Zeke (Sandhill Zeke) - June 1, 2004 - January 26, 2016

[Fiona3]

I am heartbroken to write that we have lost our beautiful Zeke. It's hard to believe that my big goofy boy is gone. Just a few days ago he was dashing in the snow & tossing his toys in the house. We have been blessed to have this joyful, loving, sweet boy with us for almost 9 years.

 

It has truly been a shock to lose him so suddenly. Zeke has been a healthy happy greyhound with all his senior panels & tests clear. He was in great shape with his only ongoing problem a struggle with corns. At 11-1/2 we thought we had more time with him. However, over the weekend he suddenly developed Pancreatitis. In spite of immediate emergency treatment, after a few hours his heart stopped beating. It was swift and deadly. The e-vet believes the underlying cause was cancer that was affecting the pancreas and other organs. We are stunned at his loss.

 

 

Zeke came to us in March of 2007 from Greyhound Adoption Service. He was a large greyhound (the biggest we've ever had) with gorgeous brindle coloring and a handsome face. On our walks, he was frequently compared to a big tiger. What I loved most about Zeke was his gentle, sweet and happy personality. There was an instant bond between us and I became his favorite person.

 

Zeke's arrival was a seamless one due to his great personality. He blended well with the other dogs - they accepted him immediately as their new companion. On his first day home he spent time on the bed with Hobbes, who was our elder senior at the time, chased squirrels in the yard and tucked himself against me on the couch for the first time. This became one of my favorite quiet times with him over the years. He would climb up next to me, put his head against the back of the couch and look at me with his lovely soulful eyes. Slowly he would slide down and tuck himself against me with a big sigh. It would just make my heart sing when he did this.

 

 

 

We've had so many wonderful times with Zeke over the years. Many memories of days in the yard with the other dogs enjoying the sun, watching him "gazelle" in the deep snow, spread out on the carpet to be rubbed, tucked in on the office bed with the sunbeam from the window shining on him. He was an easy dog to live with, not demanding, gentle, and very patient when he needed treatments on his feet. Whether it was an injury, cysts, or corns, the problems were always with his feet. Fortunately, we had a big, grassy backyard for him to walk on at home to keep him comfortable.

 

 

When his corns starting developing, we waged the battle with topical treatments, Therapaw boots and booties. We tried everything. Eventually, with corns on all four feet, we took weekly outings to a park in Portsmouth where he could comfortably walk on the soft grass with no problems. It became a pleasant trip to look forward to on weekends and if it was raining we still took our long rides. He loved riding in the car with whichever companion dog came along for the trip. I will really miss having him along for those rides. He would settle down and nap in the car in such contentment. I just loved this guy so much.

 

 

 

In the last 3 years we have lost Tasha, Fiona and Bailey. Zeke has always been there to comfort me in my grief, tucking his head up on my shoulder and staying close to me so he could to be sure I was alright. He was always a gentle, sweet presence that made me smile whenever I looked at him. His loss has been a hard one for me.

 

After losing our yellow lab Bailey last January, we brought a new yellow lab puppy home in August 2015. We named him Finley (he deserves an introduction thread that I will do separately). To our surprise, Finn bonded with Zeke rather than the two girls, Brynn & Callie. Zeke was incredibly patient with this young ball of fluff that crawled over him, followed him around, and played with his tail. Zeke started sleeping at night in the room where Finn's crate was setup and over the past 5 months they became the best of friends. Finley was Zeke's favorite car buddy as well as a companion to tuck on the bed next to him. Every time Finn walked into a room where Zeke was resting, he would wag his tail in excitement and run up to lick his face (which Zeke always accepted patiently).

 

 

 

I will miss those moments when I looked down at the dog bed to see Zeke watching me. I always went over to rub his soft fur and tell him how much he was loved. I will miss our moments on the couch where he would tuck himself against me for a nap. I will miss our rides and the everyday events that you take for granted. He would faithfully appear at 3:15 pm to remind me it was getting closer to feeding time. He would play bow, making woofing noises and be so silly. All these small and large moments that marked our life together.

