was so blessed to have had you in her life! What a beautiful girl. Rest in peace Etta. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djsgreys Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 What a lovely tribute - thank you for sharing her story with us. Etta was a lucky girl to have found her retirement guardian in you. Run pain free forever beautiful girl. Quote Deb, and da Croo In my heart always, my Bridge Angels - Macavity, Tila the wannabe, Dexter, CDN Cold Snap (Candy), PC Herode Boy, WZ Moody, Poco Zinny, EM's Scully, Lonsome Billy, Lucas, Hurry Hannah, Daisy (Apache Blitz), Sadie (Kickapoo Kara), USS Maxi, Sam's Attaboy, Crystal Souza, Gifted Suzy, Zena, and Jetlag who never made it home. http://www.northernskygreyhounds.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houndtime Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 Such a beautiful girl. So sorry for her loss to you and her owners. I do hate cancer. It is the thief who robs us, everyday, of those we love. 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...
Guest FreddyGirl Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 She found love in many places, bless you all. Godspeed pretty Etta. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheFullHouse Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 What a special little girl. My condolences to all who knew and loved her. 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...
DesiRayMom Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 Rest in peace, pretty Etta. I know you'll find plenty of snuggle buddies. Quote Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luvhounds2 Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 What a story she had!!! Sweet lady; I hope she knew how loved she was over her lifetime. Quote Barb, Mom to Grey's Tickertape & Grey's McCarthy.Always missing: Wizzie and Desi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greybookends Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest PiagetsMom Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 I'm sorry, Jen. Gwen was a beautiful girl. The suddeness of her passing is shocking, I know. If I take any comfort in our similar loss with Piaget, it's that she lived a normal, happy, active life right up to the last day. It doesn't make your grieving any less, but it is a small blessing to be thankful for. I hope those who love her can, on reflection, feel that way, too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
45MPHK9 Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 What an incredible story! We are so sorry to read that osteo has taken another greyhound's life. Run free, Etta. Quote Tricia with Kyle, our senior mutt dog Always missing Murray Maldives, Bee Wiseman, River, Hopper, Kaia, and Holly Oaks Holly“You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.“ -Bob Dylan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remolacha Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Feisty49 Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 Beautiful writing of a wonderful story. You brought tears to my eyes. Etta did have love and acceptance in her life with you and her final Forever Home. BTW, Paula from Forever Home Greyhound Adoptions is great. I adopted my Annie Bella from her organization and and recently did a temporary foster for her of a silly brindle-ticked boy who almost stole my heart. Paula runs a great group and loves the Greys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiggersmom Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 Jen, I know how much you did for Gwen/Etta. She was a beautiful girl. Quirky is the right word. You worked so hard with her and I know the couple that adopted her loved her well. I'm so sorry to hear about her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4greyhounds Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 Beautiful Tribute!!!!! She was a very Special Girl.... I am very Sorry and I am sorry you did not get to see her for the last time, but you knew she loved you! :grouphug 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...
inugrey Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 she was a special girl who did find a perfect happily ever after through you. Quote Colleen with Covey (Admirals Cove) and Rally (greyhound puppy)Missing my beloved boy INU (CJ Whistlindixie) my sweetest princess SALEM (CJ Little Dixie) and my baby girl ZOE (LR's Tara) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MandysMom Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 What a beautiful tribute. I'm so sorry to read of her passing. Godspeed beautiful girl Quote Beverly. Missing my happy toy-flinging boy Sammy (Where's Mandrill), (8/12/2009-9/30-2021) Desperately missing my angel Mandy (BB's Luv) [7/1/2000 - 9/18/2012]. Always missing Meg the Dalmatian and Ralph Malph the Pekeapoo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fourofem Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 I remember Gwen....a beautiful girl. Quote Blair, Stella (DND Heather), Lizzie (M's Deadra), Hitch (Hallo Dominant) and House (Mac's Dr. House) Missing my handsome men Lewis (Vs Lowrider) - 11/11/01 - 3/11/09, Kevin (Dakota's Hi Five) - 1/1/06 - 4/18/11 and my cat, Sparkle Baby - ??/??/96 - 4/23/11 "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is, in fact, the most precious and valuable possession of mankind." (Theodorus Gaza) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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