Jiffer Posted July 29, 2013 Share Posted July 29, 2013 I knew it was coming, I just didn't want to admit it. The unfortunate thing about dogs is that their lives are a fraction of our own and although we'd like to keep them forever, unfortunately, we eventually lose. Orion was in top condition until around Christmas when we started to see a sharp decline in his stamina. He started to find walking any distance to be difficult and so we started walking him less often and for shorter distances until about a month ago when we decided to stop forcing him. Though I can't really say we forced him, he was a trooper who would just plug along, content to be with his family. Then about mid-spring, he started to stumble more, to fall more, and to injure himself. His bowel incontinence became an issue, but thanks to our fantastic acupuncturist, we managed to get that under control until just a few weeks ago. I could feel the impending decision to be made starting to stir at the back of my brain and while I wanted to ignore it completely, I had to think of the wellness of my big guy. A week ago Friday, hubby came home to find Orion on our kitchen floor unable to get up. We do not know how long he was down but it was long enough that he was bruised and had several sores on his arms and legs. He took a couple of days to reconcile himself. I was on vacation last week and hubby and I had already started to talk about what we should do. By Monday, I decided to call the vet to discuss options. I explained his fall and she was already aware of his progressive weakness. She gave us several options to keep him going on top of the medications he was already on, but the last thing I wanted was to make him stoned and drugged, and to segregate him from the pack to limit his chances of falling. That wasn't any kind of quality of life. I called the vet back on Thursday to make an appointment for his final visit on Friday. So surrounded with love and with his head in my lap and "daddy"'s hand on his leg, he slipped into void on July 26, 2013 just before noon. It's hard to sum up Orion in a few words. He was both simple and complicated. He took a very long time to warm up and become part of the family. For the first couple years, he just existed on the periphery. Don't get me wrong, he was 100% content. He just had no expectations. We always described him as an old race horse. He observed and showed little expression. It was peculiar to watch his transition too. He eventually would get up on the couch with the others, but if a human sat down near him, he'd get up and leave. Then one day, he allowed me to put his head in my lap while watching TV and suddenly it clicked for him... snuggling with the people is wonderful! Everything was done in baby steps like that. It took him nearly 5 years to start giving kisses, which he reserved for special moments. I have such wonderful memories of him and his quirks. Of course, I'll always have my busted pinky too. He broke it with his leash back in 2006. Every time it rains and my pinky aches, I'll think of him. In his twilight years, his favourite thing was to rub his face, ears and eyes on the sofa or recliner after he had a good meal. He'd even allow himself a few groans here or there. It always made me chuckle. He also knew his routine better than any of the others.. if you were late with your cookie, he'd get huffy. Run free my big boy. I hope you and your siblings have found each other again. I miss you so much and I love you even more. Orion AKA Jahoda's Elect July 15, 1999 - July 26, 2013 Quote Jennifer and Beamish (an unnamed Irish-born Racer) DOB: October 30, 2011 Forever and always missing my "Vowels", Icarus, Atlas, Orion, Uber, and Miss Echo, and Mojito. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest NSGREY Posted July 29, 2013 Share Posted July 29, 2013 I'm sorry for your loss of Orion. He was a really handsome boy and I am sure he went knowing how much he was loved and cared for. Run Like The Wind Orion!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest IrskasMom Posted July 29, 2013 Share Posted July 29, 2013 Jennifer , you were the first one when I started with GT and Orion was one of my Favorite . You said it very galant , that our Dogs go only a fraction of time on our Side. Orion was one handsome , beautiful Guy. You gave him a greyt Life and lots of Love . I am so sorry his Time was up and left you with a . Greyt Memories will remain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest PiagetsMom Posted July 29, 2013 Share Posted July 29, 2013 Orion was a beautiful boy, and so well loved. I'm so very sorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnF Posted July 29, 2013 Share Posted July 29, 2013 Sorry to read of your loss of that lovely dog Orion. You gave him a wonderful life and a wonderful eulogy too. That void he went to... it's full of stars... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FiveRoooooers Posted July 29, 2013 Share Posted July 29, 2013 What a wonderful guy. It sounds as tho Orion may have been your "background dog", too I am so very sorry for your loss. I hope the memories of the wonderful lives you shared will help ease your pain. Orion, you were the best. 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...
greytpups Posted July 29, 2013 Share Posted July 29, 2013 Jen, I'm so sorry for your loss. 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...
