45MPHK9 Posted June 20, 2019 Share Posted June 20, 2019 (edited) When Bee Wiseman and Murray died, I was well aware of their cancer diagnoses. This knowledge made it possible to write remembrances in my head for them long before they passed. With River, we faced sudden, catastrophic liver illness and lost her in a matter of days. I was never prepared to write a remembrance thread for her, and I have procrastinated in doing so for almost two weeks. It’s been hard to accept this type of loss. We’ve had friends tell us that their dog was fine on Friday and died on Monday. No warning, no treatment options to discuss, no time to mentally prepare for the loss. We didn’t think this would be our story with River. This sudden loss has been extremely painful for us. Our greyhound Murray, the love of my life, passed away in January, 2016 after a six month battle with brain cancer. We were desperate to adopt another dog right away to keep Holly company. That’s what we told ourselves, anyway. I was desperate to adopt another dog to help me cope with Murray’s loss, to redirect my attention away from sadness, to help me stop thinking about what more we could have done to save him. Three weeks after he died, I received a message from Robin with a photograph of River. This beautiful, fuzzy lurcher would be up for adoption soon through SHUG. She was a stray found on River Road (hence her name) in Pasadena, Maryland. River had the sweetest face (and such a wonderful name) and she had been sent our way due to the thoughtfulness of a friend who understood the depth of my sadness in losing Murray. We quickly applied for her and brought her home in February, 2016. I spent months scouring the internet for “lost lurcher”, “lost staghound”, “lost greyhound cross” on lost pet websites in and around Anne Arundel County where River was found. I was so afraid that someone was looking for her, waiting for her to come home. Searching for her owners may sound foolish to you, but if she was yours, you’d have wanted her back. At the one year mark, I stopped looking back for the people who’d lost her. Over the course of that year, we became her people. River was perfect right from the start. She loved everyone, everything. Murray was so much work, River was easy. Murray had many fears, River had none. Murray was a nervous traveler, River was a dream in the car. Murray didn’t like many other dogs, River saw every other dog as a friend. She was the easiest dog in the world. We hit the jackpot with her. She spent time keeping Holly company. River loved road trips, greyhound events, hanging out with us and our friends at breweries. She loved people and attention. So many of you on GT met River throughout the short time we had her. She would always sidle up to you and lean on you. Everyone was her very best friend. And she really loved climbing up on tables. I have no idea why she did this, but we let her. Once Hopper came along, River had found her tiny snuggle buddy, her mini-me. Those two girls became the world’s best greeters at Meyers Automotive, Burke’s repair shop. Customers, salesmen, and employees loved River. While I’ve been hiding my grief at home, Burke has had an endless stream of people in his waiting room asking, “Where’s River?” He’s had to answer that question so many times, tell the story of her sudden illness, of how she left us so quickly. We never knew how old River was, but we were never supposed to lose her so soon. It was her only flaw, not living forever. We we are so lucky to have shared three years of our lives with River. We are grateful to Robin who led us to her. We are thankful to Tracy and Jackie who helped us with advice and thoughtful words throughout the awful weekend of her illness. We loved you, River. We will always love you. Thank you for letting us be your people for a little while. Edited June 20, 2019 by 45MPHK9 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...
RaineysMom Posted June 20, 2019 Share Posted June 20, 2019 I am so very, veryy sorry what a wonderful tribute to such a much-loved pup. She certainly was one in a million. sending many, many hugs to you both. 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...
