GreytHoundPoet Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 Argos was a superhero. He taught me more about dogs, and myself, than I ever imagined. Coming from inauspicious and mysterious background, he eventually rose above it like a phoenix from the ashes. Argos was a hunting dog from Spain (adopted from Scooby Medina) and he was an adventure. In many ways he was the most difficult dog I have ever owned. However, he taught me more than any dog, or person, ever has. He taught me about trust, respect, love, courage, commitment, patience, adaptability, independence, baby steps, and human nature. He grew and blossomed like a flowers and changed like the seasons, slow and deliberate. When he got sick we did not talk about it a lot with people other than close friends and family. There were so many questions and we did not get a lot of answers. Towards the end he faded fast and we finally had an answer that we did not like. Even on his way out he showed us empathy and understanding beyond what we could imagine. He also showed us love and appreciation. People who don’t believe that dogs have a soul have never met this dog. Our journey with him started at an airport. We had chosen him to come in our lives and we drove to Atlanta to pick him up and start him on that journey. The waiting and the anticipation was killer. When we finally got the clearance to get him we were faced with a dog with haunted eyes. He coped fairly well with the trip and the transition but as he settled in we realized that this dog was not quite what we were expecting. Argos had a lot of trauma and history to work through. Things were rocky at first but we were committed to him and, over time, he began to trust us. Gaining his trust took time, patience, and understanding. It was a slow process, like dusk to sunset, but when we earned his trust it was beautiful. He had a lot of fear to work through and simply traveling halfway across the world and gaining a new home wasn’t enough. He had to confront his fears and we helped him along the way. He grew and changed with each passing season. From fear grew trust and respect. They bloomed into courage and independence. We took a dog who was so terrified of life that he almost couldn’t function and walked with him to a life filled with confidence and happiness. It was a long journey, and sometimes a rough one, but the destination was so perfect, so beautiful, that it was worth it. There were milestones that made us, grown adults, cry. Two specific moments come to mind. One was when we tried (probably foolishly) to take him to a picnic. He wasn’t quite ready but we had to try. There he met a Hispanic family. Argos hated Spanish and Hispanic accents. One time we were out walking and he heard a man tell us that I had a beautiful Greyhound in Spanish. He had a complete, thrashing, panicked melt down, tried to drag me home, and hid for days. So when he slowly, cautiously approached this family and let them get down to his level and pet him I cried. Right there, in the middle of a public picnic, a grown woman was crying over a dog being petted. Those who knew him understood the moment. The other time was when we were at the creek near our home. He spent a little while watching a family that was sitting on the rocks. Eventually, he started walking towards them, no fear, no trepidation, and asked the family to pet and love on him. Cue the waterworks again. He had never asked strangers to pet him, let alone approached them. The family was very kind to him and it was a beautiful experience. Eventually he went from fearing people in our home to greeting them enthusiastically, helicopter tail going full force, and sitting on their laps and kissing them. He loved his people very much. Argos was more than his journey. He was a dog who ran for the sheer joy of it. While every other hound that we have ever had here has preferred to run with others, Argos ran both by himself and with others. He’d let loose and fly. It was beautiful to see him so free and happy. He was fast and extremely agile. He loved to “stalk” other dogs in the yard. He would start by standing and hunting. Eventually he would lay down in a perfect sphinx position and then lower his head to where his entire body was one flat plain. Then, when the time was right, he would launch at the other dogs and initiate playtime. He also loved to chase the occasional fluffy creature that was brave enough, or stupid enough, to come into our yard. He had an intense prey drive and never forgot where he spotted or flushed a prey animal. Argos was misschievous and entirely too intelligent. He was a food thief and found creative ways to get anything he wanted. Often that led to naughty behavior but the charm about Argos is that, despite all of his mischief, he would look at you with the same love in his eyes that he did 20 seconds before being naughty. It was just part of him. He had a brain and a love of tasty things, especially instant breakfast, and the motivation to reach for the stars. Argos had intelligent, expressive eyes and no matter what the situation was you could always tell exactly what he was thinking and feeling. He was also an exceptionally affectionate dog. While kisses were sometimes shared he was always free with snuggling. He almost always wanted to be touching a human or other dogs and you could almost always find him snuggled with his packmates or favorite people. He spent years sleeping with us and loved to wrap himself around the other dogs and put his head on them. He loved resting in laps and often laid across us.Argos loved to eat. He loved all kinds of treats and got insanely excited about them. He even learned to sit for a while. He loved to chew bones, hooves, and other things and to take the eyes and sound makers out of new toys. He was excitedly play with a new toy until he took apart what he wanted and then he was done. He also loved Lorelei and bonded tightly to her. When he first came home he had some trouble integrating with the other three dogs. We fostered her and he bonded to her immediately. They slept together, played together, ate together, and became BFFs. We always joked that Argos adopted Lorelei. We just paid. We spoiled him on his last weekend and let him eat a ton of things he’d normally get to eat, and chew so many things. I even let him have a little instant breakfast. He was so happy. Argos was a strong spirit. He suffered from some medical setbacks along the way (head tremors, cancer, various injuries) but he never let them get him down. Even in the end, in his last moments, he made sure to kiss my face vigorously over and over as his last goodbye. I will always cherish those last kisses, a gift from a dog who knew he was loved and was content. He was a fighter, and a lover, and his spirit was never broken. We let him go before it was. I laid next to him, eye to eye, as he slipped away and he looked completely at peace. Justin and I are going to spread his ashes in the field where he once flushed a bunny and spent years checking back. He will be a wild spirit forever chasing bunnies. It would have made him so happy. He made me a better trainer. He made me a better dog person. In truth, he made me a better person. My life was forever changed by that little Galgo. He was an ambassador for his breed and an ambassador for traumatized dogs everywhere. But, even beyond all of the inspiration that he provided, he was one of my best friends, and my family, and my much beloved pet. Run free, Argos. Chase bunnies in heaven until we meet again. ??? - July 28 (He was between 8-10 years old.) Argos was adopted on October 16, 2008, back when Galgo adoption was rare. Many people have told us that he paved the way for education and understanding about the breed and adoption. His legacy lives on. I posted a ton of pictures of him on his memorial page on my website: Argos memorial Quote Masquerade Hounds & The Hounds of East Fairhaven & Ibizan Hound Club of the United States Member Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Time4ANap Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 That was a beautiful tribute to a beautiful boy. I'm sorry that Argos had to leave. Run free, Argos. 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...