Batmom Posted July 29, 2013 Share Posted July 29, 2013 I'm so sorry you had to say good-bye to your special boy. For me, Orion is part of you -- when I think of you, he's there too in the picture in my mind. I believe he always will be. Godspeed, sweetheart. 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...
TheFullHouse Posted July 29, 2013 Share Posted July 29, 2013 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...
XTRAWLD Posted July 29, 2013 Share Posted July 29, 2013 Lovely tribute. Run free Orion. 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...
racindog Posted July 29, 2013 Share Posted July 29, 2013 I'm so sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beledi Posted July 29, 2013 Share Posted July 29, 2013 Your tribute shows your love for Onion. We all have to face those days, but I am dreading it. You gave your gallant Onion the best of all, time, love, and freedom. Bless you and your boy who is now running free. Quote "Then God sent the Greyhound to live among man and remember. And when the day comes God will call the Greyhound to give Testament, and God will pass judgment on man." Persian Proverb Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MP_the4pack Posted July 29, 2013 Share Posted July 29, 2013 Jennifer, Orion sound very very special. I'm so sorry his time with you has come to an end. But he truly knew he was loved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rickiesmom Posted July 29, 2013 Share Posted July 29, 2013 Jen, I am so very sorry. What a wonderful tribute to a life well loved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duncan41 Posted July 29, 2013 Share Posted July 29, 2013 Isn't it ironic that the actions/reactions by the hounds who "have no expectations" leave the most indelible impressions? Godspeed, Orion. Send your mama kisses on the wind. I am so sorry for your loss. Quote Linda, Mom to Fuzz, Barkley, and the felines Miss Kitty, Simon and Joseph.Waiting at The Bridge: Alex, Josh, Harley, Nikki, Beemer, Anna, Frank, Rachel, my heart & soul, Suze and the best boy ever, Dalton.<p> ....for all those hounds that are sick, hurt, lost or waiting for their forever homes. SENIORS ROCK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msjpk Posted July 29, 2013 Share Posted July 29, 2013 So, so sorry for you both. You are not alone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houndtime Posted July 29, 2013 Share Posted July 29, 2013 I am so sorry for your loss. Orion sounds so much like our sweet Paulie. Thank you for sharing your memories. 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 greybookends Posted July 29, 2013 Share Posted July 29, 2013 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fsugrad Posted July 29, 2013 Share Posted July 29, 2013 I'm so sorry you've had to say goodbye to your handsome Orion. Godspeed, sweet boy. Quote Rita, mom to Dakota (Dakotas Dream) & Wish (Kiowa Wish Wish) and my angels Toby (Sol Marcus) and Robin (Greys Robin Hood) Forever missing our beloved Robin and Toby "Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." Anatole France Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remolacha Posted July 29, 2013 Share Posted July 29, 2013 I am so sorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heartdogs Posted July 29, 2013 Share Posted July 29, 2013 Sorry Orion had to leave. Hugs to you he was a handsome boy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ramonaghan Posted July 29, 2013 Share Posted July 29, 2013 What a lovely tribute. So very sorry for your loss. Quote Rachel with littermates Doolin and Willa, boss cat Tootie, and feline squatters Crumpet and Fezziwig. Missing gentlemen kitties Mud, Henry, and Richard and our beautiful, feisty, silly Sweep. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarcR Posted July 29, 2013 Share Posted July 29, 2013 I'm very sorry for your loss. Run free, Orion... always loved and missed 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...
schultzlc Posted July 29, 2013 Share Posted July 29, 2013 I am sorry for your loss, he sounds like such a special boy. 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...
fliggie Posted July 29, 2013 Share Posted July 29, 2013 What a beauty. Quote My Photojournal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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