dante2zoe Posted June 20, 2019 Share Posted June 20, 2019 Oh, Tricia and Burke, I am so very sorry that you lost your beautiful, special River. She was a sweet, sweet dog. Having also lost dogs suddenly and knowing that they were going to pass, I still don't know which way is worse for those left behind. Hugs Cindy Quote Cindy with Miss Fancypants, Paris Bueller, Zeke, and Angus Dante (Dg's Boyd), Zoe (In a While), Brady (Devilish Effect), Goose (BG Shotgun), Maverick (BG ShoMe), Maggie (All Trades Jax), Sherman (LNB Herman Bad) and Indy (BYB whippet) forever in my heart The flame that burns the brightest, burns the fastest and leaves the biggest shadow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patsy Posted June 20, 2019 Share Posted June 20, 2019 I am so sorry for the loss of this memorable pup. Hugs. Quote Patsy and DH with the Humane Society specials, Linus & Jazz, in North Dakota Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Time4ANap Posted June 20, 2019 Share Posted June 20, 2019 Tricia and Burke, I'm so sorry for your loss of River. She was gorgeous and that was a beautiful tribute. I never got to meet River since our Dewey plans were derailed a few times, but I can tell you from meeting Murray, Bee and Holly that there is no doubt that she knew she was loved by her people. Run-free, River. 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 June 20, 2019 Share Posted June 20, 2019 I am so sorry, I wish you had more time with her, but short or long, it is never enough Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
winnie Posted June 20, 2019 Share Posted June 20, 2019 I feel honored to have known River from the day you adopted her. She was an absolute love and our Encarna's favorite dog in the entire world. We lost Bonny and Celeste with no warning signs. Those sudden, unexpected losses are hard to cope with and make you feel so helpless. I look forward to seeing you at Grapehounds. We'll have a toast to River! 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...
cristar Posted June 20, 2019 Share Posted June 20, 2019 Her and her little mini-me...what an endearing picture to treasure. Rest well pretty girl. Your people will love you forever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ramonaghan Posted June 20, 2019 Share Posted June 20, 2019 It was always evident from your Instagram posts how much you loved your perfect River girl, and this tribute to her is beautiful. I am so sorry you lost her so suddenly and didn't have more time together. Rest well, River. Hugs to your people, and to Holly and Hopper who are surely missing you too. 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...
FiveRoooooers Posted June 20, 2019 Share Posted June 20, 2019 My heart broke when I learned of your loss, Tricia and Burke. Your stories and photos of your sweet, perfect girl always made me smile and endeared her to those of us who didn’t have the opportunity to meet her and could love her only from afar. Thank you for sharing her with us. I understand both types of losses. Please know that you are in my thoughts as you navigate another new normal. Please too give Holly and Hopper a hug from me. Godspeed beautiful perfect River 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...
Beachbum1 Posted June 20, 2019 Share Posted June 20, 2019 So very sorry for your sudden loss Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MP_the4pack Posted June 20, 2019 Share Posted June 20, 2019 Trish and Burke, River was a beautiful girl inside and out. I know how you feel. My first loss was 5 year old Topaz. All but the last two girls are legacies of Topaz. I'm so sorry she left so quickly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cleptogrey Posted June 20, 2019 Share Posted June 20, 2019 sorry, no beer emoji to toast to celebrate her wonderful life. glad to see that closure has started, memories will just grow dearer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BatterseaBrindl Posted June 20, 2019 Share Posted June 20, 2019 So very sorry for the sudden loss of your beautiful girlie. Only we know what a small price we pay for the love we have received from our pets. The sadness and loss, no matter how powerful it may be, is an insufficient measure of the joy we have been given. Remember all 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...
