JerseyGirlInOz Posted January 21, 2013 Share Posted January 21, 2013 (edited) Hailey Jane September 28, 2004 – January 18, 2013 Never just an ordinary girl… (Painting by Xan Blackburn) I have always been a mad-keen animal tragic, but when my children were babies, I was not keen on having a pet. We had recently moved to Australia from the US, and the demands of parenting young children while adjusting to living in a new country were challenging enough---I just couldn’t get on board with the idea of having another living being in my house that eats and poops. That all changed one day in March of 2006 when DS was 4 and DD was 6. DH and I took the kids to the Red Hill Agricultural Show, and GAP Victoria was doing a Meet & Greet with several gorgeous greyhounds. I found myself going back several times that day and getting completely sucked in. By the end of the day I knew that it was time. I realized that DS was at the age where he no longer thought I walked on water, and I needed something in my house that loved me unconditionally. I fully intended to find an older, more settled greyhound---and was partial to brindles---so I contacted Greyhound Safety Net (GSN) about a pretty fawn brindle they had on their website. After giving the Adoption Coordinator my details, she informed me that she had another greyhound available that she felt would be better suited to my family. She emailed me a photo of Hailey, a sleek young black girl staring lovingly up at her handler, and I was instantly smitten. I agreed to bring my family to meet with her foster carers and see her in person. Instead of the calm, elegant, settled older greyhound I had in mind, we were greeted by an explosion of 19-month-old puppy enthusiasm and zoomies that were so filled with reckless abandon that she rearranged an entire room of furniture in a matter of seconds. But it was too late. Her toothy grin and irrepressible exuberance won us over instantly. We were in love, and there was no turning back. We did have one significant obstacle: DD was terrified of dogs. She had been bitten on two separate occasions as a toddler and had become almost phobic. DH was quite concerned about traumatizing her further by bringing such a large dog into our home. We needn’t have worried however: within 24 hours of bringing Hailey home, my daughter’s fears had disappeared and the 2 of them became the best of buddies. The other adjustment I quickly found we had to make was that we would have to teach Hailey that 4-year-old DS was in fact a human, not her littermate. There were several occasions where I had to “rescue” DS from atop a boulder in the back yard, while Hailey whirled wildly, play-bowing, nipping and barking at him in a bid to keep the game going. DS and Hailey have essentially “grown up” together, and shared what could only be described as relationship of siblings. They absolutely adored each other. And don’t even get me started on her relationship with DH. Some of you may remember my “I Think DH is Cheating On Me” thread, featuring this damning piece of evidence: Hailey looked at DH like she was looking into the sun: an equal mix of complete adulation and sheer terror, like she was afraid she was not worthy to be in his presence. She idolized him, and the feeling was completely mutual. Hailey greeted everyone like she was running for office, and teaching her to greet people at the door without torpedoing them with her nose or flattening them with a zoomie was an ongoing battle. Even so, there were certain people she just couldn’t contain herself around, like the GSN’s Adoption Coordinator. Once I brought her to a GSN Meet & Greet, and when she heard Julie say, “Hello, Hailey!” she launched herself onto Julie’s lap like she’s been shot from a cannon, nearly flipping her over the back of her chair. And God forbid you didn’t love her back, you’d get “The Look”: Hailey shared the house with lots of fosters, but by far her first (and favourite) was “Perma-Foster” Jorgia: There wasn’t a bed made that she couldn’t shred, a stuffy she couldn’t de-squeak: And right up until the final weeks of her life, she could still