greysmom Posted December 8, 2020 Share Posted December 8, 2020 It's that time of year again and I can hardly believe it's the ninth Gotcha Day for my sweet girl Lilly. Since we lost the other participant last year - our boy Whiskey - she's the only one celebrating this time around. This is VooDoo. Our best boy. Our heart dog. We lost him in October of 2011 when the osteo he'd been fighting metastasized in his spine. We were devastated. Particularly since we had lost another of our dogs only two weeks earlier. In the space of half a month we'd gone from a pack of 5 to a pack of 3, and even as we mourned, we felt in our bones the house was too quiet. The energy was missing. So in the midst of grief, or maybe because of it, I began to search for another greyhound to help fill our house and our hearts. I didn't consider a dog from our local group. I wasn't taken with any of the adoptees we had in the kennels right then, and we needed a cat safe dog - very hard to come by in our area. So, since I was on GT and knew several GTers who either ran or had access to other kennels, I began to look in other places further away. One place I looked had me gasping. This is Whiskey whiskey 2 by Chris Harper, on Flickr Dude's half brother from another mother. In the adoption kennel at Northern Greyhound Adoptions in Vermont. We had to inquire. Obviously. It was complicated. He was in Vermont. We were in Oregon. But, with some finagling and some help from very good friends, it was all arranged. We could adopt him the second week of December. Donna, from The League of Extraordinary Greyhounds would go get him and bring him to Montreal for a night. He would then be picked up by another Canadian GTer, Deb Ward, who was moving several of her groups hounds to Vancouver, British Columbia. I would drive from Portland to Blaine, Washington USA, meet up with GTer Jenners (who lived there), and meet up with Deb at the border to pick up Whiskey. YEAH!!! Forms were filled out, adoption fees paid, airline reservations confirmed. It was a go! Then, Deb sends me an email with a picture and one sentence: "I can just as easily bring two!" IMG_0313 by Chris Harper, on Flickr OMG!!!!! A PUPPY????? We could have a real greyhound puppy???? After about 5 minutes of discussion, we said YES!!! And Lilly was on her way to us too! She's the one on the far right in this picture. The last four puppies remaining from a litter of 14, born the end of September. So on December 8th 2011, I made the 7 hour drive to Blaine, met Jennie in person for the first time, jumped back in the car to drive to the Peace Arch Border crossing between Canada and the US. Times were different then, and people could walk back and forth there. Here's Jennie waving, and way off there up the sidewalk are Deb and Whiskey and her husband John who ended up transporting Lilly in a flight bag under his airline seat. Peace Arch by Chris Harper, on Flickr Deb and John and the dogs just walked across the border, into Peace Arch park. Jennie and I were waiting for them. The entire time we were waiting for the Border patrol to drive up and ask us what the heck we were doing!!! Meeting Lilly for the first time Peace Arch 4 by Chris Harper, on Flickr GTers meeting in person, puppy Lilly and Whiskey Peace Arch 9 by Chris Harper, on Flickr And Jennie and I took the dogs back to her house. She even watched them the entire night so I could get a good night's sleep before driving the 7 hours back to Portland! That night was when Whiskey and Lilly bonded like actual brither and sister. He became her puppy nanny and she adored him for the rest of his life. When he crossed the Bridge last year she grieved for a long time. L&W 5 by Chris Harper, on Flickr L&W 1 by Chris Harper, on Flickr L&W with Miss Jenn 1 by Chris Harper, on Flickr The next day we drove back home, met the rest of the pack, and Dad. Nine years ago! It seems like yesterday, and yet so long ago! Trip Home Lilly by Chris Harper, on Flickr Trip Home Whiskey by Chris Harper, on Flickr I will be forever grateful and thankful for Donna, Deb and John, and Jennie for all their help making the Great International Houndie Handoff happen!!! Then IMG_0339 by Chris Harper, on Flickr Now 20201025_135809 by Chris Harper, on Flickr 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...
MerseyGrey Posted December 8, 2020 Share Posted December 8, 2020 There’s a face I could spend hours kissing! Happy Gotcha day Lily. I suppose this is one of those stories where you got the dog(s) you needed and not just what you thought you wanted. Sorry about Whisky but I hope you make many more happy memories with Lily 😍 Quote Buddy Molly 🌈 5/11/10-10/10/23 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FiveRoooooers Posted December 8, 2020 Share Posted December 8, 2020 Where does the time go? 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...
Mercsmom Posted December 8, 2020 Share Posted December 8, 2020 I LOVE this story. It's part of my Christmas ritual now. to KLilly to Andi Pants to Whiskey SBSB at the Bridge for Chris, Dennis, Jenny, and Deb who made this happen! 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...
BatterseaBrindl Posted December 8, 2020 Share Posted December 8, 2020 My goodness... How time flies! It's just such a wonderful story Our Nigel came up from Florida to Vermont with Whiskey. Nigel had the name 'Tequila' when he was there. He came here to us just before Christmas, after his first home didn't work out. 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...
Time4ANap Posted December 8, 2020 Share Posted December 8, 2020 Didn't you just post the 8th anniversary? I still remember all of us following these events waiting to hear that the handoff was complete and that no one was in the custody of the Border Patrol. Happy Gotcha Day, Lily. 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...
Jerilyn Posted December 8, 2020 Share Posted December 8, 2020 I love this story! It's got everything - compelling characters, international intrigue, and a happy ending. Missing Whiskey, but I like to think he and Lila are finally together over the rainbow. Quote Jerilyn, missing Lila (Good Looking), new Mistress to Wiki (PJ Wicked). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LBass Posted December 8, 2020 Share Posted December 8, 2020 I remember! This is such a great story. Happy Gotcha Day, Lilly. What a treat to see Whiskey and all those very dear, special humans. Quote Lucy with Greyhound Nate and OSH Tinker. With loving memories of MoMo (FTH Chyna Moon), Spirit, Miles the slinky kitty (OSH), Piper "The Perfect" (Oneco Chaplin), Winston, Yoda, Hector, and Claire. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kestrel Posted December 8, 2020 Share Posted December 8, 2020 Happy Gotcha Day, Lilly! I so love reading this story every year! 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...
RaineysMom Posted December 8, 2020 Share Posted December 8, 2020 I remember! wow, 9 years???? Such a great story and such wonderful memories and puppers 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...
EllenEveBaz Posted December 9, 2020 Share Posted December 9, 2020 Quote I love this story! It's got everything - compelling characters, international intrigue, and a happy ending. Plus a handsome hero and a beautiful ingenue. 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...
SIGreyLady Posted December 9, 2020 Share Posted December 9, 2020 I always love hearing this story! Brings back ones faith in mankind. I wish they could stay pups longer.... Happy Gotcha day Ms Lily Quote Mimi- mom to Burdette (KB's Burdette), Sophie (LL's Stupid Is) and bridge babies Kelsey (Kelso's Logo), Sterling (Cold B Tiger), Fritz, Tasha, Chloe and Molly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Potomacpupsmom Posted December 11, 2020 Share Posted December 11, 2020 I loved loved loved watching this story unfold. It was so exciting and is one of my favorite stories! Happy Gotcha Day Lilly and to Whiskey at the Bridge. Quote Humans Kathy and Jim with our girls, Ivy (Carolina Spoon) and Cherry (Fly Cherry Pie) Missing our beautiful angel Breeze (Dighton Breeze) and angel Beka (BM Beko) - you are forever in our hearts. 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.