Remolacha Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 What a handsome, wonderful, special, unique dog he was! I am so sorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJNg Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 Wonderful tribute to an amazing dog. I'm sorry I never got to meet him. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Quote Jennifer & Willow (Wilma Waggle), Wiki (Wiki Hard Ten), Carter (Let's Get It On), Ollie (whippet), Gracie (whippet x), & Terra (whippet) + Just Saying + Just Alice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fliggie Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 I'm so sorry. Quote My Photojournal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FiveRoooooers Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 What a wonderful fellow, in so many ways. I am so very sorry it was his time. 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...
robinw Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 (edited) Oh no! I'm so very sorry. We'll miss him. Argos influenced my decision to go to Spain and adopt Iker. I will always be grateful. Edited August 1, 2014 by robinw Quote Xavi the galgo and Peter the cat. Missing Iker the galgo ?-Feb.9/19, Treasure (USS Treasure) April 12/01-May 6/13, Phoenix (Hallo Top Son) Dec.14/99-June 4/11 and Loca (Reko Swahili) Oct.9/95 - June 1/09, Allen the boss cat, died late November, 2021, age 19. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest patgam Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 Run Free Argos. Your tribute to Argos was amazing as was he. Hugs..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 I'm so sorry for the loss of your wonderful boy. Godspeed, Argos. 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...
Guest normaandburrell Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 What a beautiful tribute and what an incredible legacy Argos has created. My thoughts are with you and him. Run free, Argos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scullysmum Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 (edited) What a truly special boy, I'm so sorry he had to leave you, it is always too soon. Edited August 1, 2014 by scullysmum Quote <p>"One day I hope to be the person my dog thinks I am"Sadi's Pet Pages Sadi's Greyhound Data PageMulder1/9/95-21/3/04 Scully1/9/95-16/2/05Sadi 7/4/99 - 23/6/13 CroftviewRGT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neighsayer Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 Hugs! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest IrskasMom Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 Sending you my Sympathy . Wonderful Memories remain . RIP sweet Argos Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OneOnly Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 beautiful tribute to your beautiful boy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustSnoozing Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 Thank you for sharing this wonderful tribute to Argos. Quote Dippy (Dinky Dipstick) and Velvet (Redbrick Velvet). Remembering sweet handsome Rebel (Emporio Rebel). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beachbum1 Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 So sorry for the loss of your wonderful boy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
racindog Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 My heart is breaking for you. My deepest sympathy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
45MPHK9 Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 I'm so sorry for your loss, Shannon. 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...
BatterseaBrindl Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 So very sorry for the loss of your special Argos. Remember 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...
ozgirl2 Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 I'm heartbroken... I've loved Argos since you first got him! He was my first galgo I 'knew'... Hugs to you... what a gorgeous boy he was - I'll always remember him... Quote Jeannine with Merlin, the crazed tabby cat and his sister, Jasmine, the brat-cat With Angel Cody(Roving Gemini), and Weenie the tortie waiting at the Bridge Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
winnie Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 My condolences on the loss of your handsome Argos. What a lucky boy he was to have you and your family. Quote Laura with Celeste (ICU Celeste) and Galgos Beatrix and Encarna The Horse - Gracie (MD Grace E) Bridge Angels Faye Oops (Santa Fe Oops), Bonny (Bonny Drive), Darcy (D's Zipperfoot) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LuvEarsies Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 So sorry for your loss. Quote Bernadette with Jak, Horizon, Kota, Barnaby, Madison, Earl, Tiggy, Finney, Tommy, Woody, Tyler and Lincoln all at the bridge Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2four Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 I'm so sorry that Argos is no longer with you physically. His memories will remain with you always, as your beautiful tribute suggests. Run free Argos. Quote Tin and Michael and Lucas, Picasso, Hero, Oasis, Galina, Neizan, Enzo, Salvo and Noor the Galgos. Remembering Bridge Angel Greyhounds: Tosca, Jamey, Master, Diego, and Ambi; plus Angel Galgos Jules, Marco and Baltasar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hawthorn Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 (edited) A beautiful tribute to your special boy ~ what a journey you travelled together. Edited August 1, 2014 by Hawthorn 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...
a_daerr Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 Beautiful tribute... Very sorry for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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