rearrange the furniture with her daily zoomies: Hailey, you and I shared a connection so strong that even complete strangers would comment on it. You came to me at a time when I really needed a best friend, a confidante and a partner in crime, and were everything I needed and so much more. You loved me ferociously, and I adored you right back. I don’t even know who I am without you, nor does Mokkah. Where you led, he followed: In my heart, I always knew you wouldn’t live to a ripe old age---your light burned too brightly to be able to be sustained for long. But I always imagined you would be struck by lightning, or explode in a shower of fireworks---not succumb to something so pedestrian as renal failure, which not only robbed you of your life, but robbed you of the physical beauty that always had all the old racing guys at the greyhound vet falling all over themselves to ogle you. Wasting away seemed so beneath you. But you were always beautiful to me, inside and out, and neither of us was ready for the story to end. After being sent home to die by 3 different vets in September, you and I (with the help of some wonderful GTers whose greys were suffering similar conditions) put together a plan to kick some kidney a$$, if only for a short time. The vet confided in me last week that back when you were first diagnosed she thought you had 2 weeks tops, yet you had a miraculous rebound and gave us 4 more amazing months that stunned everyone. But in the end, the disease took you away from us---and way too soon. You were our spark, our comedian, our Cuckoo-Dog, our good girl… and we miss you so, SO much. Sweet dreams, Baby Girl. Until we meet again… Edited January 28, 2013 by JerseyGirlInOz Quote "Hurricane Sandi" (Baurna to Run). Forever missing my "Angel-With-A Crooked-Halo" Hailey, and "Mokkah" (Xpress Point) with all my heart. "If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went." ~~Will Rogers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greydawg Posted January 21, 2013 Share Posted January 21, 2013 A beautiful tribute, written with pure love. Thank you for sharing it. I am so sorry for your loss. Quote Cheryl - "Mom" to RUNNER (Gunnah, born 6/15/2012) and FARGO (Ridin Shotgun, born 8/21/2015). Missing my Grey-Angels HEISMAN (RX Heisman) (3/29/2005-2/1/2016) and ALEX (Bevenly) (4/15/2005-6/7/2018). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnF Posted January 21, 2013 Share Posted January 21, 2013 A heartfelt and eloquent tribute to a beautiful dog. I've lost 3 to Renal Failure over many years so know that rollercoaster of a ride of hope and despair. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted January 21, 2013 Share Posted January 21, 2013 What a beauty she was, in looks and in spirit. I'm so sorry she had to leave you. Godspeed, precious. 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...
Charlies_Dad Posted January 21, 2013 Share Posted January 21, 2013 That was beautiful and so perfect for a beautiful girl. I am so sorry your amazing girl is gone as she was one in a million. Run free Hailey Jane, 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...
fliggie Posted January 21, 2013 Share Posted January 21, 2013 (edited) :f_pink Tears here. I'm so sorry. Edited January 21, 2013 by fliggie Quote My Photojournal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dante2zoe Posted January 21, 2013 Share Posted January 21, 2013 That was beautiful and so fitting for your beautiful girl. Thank you for sharing her with us. My heart aches for you and your family. Quote Cindy with Miss Fancypants, Paris Bueller, Zeke, and Angus Dante (Dg's Boyd), Zoe (In a While), Brady (Devilish Effect), Goose (BG Shotgun), Maverick (BG ShoMe), Maggie (All Trades Jax), Sherman (LNB Herman Bad) and Indy (BYB whippet) forever in my heart The flame that burns the brightest, burns the fastest and leaves the biggest shadow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheFullHouse Posted January 21, 2013 Share Posted January 21, 2013 What an amazing and beautiful tribute to your special girl. 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...
