greysmom Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 There's always a story. This is Cash's. She was a good racer. The best of the retired greyhounds we've had, winning the Derby in 2006 at Ebro in Florida. She was then moved to Orange Park where she continued winning even up to her last race. We'll never know why she was retired and sent to adoption, but her anxiety probably played into the decision. I came into contact with her first as an adoption volunteer, calling foster families for personality profiles of their foster dogs. Cash was different. And her foster family wasn't handling her very well. They didn't understand why she didn't seem to respond to them, or pay attention to their other greyhound. Why she spent her days staring at the ceiling fan. Why she hid in the closet whenever anyone came over. They couldn't fathom why a dog would be scared enough to jump a baby gate and bolt out the front door in the hubbub of a holiday. But she did. She was gone from their house for five days while people searched for her. She was seen as far as five miles away. Eventually, she was caught when a neighbor spotted her in the street 2 blocks from home. She came to us as a Christmas Relief foster a month later. Within minutes of her being here we knew she was never leaving. She bonded with our first greyhound, Libby, and they became immediate and fast friends. Cash was happy, and becoming settled, eating well and not exhibiting many fearful or anxious behaviors. Unfortunately, Cash's life fell apart again in another month when Libby suddenly passed due to kidney failure. Cash retreated to our bedroom where she spent the next few months. My husband and I were frantically searching the internet, in books, with a behaviorist, and our adoption group for any information that would help us help her. If I only knew then what I know now! I learned so much about canine behavior from Cash, and I became a specialist in *her* particularly. A spook's behavioral cues can sometimes be very subtle - just a fraction of an inch of a raised eyelid could mean the difference between a relaxed dog and an anxious one. I learned to read the tightness in the tuck of her tail, and how folded her ears were to her head. I became an expert in anti anxiety medication. We leash walked her all the time because being free, even in our fenced yard, was too risky if she became suddenly spooked by something we couldn't even see. A breakthrough began when she learned a "watch me" command. It was as if a lightbulb went off in her head. Soon after that, she came up to me for the first time on her own volition and asked for a pet. I nearly bawled my head off. I'm pretty sure I will never forget that moment. She got a bit better after that. There were ups and downs, times when she was terrified and times when she was nearly a normal dog. We found a combination of drugs that seemed to balance her the best and the good times happened more often. She hated leaving the house. She hated car rides. But she would tolerate both to go to the beach. The instant her feet hit the sand she was a normal dog. Absolutely normal! Kiting around on the end of the leash, paddling her feet in the waves, digging holes in the dunes so she could have a nice nap in a warm wallow. Storms didn't bother her and she even let strangers come up to her without hiding behind me! We seriously considered buying a beach home just so Cash could have those days of normalcy in her life. She was our miracle dog, too. Four years ago, she had a bad vaccine reaction and had a seizure. She was clinically dead in the back of my car when we got to the emergency hospital. I was the one that was terrified then. Our wonderful e-vet managed to bring her back to life, though Cash couldn't stand or walk. When the vet came and spoke to me, she said I should be prepared for Cash to not pull through. Well, that vet didn't know Cash! Three days later, Cash walked out of the hospital and jumped into the car! Cash always had surprises for us. About a year ago, she suddenly began to visit us in the bathroom - something she'd never done before. And a few months ago, she brought me a toy and played catch with me for a good five minutes. She still had challenges, too, but they were more manageable, and didn't seem to debilitate her like they used to. She had long stretches when she was entirely drug free. She was our sweet girl with the softest bunny fur. Our problem child with the loudest bark. Our gorgeous, goofy, funny, obnoxious stuffy killer. She loved cake and ice cream, and turkey sandwiches, and peanuts, and ear rubs. She was smart and oh, so stubborn! I miss her more than I can say. She always got too hot in her jimjams but she looked so darn cute! Before her face started going gray! She was always watching! Frant end happy, back end a little anxious! Quote Chris - Mom to: Felicity (DeLand), and Andi (Braska Pandora) siggy by Chris Harper, on Flickr Angels: Libby (Everlast), Dorie (Dog Gone Holly), Dude (TNJ VooDoo), Copper (Kid's Copper), Cash (GSI Payncash), Toni (LPH Cry Baby), Whiskey (KT's Phys Ed), Atom, Lilly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spottydog Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 So sorry you lost your old champion...she was lucky to have such a wonderful dog Mum... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houndtime Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 So sorry for your loss. Cash was a beautiful girl. 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...
