Pippin Posted December 10, 2015 Share Posted December 10, 2015 One of my favorite songs from the musical RENT! is Seasons of Love, where they sing about how to measure a life, and that the best way is to measure it in love. That song's been going through my mind a lot recently...since about Nov 21, in fact.In the song, they measure the year into 525,600 minutes. So I just did the math, and would measure 5,755,680 minutes of love for The Majestic Pippin, my gentle giant, buddy-boy, Mr Man, and silly goofball.This is him at approximately 7200 minutes of love, when he was first promised to me (I had first right of refusal to adopt him when he retired - it's called "pre-adoption").This gives you a better idea of what he looked like, at about 31,680 minutes of love. He's the one in the foreground, easily recognizable by the missing stripe on his hip. I used to tease that his mama licked it off.He was known as "Banjo Boy Number Five" at that time, since he was puppy number 5 in a litter of five brindle boys. Banjo was their mama's name. They took after their dad. Every boy in that litter was huge, for a greyhound. One of his brothers raced at 88 pounds, and they all stood approximately 31 inches at the shoulder. A half-inch taller and they'd have been too tall to race, because they would have scraped their backs on the top of the starting box doors.This is at 69,120 minutes of love, with his brothers and his Mama Banjo (I did say they took after their dad, right?) He's the one whose nose is right up against her chest.This photo, at approximately 64,800 minutes of love, earned him the nickname "Majestic Pippin."At 347,040 moments of love, we finally met. That was when I stopped saying I *might* adopt him, and started saying I *will* adopt him.That was August of 2005. He was 9 months old, just about ready to go off to school to learn how to be a race dog. He LOVED racing with all his heart, but he wasn't very smart about it. Like any teenage boy, he didn't really know how to pace himself, and would pull a muscle as he was winning the race. Then in August of 2007, my beloved first greyhound Angie crossed the rainbow bridge. Pippin retired from racing that same week, but I was still in an apartment, so it was November before I brought him home to my new house. It's a running joke in greyhound circles -- adopting the dog doesn't cost very much, but when you add in the cost of a new greyhound-friendly car, and a greyhound-friendly house/yard, it adds up fast. *grin*He loved our back yard -- it was one of the major selling points of the house, for me. Already fenced, and large enough for him to run zoomies without hurting himself. And to play catch (yeah, he preferred playing "catch" to playing "fetch")March 2008....He loved stuffed toys, but would disembowel them too quickly for my taste. Even so, he got quite a few for his first Christmas with me.One day I looked up, and his black muzzle was mostly gray, and I was shocked to realize we'd been together 8 years already, out of his 10 on the planet. I spent some time reminiscing, talking about him while I was on a business trip, and each moment was still as precious, and as loved as those first ones when he was a newly retired racer. I started thinking about how to celebrate 5,781,600 minutes when he turns 11 on Boxing Day. New bed, for sure -- soft and lush, maybe even orthopedic for his arthritic bones. Like the orthopedic ones I had for Angie, that he got to enjoy when he was newly retired.Then we visited the vet, and learned it wasn't arthritis - it was bone cancer. And he's already had it for a couple months, at least, while I thought he was just stiff because he was getting older.So we took a couple more pictures, to mark my 4,678,560 minutes of love with my beautiful brindle boy....and then I honored the promise I make all my furkids, that I will always make the best decision for them, no matter how much it breaks my heart.FTH Sweet Talker, aka The Majestic Pippin: Dec 26, 2004 - Nov 21, 2015We had 4,678,560 moments of love together, Mr Man... we could have had ten times that many, and it wouldn't have been enough. Quote Mary Semper Fi, Dad - I miss you. Remembering Carla Benoist, a Greyhound/Pibble's bestest friend, Princess Zoe Brick-Butt, the little IG with the huge impact on hearts around the world - Miz Foxy - Greyhound Trish - Batman, the Roman-nosed Gentleman - Profile, the Handsome Man - Hunky the Hunkalicious - Jeany the Beautiful Lady- Zema, the most beautiful girl in the world - Jessie, the lovable nuisance - and my 3 Greys: my Angie-girl, my Casey-girl, and The Majestic Pippin, running forever in my heart. (I will always love you and miss you,my friends) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spottydog Posted December 10, 2015 Share Posted December 10, 2015 Beautifully written tribute. He was a very handsome hound. God speed Pippin and best wishes to you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
macoduck Posted December 10, 2015 Share Posted December 10, 2015 Yes, we never have enough minutes with them. Quote Freshy (Droopys Fresh), NoAh the podenco orito, Rita the podenco maneta, Howie the portuguese podengo maneto Angels: Lila, the podenco, Mr X aka Denali, Lulu the podenco andaluz, Hada the podenco maneta, Georgie Girl (UMR Cordella), Charlie the iggy, Mazy (CBR Crazy Girl), Potato, my mystery ibizan girl, Allen (M's Pretty Boy), Percy (Fast But True), Mikey (Doray's Patuti), Pudge le mutt, Tessa the iggy, Possum (Apostle), Gracie (Dusty Lady), Harold (Slatex Harold), "Cousin" Simon our step-iggy, Little Dude the iggy ,Bandit (Bb Blue Jay), Niña the galgo, Wally (Allen Hogg), Thane (Pog Mo Thoine), Oliver (JJ Special Agent), Comet, & Rosie our original mutt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FiveRoooooers Posted December 10, 2015 Share Posted December 10, 2015 Absolutely stunningly beautiful tribute to your most wonderful boy. 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...