 

Zeke has been a true heart dog. He seemed to touch my soul. All of our dogs are loved but sometimes one just finds a place in your heart that stands alone. Being with him made me feel good, he brought sweetness and joy with him that just could not be denied. His gentle presence was something I will always be grateful for.

 

Thank you my big boy for loving me and making our home such a happy place. Thank you for all the beautiful moments and your patience with a very pesky puppy. Finn has been very quiet and misses you too. I'm sorry we couldn't fix your illness. I knew someday you would leave us but thought we had more time. You are dearly missed by all of us. I know my heart will hurt for a very long time.

 

Goodbye my friend, my couch buddy, my comfort, my joy. Rest well! You will always be in my heart!

 

 

Edited January 27, 2016 by Fiona3

[Guest PiagetsMom]

It's easy to see how much you loved Zeke, and how much he loved you. I'm so very sorry that you had to say goodbye to your most special boy

[hidoey]

What a lovely boy. I'm so very sorry for you all, and especially Fin. Please take care of each other.

[Time4ANap]

I'm so sorry for the loss of your handsome boy.

 

Run-free, Zeke.

[ramonaghan]

I'm so sorry for your sudden loss. Rest well, Zeke.

[Feisty49]

My condolences on Zeke's passing. Your words are beautiful.

[Patsy]

Run pain free sweetie! I have always enjoyed hearing about Zeke through the years. Hugs to you

[AnneGTS]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

[misspiggy]

So sorry you have lost a well loved hound

[brandimom]

Very sad to read this post. I certainly feel your pain since losing Mariah sudden and unexpected. This was a beautiful tribute to Zeke and we can only imagine the void in your lives as well as the pups. RIP Zeke. Hugs to you and Jim, the boys and of course the pups.

[Remolacha]

I am so sorry those special dogs...

[schultzlc]

I am so sorry for the sudden loss of your handsome Zeke.

[RaineysMom]

your beautiful tribute made me cry

 

I'm so very sorry Zeke had to leave you -- he was truly one of a kind. :(

[greyhoundlov]

Oh, no. Hugs to you and your family.

[carronstar]

I am so very sorry.

Godspeed, Zeke.

[Beachbum1]

So very sorry for your loss.

[TheFullHouse]

I'm so very sorry for the sudden loss of your beautiful boy.

[Hawthorn]

It's easy to understand how such a wonderful boy would leave such a huge void in your life and in your heart. I'm so sorry he had to leave, and so suddenly too, which I think adds an extra layer of grief and shock.

[JohnF]

So sorry for your sudden loss. They say the love of a dog is a 2-way thing and lasts forever.

Edited January 27, 2016 by JohnF

[MP_the4pack]

He was truly special.

 

Your post also points out the importance of loving your furkids every. single. day.

[Batmom]

What a handsome fellow . I'm sorry for your loss.

 

Godspeed, Zeke.

[bradymom]

What a beautiful, special boy Zeke was. I am so very sorry for your sudden loss.

[FiveRoooooers]

Oh M. Your beautiful, goofy, lovable, sweet boy. Zeke's tribute is perfect and has captured your wonderful boy so well. I always loved how he got so excited when the mail arrived and he knew that the box of PBBs was for him. My heart is with you, my friend, I am so sorry you have had to say see you later to your heart dog who walked beside you. Someone once told me that missing someone is a way of keeping them with us, even when they are not. I hope in time that you can find some comfort in that. :grouphug

 

Godspeed Zeke. Please send your mom a sign, she's going to need one.

[45MPHK9]

Your tribute is beautiful. It's so clear how dear Zeke was to you and you to him. I'm so sorry for your loss of your favorite boy.

[nessa]

I am so sorry for your loss. Zeke was so special and wonderful as told by your thoughtful tribute. Hugs