Guest Heep Posted June 21, 2014 Share Posted June 21, 2014 I've been putting off this announcement, simply because I wasn't ready to deal with typing it out. I guess I'm still not ready. Yvain passed suddenly & unexpectedly, & although I'm grateful that his passing was fairly quick, I can't help but feel cheated. He was supposed to have another 3 years; I was supposed to have another 3 years with him. It's not fair, but life rarely is. He came down with a mild cough the evening of Eden's birthday. I cut out early from visiting my 99-year-old Grandmother the next day to bring in to the Vet the next day. We went back again Saturday morning when he started coughing up blood & our Vet immediately sent us to the nearest emergency room. After a short hospitalization, he passed in the early hours Sunday morning. No one knows what really happened, but it doesn't matter. We did everything we could & knowing the exact cause won't bring him back. I tell myself he lived a long, full life, but what can I say? I’m an unapologetically selfish person. Eden misses him terribly. She was the first & the oldest, & now has been through the loss of all her original siblings. Yvain doted on Eden; he liked to kiss her face & ears, & would stick up for her if the others got to pushy. Her new siblings haven’t bonded with her at all. The three boys are thick as thieves & Dolce prefers being on her own. We have two of his nephews; they are wonderful dogs that have many of his characteristics, but they are no substitute & I wouldn’t want them to be one anyway. Still, his absence is sorely felt & I cannot seem to stop looking for him around the house & when I’m counting heads. Yvain was an aggravating dog. He liked to eat the heels off of expensive shoes. He liked to hold his bladder until the key parts of a movie & then bark to be let outside. And you had escort him & watch, because if you didn’t, he just bark some more. And even when you did escort him outside, instead of peeing, he would perform the dance of his people; play-bowing, jumping, twisting in the air like a cat. Only after the performance, would he finally relieve himself. If you tried to cut out during his glorious dance & get back to your movie, he would come inside & pee on the shoe rack. He liked to sneak into the basement & leave a big, old turd in front of the washing machine. Why just the washing machine? Only God & Yvain know. He hated the Twilight book series with a passion & took every opportunity to pee on Aisha’s collection…normally, I wouldn’t have a problem with this, but he took out any neighboring books in the process. She tried to salvage them a few times, as she had the collector’s edition. Every time she did, Yvain stated his opinion of them again, in urine. He adored alcohol, fruit, Flavor Ice pops, rice bread, & chocolate. No wine glass or beer bottle was safe in the house. Bunches of bananas would disappear from the countertops & empty, chewed banana peels would litter the hallway. You couldn’t eat lychees without Yvain parked at your feet, forcefully demanding his share. Mangoes, apples, melons, cherries; he loved them all. As for the ice pops, he learned how to help himself to the freezer & squeeze the frozen treats from their plastic casings. He was utterly obsessed with my Gopan rice bread maker. He lay next to it for the whole baking process, a total of 4 hours & always insisted on the first bite. I remember the first time I made a successful loaf, which I was very proud because the machine & the instruction book are entirely in Japanese. Like a fool, I left the loaf unattended as I went to retrieve my camera in the living room. By the time I got back to the kitchen, there was Yvain, the whole loaf in his mouth, dashing for the backyard. Thus began Yvain & the Gopan’s love affair. He also had a thing for chocolate, not that he got any from us willingly. There was one time, when one of us left the pantry door open, I caught him with his head buried in a box of chocolate covered macadamia nuts my brother, Yvain’s namesake, sent me from Hawaii. Yvain had eaten the entire box & was snuffling around the empty brown wrappers for more. Panic set in & I immediately dragged him outside, armed with a turkey baster & hydrogen peroxide. One after the other, they can up from his tummy on to the lawn, looking untouched, save for the sheen of gastric juices that covered them. The goon hadn’t even bothered to chew his stolen bounty! But he wasn’t all cheeky naughtiness. He gave the best hugs. Sometimes he would bury his face in my elbow or armpit & sit there for hours. He was always there to make sure I got to work on time, waking me up just before the alarm would go off…except after daylight savings, when he was an hour early. He was extremely conscientious about the toilet monster & would guard the closed door; the most diligent of sentries. Eventually, he learned to open the door himself & would burst in on me to make sure I hadn’t been eaten by the toilet. He was the first to jump up & defend the house if there was a strange noise at night, & yet, he was always happy to see people & greeted strangers like long lost friends. On the leash he was a dream & was always gentle with children & my Grandmother. And he was handsome, heartbreakingly handsome with his 5 o’clock shadow, black guyliner, flat back, broad chest, & ready doggy grin. But he was also adorable, with the goofiest overbite & a high-pitched, girly bark. He could sit regally on the sofa & look like he was cast in bronze or roll over belly up & look like a character right out of a cartoon. And when he did, he’d play like a boxer & shoot his front paws out at you, like he was Apollo Creed & you were Rocky. So the next time you have fruit, freshly baked bread, Flavor Ice pops, or chocolate-covered macadamia nuts, wine, or beer, & the next time someone bursts in on you when you’re in the bathroom, please give a salute to Yvain; my beautiful boy, my dashing goon, my heroic beast of a dog. Semper Fi, my baby Yvain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Time4ANap Posted June 21, 2014 Share Posted June 21, 2014 I'm so sorry that Yvain had to leave suddenly. That was a beautiful tribute to your sweet boy. Run free, Yvain. Quote Camp Broodie. The current home of Mark Kay Mark Jack and Gracie Kiowa Safe Joan. Always missing my boy Rocket Hi Noon Rocket, Allie Phoenix Dynamite, Kate Miss Kate, Starz Under Da Starz, Petunia MW Neptunia, Diva Astar Dashindiva, and LaVida I've Got Life Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted June 21, 2014 Share Posted June 21, 2014 I'm so sorry. With you and Aisha, Yvain could be what he was meant to be -- a dog in a million. 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...