Kestrel Posted June 20, 2019 Share Posted June 20, 2019 I still can't believe she's gone. Thanks for sharing her with us through your beautiful pictures. The one of her on the picnic table is wonderful, and the one of her with Hopper brings tears to my eyes. Hugs to you, Burke, Holly, and Hopper. Quote Kendra, devoted walker of Henry (Tom Jones: Great Son x Lucia) Missing Badger (Vf Get R Done: Quicksand Slip x Ll Tee el See), 5/04 - 2/14, who opened our hearts and our home to greyhounds; Kenzie (Slatex Kenzie: Randy Handy x Slatex Chrisy), 4/03 - 10/14, who really knew what a good dog she was; Falcon (Atascocita Sabat: Dodgem by Design x Atascocita Barb), 9/10 - 1/20, who was grumpy and snarky but eventually a little bit cuddly, too; Grandpa Grey the Galgo Español, 2008 (?) to 2022, who made us feel lucky to be the ones to teach him about pet life; and Lucia (Larking About x Anastasia, 5/12 to 8/23), our first brood matron and the sweetest speckly girl. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EllenEveBaz Posted June 21, 2019 Share Posted June 21, 2019 You had her for only a few short years, yet she made such a huge impression on all of us, your beautifully fuzzy girl. I remember when you announced that you had bought your dogs a house -- I know River must have appreciated her yard but it must have been nothing compared to her love of her family. I'm so sorry. Quote Ellen, with brindle Milo and the blonde ballerina, Gelsey remembering Eve, Baz, Scout, Romie, Nutmeg, and Jeter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyPoopon Posted June 21, 2019 Share Posted June 21, 2019 I'm so incredibly sorry. Her personality shone through your photographs and stories of her--she was an extraordinary presence even through a screen. I can only imagine the depth of your loss. Godspeed River. 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...
JaimeL Posted June 21, 2019 Share Posted June 21, 2019 So very sorry for your loss of River. I never met her in person but it is easy to see why every one fell in love with her. Her love must have been so pure it radiated out to everyone and circled right back to her. Rest well Sweetie. Quote Mom to Ranger (PB's Long Ranger), Esso (Kiowa Stay Over) and Cookie the rattie mix Missing Kahn (Gil's Khan) 10-29-03 - 11-7-16 Belle (Regall Belooow) 8-9-07 - 3-12-17 Star (Greyt Star) 1-19-07 - 3-13-2020 Pitch (Emerald Pitch) 4-1-08 - 6-3-2020 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sabrina Posted June 21, 2019 Share Posted June 21, 2019 I don't know which is worse a quick departure or watching them fail. NO I do know both suck. I am sorry for your loss. Quote Caroline, Mom to Daphne (49B-50215) and Penny (41D-55779)Remembering Bridge Angels Margo and Sabrina Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seeh2o Posted June 21, 2019 Share Posted June 21, 2019 What a beautiful tribute for a beautiful soul. Thank you for sharing your girl with us. I'm so sorry, she left way too soon Quote Sunsands Doodles: Doodles aka Claire, Bella Run Softly: Softy aka Bowie (the Diamond Dog) Missing my beautiful boy Sunsands Carl 2.25.2003 - 4.1.2014 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rickiesmom Posted June 21, 2019 Share Posted June 21, 2019 Your tribute and photos are beautiful. Especially love the one of River on a picnic table, looking entirely relaxed, like it was the most normal thing. I am so sorry your lovely and perfect girl had to leave, and for the shock and grief of her sudden departure. My thoughts are with you both. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mercsmom Posted June 21, 2019 Share Posted June 21, 2019 She was so very special. Run free, sweet girl. Quote Momma to Jupiter. Mummy to my Bridge Angels, Mercury and Liberty, the world's best blackngreylabhound Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ozgirl Posted June 22, 2019 Share Posted June 22, 2019 I'm so sorry, Tricia & Burke... I saw this on FB. She was such a sweetie... Quote Jeannine with Lili & Okie, the kitty sisters and Cody grey-girl waiting at the bridge (along with kitties Weenie & Merlin) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4My2Greys Posted June 22, 2019 Share Posted June 22, 2019 (edited) Trixie and Burke, I'm so very sorry to read of your loss of River. Your tribute to her was beautiful. I have found that as we give our hearts to the dogs that come into our lives they become exactly what we needed at that moment in time. Edited June 22, 2019 by 4My2Greys Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbhounds Posted June 22, 2019 Share Posted June 22, 2019 Beautifully written-your words ooze the love you had for River. Deeply sorry for your untimely and horrible loss. They walk in and leave our lives on their own terms-perhaps one day we will gain the knowledge to understand and accept that. Hugs-always. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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