queenwinniesmom Posted October 7, 2014 Share Posted October 7, 2014 (edited) I got home from Spain late last night, and although it was very good to be back home, at the same time I was dreading it. I knew that Polly's loss would be so much more real, the emptiness in our house palpable. And it was, it is. I look at the crate where she ate, remembering how encouraged we were when she would trot into it eagerly for the hamburger she was getting every day. She was so enjoying eating, especially the treats and special foods that we knew were just a temporary fix for the gradual slipping away. It had been my worst fear that she would have to leave before I could get back to be with her at the end. And that's what happened. But I know she couldn't have held on for over a week, and I know that her Dad was with her, holding her and telling her that we loved her so much. I'd told her that many times before I left, with many hugs and kisses. She was ready to go. But we just miss her so. This morning, I called her name to go out. I've said this often, but she was a perfect little lady. She came to us as a foster dog right after Winnie had been diagnosed with osteo. We felt that she was meant to stay with us to help us deal with that sad and stressful time, to give us comfort, and that's just what she did. The name Pollyanna was close to the sound of her racing name, something I like to do, if possible, and the middle name---yes, I'm weird, all my pets have middle names---was because it was fate that she came when we needed her the most. She fit in perfectly, and over the last 10 years, her position in our family never changed. She never wanted to be the center of attention, the social butterfly. She would wait sweetly until someone noticed her lovely, gentle face and kind eyes, and she had a way of picking someone who needed her most. Because Lydia and Tess require that immediate connection, often Polly was overlooked because her charm was quiet, her demeanor humble and patient. Her light wasn't a dazzling sun, but more the glow of a steadfast star. I don't think I ever saw her do anything bad---maybe the odd pee in the house---or be snarky or annoyed with anyone, dog, cat or human. Everything was okay with Polly, and she was always there when you needed her, just in case. She helped us through Nick's loss, and Winnie's, and was a tolerant big sister to many, many foster dogs. She was an eager traveler to lots of Deweys, Gettysburgs, and Grapehounds. Over the last 8 years, we've been so lucky, we haven't had to say goodbye to any of our dogs and cats. But I knew that day would come soon enough. She turned 13 in July (yes, born on the 4th of July), and had been slowing down for some time. She was always a bit more frail than the others, with recurring, unexplained problems, nothing serious, but each time she seemed to bounce back a little slower. And then she developed the heart murmur and became even more frail. The teeth were an issue that the window of opportunity closed on, and our vet honestly didn't think she could survive anesthesia---I do feel guilt about that, but don't know how much time we could have bought. She still loved to eat, and she liked to go on short walks, mostly to sniff around at everything. But she no longer got in the car every weekend to go for rides with the other dogs. She preferred to sleep in the living room, and hesitated to go up and down the steps, stumbling often. Sometimes she seemed not to be present, her eyes holding that turning inward look. But I guess still waters run deep, and she had more subtle strength than we knew. In the last weeks, I smiled as she literally ran to the crate for the latest treat, or fixed us with that "you will give me some of your dinner" stare. But when she refused all food, wouldn't even get off the couch, or go up and down the steps, we knew the time was near. Even though I wasn't with her physically, I was there in spirit, and knew that she'd told us it was time. A lady till the end, quietly asking to say goodbye. Here are some pictures from her last Grapehounds in July. Wasn't she the most beautiful little lady? On the balcony at Dewey Beach. Edited October 7, 2014 by queenwinniesmom 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...
JohnF Posted October 7, 2014 Share Posted October 7, 2014 She was indeed beautiful, as were the words you wrote about her. Run free at the Bridge Pollyanna Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ramonaghan Posted October 7, 2014 Share Posted October 7, 2014 Her light wasn't a dazzling sun, but more the glow of a steadfast star. I hope you will see that star often and be comforted. This is one of the most beautifully written tributes I have read. I'm so sorry for the loss of your special girl and can't imagine how hard it was that you couldn't be with her. Rest well, Polly. 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...
carronstar Posted October 7, 2014 Share Posted October 7, 2014 I am so very sorry. Light up the sky, little Polly star. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beachbum1 Posted October 7, 2014 Share Posted October 7, 2014 So very sorry for the loss of your precious girl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houndtime Posted October 7, 2014 Share Posted October 7, 2014 I am certain that there will be a new star in the sky named Polly. Nancy and Doug, I am so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful Polly. 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...
iluvgreys Posted October 7, 2014 Share Posted October 7, 2014 What a beautiful and touching tribute to your precious girlie. Know that she'll always be there in spirit with you. Quote Jeanne with Remington & Scooter the cat....and Beloved Bridge Angels Sandee, Shari, Wells, Derby, Phoenix, Jerry Lee and Finnian.....If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heavenand bring you home again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remolacha Posted October 7, 2014 Share Posted October 7, 2014 Yes, she was very beautiful I am so sorry, as someone said to me when I lost Molly, the quiet ones leave a bigger hole than you realize, until they are gone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest patgam Posted October 7, 2014 Share Posted October 7, 2014 I am so sorry for your loss of beautiful Polly. Run free sweetie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest normaandburrell Posted October 7, 2014 Share Posted October 7, 2014 What a beautiful tribute to a dog with a beautiful soul. Run free, Polly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neighsayer Posted October 7, 2014 Share Posted October 7, 2014 Hugs! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Feisty49 Posted October 7, 2014 Share Posted October 7, 2014 Love her name and think she is indeed beautiful. In my heart a senior dog is always beautiful, but Polly has something extra. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PattyE Posted October 7, 2014 Share Posted October 7, 2014 She was beautiful! I am so sorry for your loss. 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...
spottydog Posted October 7, 2014 Share Posted October 7, 2014 A beautiful and wise canine soul. Your tribute was also beautifully written. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaineysMom Posted October 7, 2014 Share Posted October 7, 2014 I am so very sorry :( you can tell just by looking at her eyes, her face, what a truly special girl she was. 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...
DesiRayMom Posted October 7, 2014 Share Posted October 7, 2014 She was a beautiful lady. Maybe her start won't be the brightest in the sky, but it will always be there to remind you of the love you shared. Rest well, Polly. You were a treasure here on this earth. Quote Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheFullHouse Posted October 7, 2014 Share Posted October 7, 2014 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...
Cully Posted October 8, 2014 Share Posted October 8, 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...
schultzlc Posted October 8, 2014 Share Posted October 8, 2014 I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful girl. 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...
galgrey Posted October 8, 2014 Share Posted October 8, 2014 A beautiful tribute to your beautiful Polly. I'm so sorry for your loss. 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...
Charlies_Dad Posted October 8, 2014 Share Posted October 8, 2014 What a beautiful girl she was and always will be. Nancy I am very sorry. Run free Polly, 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 VaGreymom Posted October 8, 2014 Share Posted October 8, 2014 I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful girl. Run free pretty girl. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4My2Greys Posted October 8, 2014 Share Posted October 8, 2014 What a beautiful and well deserved tribute you have written for your steadfast little star. A star whose glow will never dim. Hugs and deepest condolences to you and Doug on the loss of one so precious. Shine bright Pollyanna : Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hawthorn Posted October 8, 2014 Share Posted October 8, 2014 I have often admired your way with words and never more than now with this loving and understanding tribute to your beautiful Polly. I am very sorry she had to leave you. 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...
Batmom Posted October 8, 2014 Share Posted October 8, 2014 So incredibly beautiful . I'm sorry she had to leave you. Godspeed, Polly. 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...
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.