schultzlc Posted June 21, 2014 Share Posted June 21, 2014 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...
Charlies_Dad Posted June 21, 2014 Share Posted June 21, 2014 Yvain sounds like the perfect pup to me, I am very sorry you had to say goodbye. Run free Yvain, 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...
Guest iconsmum Posted June 21, 2014 Share Posted June 21, 2014 that was beautiful - I'm so sorry you had to lose him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neighsayer Posted June 21, 2014 Share Posted June 21, 2014 Hugs! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greyhead Posted June 21, 2014 Share Posted June 21, 2014 What a great dog! That was a lovely tribute too. I'm so sorry he had to leave, and so suddenly. 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...
DesiRayMom Posted June 21, 2014 Share Posted June 21, 2014 Yvain sounds like he was quite the character. Your tribute/memories were so filled with love....I'm so sorry he's gone. Quote Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarcR Posted June 21, 2014 Share Posted June 21, 2014 I'm so sorry for the sudden loss of Yvain. I have never read a more heart felt tribute. 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...
BatterseaBrindl Posted June 21, 2014 Share Posted June 21, 2014 Sorry for the loss of your Yvain. He sounds like my kind of dog! Remember all those 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...
sarabz Posted June 21, 2014 Share Posted June 21, 2014 What an amazing tribute to a wonderful boy. Quote Dave (GLS DeviousDavid) - 6/27/18 Gracie (AMF Saying Grace) - 10/21/12 Bella (KT Britta) - 4/29/05 to 2/13/20 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cully Posted June 22, 2014 Share Posted June 22, 2014 Run free sweet baby. Quote waiting at the bridge Connie Van Teddy & Jojo, Cobra Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greytpups Posted June 22, 2014 Share Posted June 22, 2014 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...
Houndtime Posted June 22, 2014 Share Posted June 22, 2014 So sorry for your loss. 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...
RaineysMom Posted June 22, 2014 Share Posted June 22, 2014 I'm so very sorry your baby had to leave you your loving tribute shows how much he meant to you. Sending hugs 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...
spottydog Posted June 22, 2014 Share Posted June 22, 2014 A truly beautiful tribute for a very special hound. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remolacha Posted June 22, 2014 Share Posted June 22, 2014 What a special boy! I am so sorry for your loss Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ramonaghan Posted June 22, 2014 Share Posted June 22, 2014 I'm so sorry for your loss. I loved reading about your special boy, though I hate the circumstances. It sounds like he was quite the character. Rest well, Yvain. 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...
FiveRoooooers Posted June 22, 2014 Share Posted June 22, 2014 Heep, I am so, so sorry for your loss. Your love for Yvain comes through in every word of your beautiful tribute. What a great dog, how he loved you so. 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...
duncan41 Posted June 22, 2014 Share Posted June 22, 2014 I am so sorry for your loss. Yvain was meant to be with you in order to make those memories, because you loved him enough to let him blossom. Beautiful tribute to your special boy. Godspeed, Yvain. 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...
galgrey Posted June 22, 2014 Share Posted June 22, 2014 I'm so sorry... 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...
queenwinniesmom Posted June 22, 2014 Share Posted June 22, 2014 Oh, my gosh, your tribute made me laugh and cry at the same time. I'm sure that's just the kinda guy Yvain was. What a huge presence he was in your home and heart, and what a huge empty space his sudden passing has left. I think the smiles contained in his wonderful tribute are the beginnings of more smiles to come---days when you realize you haven't cried, and finally, when there are more smiles than tears. How well you understood him, how deeply you loved him, and how blessed you were to have shared your life with such an exceptional dog. I'm so sorry you lost your precious Yvain. Quote Nancy, Mom to Evangelina and Kiva Missing Lacey, Patsy, Buster, my heart dog Nick, Winnie, Pollyanna, Tess, my precious Lydia, Calvin Lee, my angel butterfly Laila, and kitties Lily, Sam and Simon My Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Catsburgandhoundtown Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hawthorn Posted June 22, 2014 Share Posted June 22, 2014 I'm so sorry for your loss. 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...
Beachbum1 Posted June 22, 2014 Share Posted June 22, 2014 So very sorry for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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