Hawthorn Posted December 10, 2015 Share Posted December 10, 2015 You made every minute count, and that's what matters. 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 December 10, 2015 Share Posted December 10, 2015 What a beautiful story, Mary. I'm so sorry he couldn't stay here with you forever. Rest well, Majestic Pippin. 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...
Charlies_Dad Posted December 10, 2015 Share Posted December 10, 2015 That is great tribute to your beautiful boy. 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...
Beachbum1 Posted December 10, 2015 Share Posted December 10, 2015 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bradymom Posted December 10, 2015 Share Posted December 10, 2015 What a beautiful boy and tribute to your life together. 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...
DesiRayMom Posted December 10, 2015 Share Posted December 10, 2015 That handsome lad and your love for him has made my eyes leak. Quote Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieRhea Posted December 10, 2015 Share Posted December 10, 2015 beautiful tribute <3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nessa Posted December 10, 2015 Share Posted December 10, 2015 just beautiful. I am sorry that they can not stay forever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
schultzlc Posted December 10, 2015 Share Posted December 10, 2015 What a beautifully written tribute. 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...
carronstar Posted December 10, 2015 Share Posted December 10, 2015 Beautiful tribute for a beautiful boy. Godspeed, Pippin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyPoopon Posted December 11, 2015 Share Posted December 11, 2015 I wish he could have had many more thousands of minutes of love. Godspeed Pippin. Quote Standard Poodle Daisy (12/13) Missing Cora (RL Nevada 5/99-10/09), Piper (Cee Bar Easy 2/99-1/10), Tally (Thunder La La 9/99-3/10), Edie (Daring Reva 9/99-10/12), Dixie (Kiowa Secret Sue 11/01-1/13), Jessie (P's Real Time 11/98-3/13), token boy Graham (Zydeco Dancer 9/00-5/13), Cal (Back Already 12/99-11/13), Betsy (Back Kick Beth 11/98-12/13), Standard Poodles Minnie (1/99-1/14) + Perry (9/98-2/14), Annie (Do Marcia 9/03-10/14), Pink (Miss Pinky Baker 1/02-6/15), Poppy (Cmon Err Not 8/05-1/16), Kat (Jax Candy 5/05-5/17), Ivy (Jax Isis 10/07-7/21), Hildy (Braska Hildy 7/10-12/22), Opal (Jax Opal 7/08-4/23). Toodles (BL Toodles 7/09-4/24) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3greys2cats Posted December 13, 2015 Share Posted December 13, 2015 Beautiful tribute, so very sorry for your loss... Quote Roberta & Michael with Furkids- Flower (Shasta Flowers 6/7/06) & Rascal the kitty - Missing our sweet angels - Max(M's Mad Max) 10/12/02 - 12/3/15, Sara (Sara Raves 6/30/01 - 4/13/12) Queenie & Pandora the kitties - gone but never forgotten Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SarahsBlackPack Posted December 13, 2015 Share Posted December 13, 2015 I'm soo sorry for your loss! I can still remember when that litter was born! Beautiful tribute to your boy! Quote Sarah, mom to Stella and Winston . And to Prince, Katie Z, Malone, Brooke, Freddie, Angel and Fast who are all waiting at the Bridge!www.gpawisconsin.org Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BatterseaBrindl Posted December 13, 2015 Share Posted December 13, 2015 So very sorry for the loss of your very handsome man. You made so many wonderful memories together in those 4,678,560 moments. Remember them... and smile.... 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...
Neighsayer Posted December 13, 2015 Share Posted December 13, 2015 So sorry! Hugs! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teri_d Posted December 13, 2015 Share Posted December 13, 2015 Beautiful tribute that made me cry - my heart hurts with you - what a lifetime of loving minutes pippin lived - hugs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3greytjoys Posted December 14, 2015 Share Posted December 14, 2015 Thank you for sharing your most thoughtful memorial about your beloved Majestic Pippin. Pictures are worth a thousand words, and each is meaningful... How rare to have a 5th day of life puppy photo of 7200 minutes of love, plus his whole litter with mama Banjo. May all your memories of Pippin warmly comfort your heart during this difficult time. Pippin will be remembered fondly by his GT family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
queenwinniesmom Posted December 15, 2015 Share Posted December 15, 2015 What an incredibly beautiful tribute! "We had 4,678,560 moments of love together, Mr Man... we could have had ten times that many, and it wouldn't have been enough." You both were so blessed, and truly meant to have a life together. But you're right, the time is never enough. I'm so sorry you lost your precious Pippin. Thank-you for sharing him with us. 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...
MarcR Posted December 18, 2015 Share Posted December 18, 2015 One of the finest tributes I have ever read. Run with the angels, Pippin. You will be missed but always loved. 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...
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