45MPHK9 Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 I'm so sorry, Chris. 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...
3greytjoys Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 Oh Chris, I am stunned. I noticed her name wasn't included in one of your other posts. Our sincere sympathy to you, your husband, and the rest of Cash's family during this difficult time of loss. Cash had the best and most understanding human parents ever. You've always been so kind to share your educated insight about her with others. I imagine you have helped more people than you realize. Godspeed sweet Cash. She tried her best throughout life... May she rest in eternal peace... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Time4ANap Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 I'm so sorry. I know of another GT hound who becomes "one with the beach," so I understand completely what you are describing. Run free, sweet Cash. 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...
mom2four Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 Run free Cashy and I mean run FREE of everything- free of all your fears that kept you on that leash for your own safety during your life. Our condolences Chris and Dennis, 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...
Busderpuddle Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 I am so so sorry Cash is gone. She had a wonderful life with you. Quote Karen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hubcitypam Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 My first grey Little Girl was the spookiest brindle ever. She'll always hold a special place in my heart like Cash will in yours. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracey Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 Such a pretty girl. I am so very sorry for your loss. Quote ...............Chase (FTH Smooth Talker), Morgan (Cata), Reggie (Gable Caney), Rufus (Reward RJ). Fosters check in, but they don't check out. Forever loved -- Cosmo (System Br Mynoel), March 11, 2002 - October 8, 2009.Miss Cosmo was a lady. And a lady always knows when to leave. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hawthorn Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 So sorry you lost your beautiful Cash. 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...
Neighsayer Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 Hugs! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misspiggy Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 So sorry for your loss, it seems she had the best life with you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robinw Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 I'm so very sorry, Chris 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...
brindlehound Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 Chris, I'm sorry Cashy had to leave you. I'll bet she and Libby are having a blast at the Bridge. Run Free sweet Cashy. Quote Carol, missing Magic (1/5/01 - 4/15/15) but welcoming Fuzzy's Joy Behar (Joy) into my life on 5/31/15. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 I'm so sorry she had to leave you. She was so beautiful, and so very much loved. 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...
FiveRoooooers Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 {{Chris}} To say that with you Cashy was right where she belonged is the understatement of the year. Her granddad is P's Raising Cain - best hound dad ever - no wonder she was so grand. I am so terribly sorry it was her time. She will be missed. Godspeed Cash. 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...
bradymom Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 I am so sorry for your loss, Cash was a beautiful, special girl! Quote The handsome boy Brady, mid-morning nap. The sun, the sun feels so, so, so good. I can't keep my eyes open ... ... Retirement agrees ... ... and the Diva Ms India, 2001 - 10/16/2009 .... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beachbum1 Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 So very sorry for your loss Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlies_Dad Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 Chris I am very sorry to lost your beautiful girl. Run free Cash, run free sweetie...gh_run 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...
ramonaghan Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 So sorry that you've lost your special girl. I know Libby is showing her the ropes at the Bridge. Rest well, beautiful Cash. 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...
BatterseaBrindl Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 So very sorry for the loss of your special girlie. She is gone from your side but will remain in your heart forever. 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...
Guest PiagetsMom Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 Cash was a beautiful girl, and I'm so very sorry for your loss Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
a_daerr Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 I'm so sorry, Chris. I'll be giving my problem-dog a hug today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greytpups Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 I'm so sorry for your loss of Cash. May you gain comfort knowing you gave her the best life ever. 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...
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