LadyGrey Posted January 21, 2013 Share Posted January 21, 2013 What a wonderful tribute to Hailey. Her pictures capture her loving, happy, playful, and intellegent personality. Your family adored her and she stole their hearts. She was a beautiful girl and you were so gifted to have shared life with her. I am so sorry for your hurt right now. Your time with her was too short. She came into your life the same time Bella came into mine and was almost the same age. However, what time she did spend with you, she sure did make the most of it. Hailey dear, watch over your loving family from above. Keep the children, mom, and dad comforted in the sweet warm memories of you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FiveRoooooers Posted January 21, 2013 Share Posted January 21, 2013 This is the most beautiful, eloquent tribute to your heart and soul friend. Your incredible photos captured some very endearing moments, moments of how it seems Hailey Jane lived her entire life! What a wonderful girl. How blessed you all are to have shared your lives together. I am so sorry now for the Hailey Jane-sized hole in your hearts. Godspeed precious girl. Quote Old Dogs are the Best Dogs. Thank you, campers. Current enrollees: Punkin. AnnIE Oooh M 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 January 21, 2013 Share Posted January 21, 2013 My heart is breaking for you. That tribute is beautiful beyond words as was Hailey Jane. Thank you for sharing a glipse of this extaordinary girl-the pictures too are wonderful. "Some animals...leave a trail of glory behind them.They give their spirit to the place where they have lived,and remain forever a part of the rocks and streams and the wind and sky."- Marguerite Henry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PattyE Posted January 21, 2013 Share Posted January 21, 2013 Your tribute was beautiful. I'm so sorry that she had to leave you. Quote Patty, Mom to Jaxson 5/12/2017 Forever in my heart: Joey 11/01/2007 to 12/06/2018, Scout 11/19/2005 to 07/15/15 and Jack 01/03/2004 to 06/11/2011 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heartdogs Posted January 21, 2013 Share Posted January 21, 2013 You have such beatiful pictures & memories of your sweet girl. I'm sorry for you loss. Hugs to all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest PhillyPups Posted January 21, 2013 Share Posted January 21, 2013 I am so very sorry for your loss. Hailey's presence and her love and your family's love for her is so felt in your tribute. She did a lot of jobs, healing your daughter, comforting your son, satisfying the DH's desire for "another woman" (I remember that thread) and being there for you when you needed her most. Beautiful girl, emotional tribute. Run with the angels Beautiful Hailey, you are with the very very best ~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cully Posted January 21, 2013 Share Posted January 21, 2013 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 patgam Posted January 21, 2013 Share Posted January 21, 2013 Your tribute brought tears to my eyes... Beautiful Hailey - run with the wind and re-arrange heaven! I am so very sorry for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
schultzlc Posted January 21, 2013 Share Posted January 21, 2013 Your tribute to Hailey is lovely. I am so sorry for your loss. Quote Laura, mom to Luna (Boc's Duchess) and Nova (Atascocita Venus).Forever in my heart, Phantom (Tequila Nights) and Zippy (Iruska Monte). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greytpups Posted January 21, 2013 Share Posted January 21, 2013 Your tribute to beautiful Hailey brought tears to my eyes, you can feel the love with each word you wrote. I am really sorry it was Hailey's time to go but she had a wonderful life with you and you'll always have such lovely memories. 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...
GreyPoopon Posted January 21, 2013 Share Posted January 21, 2013 I'm so very sorry. What a wonderful remembrance to an extraordinary girl. She left much much too soon. Godspeed Hailey. 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...
Neighsayer Posted January 21, 2013 Share Posted January 21, 2013 Hugs! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gracegirl Posted January 21, 2013 Share Posted January 21, 2013 What a beautiful tribute to a special girl. I'm heartbroken for you. Having lost my heart girl this weekend, I share your pain. Run free, sweet girl. Godspeed. Quote Poppy the lurcher 11/24/23 Gabby the Airedale 7/1/18 Forever missing Grace (RT's Grace), Fenway (not registered, def a greyhound), Jackson (airedale terrier, honorary greyhound), and Tessie (PK's Cat Island) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jettcricket Posted January 21, 2013 Share Posted January 21, 2013 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BatterseaBrindl Posted January 21, 2013 Share Posted January 21, 2013 So very sorry for the loss of your beautiful girl. Remember all the good times..... 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...
Guest PiagetsMom Posted January 21, 2013 Share Posted January 21, 2013 Hailey was a beautiful girl, and she was certainly well loved......I'm so very sorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyTzu Posted January 21, 2013 Share Posted January 21, 2013 Hailey Jane lived a large and love-filled life in your family. I am so very sorry for the loss of your sweetest Hailey. Hugs to you and the family. Quote Wendy and The Whole Wherd. American by birth, Southern by choice. "Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup!" ****OxyFresh Vendor ID is 180672239.**** Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.