Guest Fasave Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 I started writing this a year ago when they found a mass on Ave’s liver. For the last year we thought it was a fluke as Ave continue to thrive with no intervention. The docs at Angell said it was nothing short of a miracle but sadly, the tumor finally got the best of him. Ave passed away quietly with his head in my lap and the sun shining bright on his face in the back of my car. I truly believe Ave had his life goals. He was so mad last year as the Grand Marshall of the Jingle Bell Walk. He couldn’t understand why he couldn’t get out and join in. Well this year he did and even only three weeks past foot surgery. He was determined to see 12 and beat the September curse that claimed one his littermates each of the past three years. And he did it, even if it was only by a couple days. And yes, one last trip to Dewey with the most incredible weather. There’s too much to write about my boy. He was with me for close to a decade. He brought me to Safari. He introduced me to the world of greyhounds and look what that has lead me to. I will be forever grateful to have had him in my life. My world is definitely a little quieter without my Avey, my Little Man, my grumpy little curmudgeon. He will be so missed. Smiling in the sun at his final Jingle Bell Walk. Ave, just look what you started! Dear Avalanche, Thank you for being you. You are a born leader without the confidence to always pull it off. To many, you were the strong silent type with a slightly snarky side. I know you thought it was your job to assist me in keeping life under control. Few got to see your really silly side. You could always make me laugh at the funniest times. Often I would be in the kitchen and all of sudden I could hear you running around with a stuffy letting go of some of your pent up energy. When I would walk towards the noise, your head would peak around the corner looking at me as if to say “what, I’m not doing anything.” In the early days, you would be the self appointed fun police. This was your castle and you made sure everyone needed to play by your rules. The memories of you and Rev, ganging up on the other greyhounds in the yard is one I will always treasure. Mostly, I will remember how you gave into Safari and found a fun and safe playmate who could challenge you in a way that you found suitable of your type of fun. The world according to Ave. I hope you never felt overlooked. I know that last few years were perhaps difficult and confusing as Safari worked through his final days of life and then Thunder appeared on the scene without your consent. I hope you know that if I ever felt they were taking away from you, I would not have let them stay. I hope you enjoyed your time with them. You always had a way of letting me know when it was “your” time with me. During the days that I travelled, you would be happy to see me come home but let Safari have my attention first while you ran around tossing stuffies. Once Safari settled, you would come crashing into me. When we would get home and crawl into bed, once everyone was settled, you would come stomping up to me and wedge yourself between me and Safari and lay on top of me, not moving for the whole night. I loved that message you would send to me. “Where did you go? Don’t leave me again. I’m glad you came home.” It made me feel so important. I’m sorry if I got frustrated with you on walks. I often joked that you thought you were a scent hound. You loved to sniff your whole environment and take it all in. If you felt that I wasn’t paying enough attention, you would dig in. I know I sometimes got frustrated but I also understand that you were telling me it was “your” time and I needed to pay more attention. We took many, many adventures together. Whether it was walks with a large group, a trip to Vermont or a greyhound event, you were an awesome travel partner. Together we went to 8 Dewey’s, 2 GIG’s and Grapehounds. More than anything, I’ll miss our beach walks at Dewey. You loved the early morning walks and especially digging in the sand. I’m so glad we got the chance to take our Mom and me walk this year. Just the two us. I told you on that walk that you needed to come back next year but I also noticed you were not as strong as previous years. I know this was nothing you could control but I just can’t imagine Dewey without you there. So Ave, the time as come that we must part. I hope I am forever in your heart the way you will always be in mine. I hope I gave you not just a life you deserved but a “super life with extra whipped cream and a cherry on top” life. Life will be very empty without you. You’ve always been here. This house grew around you. I brought you home even before furniture. You made my house feel more like a home than anything else I could have added. Don’t’ be scared but be brave in your new world. You have the strength and confidence you need. Look for me often. I am with you, forever and always. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greytbookert Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 A beautiful tribute for a beautiful boy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XTRAWLD Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 Sad to read this today, but sounded like Avalanche had a wonderful life with you while he was here. Quote Proudly owned by:10 year old "Ryder" CR Redman Gotcha May 201012.5 year old Angel "Kasey" Goodbye Kasey Gotcha July 2005-Aug 1, 2015 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DofSweetPotatos Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChiliDog Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 Beautiful tribute Run fast & free Ave Quote Donna & The League of Extraordinary Greyhounds Adoption Squad; Buffy and Rik T Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest snakes Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 I'm so sorry ave had to leave you, he was looking great and ever so happy when i saw him just the other week. I am sure the house and your life will feel a little empty for awhile but i am glad he could provide such a good life for you and you for him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anne Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 I'm so sorry for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sweetdogs Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 I'm so sorry for your loss. I remember meeting Ave & Safari one year on the ferry. They were very lucky boys & I hope they're happy to see each other again. I had my first hound for over 10 years & I know how very strange it feels not to have him around anymore. Or maybe they're always around in the ways they've changed us. Godspeed Ave! Quote Deirdre with Conor (Daring Pocobueno), Keeva (Kiowa Mimi Mona), & kittehs Gemma & robthomas. Our beloved angels Faolin & Liath, & kittehs Mona & Caesar. Remembering Bobby, Doc McCoy, & Chip McGrath. "He feeds you, pets you, adores you, collects your poop in a bag. There's only one explanation: you are a hairy little god." Nick Galifinakis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Carla Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sabrina Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 for you Ave 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...
BertnLil Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 I'm so sorry Ave had to leave. What a beautiful tribute. 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...
KahluasMagic Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 Quote Lynn Missing Pepper,Magic,Kahlua, Hobbit Ziggy Jasper and Bella Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houndtime Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 Thank you for sharing your memories. I am so sorry for the loss of such a special boy. 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 PiagetsMom Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 I'm very sorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlies_Dad Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 An incredible tribute to an incredible hound. I'm so sorry for his passing but am smiling that you got another year with him. Run free Ave, 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...
4greyhounds Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 I am so very Sorry!!!!!!!!!!!! Beautiful Tribute!!!!! Run Free Gorgeous Aljo! 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...
vjgrey Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 I'm so sorry you lost your beautiful boy. Quote Valerie w/ Cash (CashforClunkers) & Lucy (Racing School Dropout)Missing our gorgeous Miss Diamond (Shorty's Diamond), sweet boy Gabe (Zared) and Holly (ByGollyItsHolly), who never made it home. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheFullHouse Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 I'm so very sorry for your loss. You boy was indeed a very special. 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...
Guest HuggableHound Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 Run free with our Angels Ave and my prayers that your hearts heal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
racindog Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 An awesome tribute to an awesome hound. That last picture is priceless. My deepest sympathy. :f_red Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remolacha Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 I am so sorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greybookends Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gazehund Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 I am so sorry for your loss. Rest well Avalanche. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OneOnly Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 beautiful tribute thank you for letting us share him Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maryz Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 Wow, what an incredible life you had together. I'm truly sorry for your loss. Quote Mary, mom to kitty Rebel.Always missing Sherri (SO DELICIOUS) (12/6/2005-8/29/2018) kitties Marley (4/2000-12/3/2015) and Beady (4/1998-2/24/2006) and Dalmatian Daisy (7/25/1984-5/13/1999). The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not - Thomas Jefferson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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