Aiden (SE's Aiden T) 4/26/09-9/12/21

[FiveRoooooers]

My young man has received his wings. The newest, brightest star tonight belongs to the kindest, most intuitive boy ever  It is just so fitting that tonight we are forecast for thunder. The Mayhem at the Bridge Reunion will be deafening. So many campers, most especially Paddy, and your dear friend Ginny have been waiting for you  

Aiden's story

Paddy Mayhem was already reserved to become a camper, but something nudged me take another look and there was Aiden - newly retired and not yet spoken for. He was a plain red brindle hound but the *face* and his bloodlines are what sealed it for me: Kiowa Sweet Trey and Oswald Cobblepot on top, P’s Raising Cain on the bottom. It doesn’t get any better and I told Kelly, “I want him too.” Aiden was my collateral hound  The boys rode the hauler on a three-day journey from St. Louis to Connecticut with 38 LWFs!

There are an equal number of stories describing Aiden the comedian, who possessed a unique and humble sense of humor, as there are stories about kind and intuitive Aiden, who earned his CGC and was a devoted Pet Partner, sharing his joy and gifts to everyone he met along that path. He was such a curious and honest boy with the broadest and most sincere smile; if I hadn't been in love with his name, I would have called him "Ernest" because that's the kind of fellow he was. I still laff recalling the silly boy who was a Rock and Bush Pooper who once sat on a stick, yielding himself a new one; Aiden’s first Christmas as a camper when he thought “The Best Day of Mai Life” was when he spread a box of Graham cracker crumbs throughout the living room; the Evil Paintbrush incident; mistaking mom’s glasses for chikken; diving into the Indoor Pool without regard for his own safety to save Bea’s flying crab ; riling up the Camp Greyhound Family Singers every time he heard a firetruck or ambulance. He brought his stuffies to the door, always dropping them before going outside, but inside he carried them everywhere! Coming in from outside he learned “Push” to open the door. When I couldn’t find him outside, chances were he was snacking on the yellow flowers along the fence line – what? Aiden! Leave it! Good boy!

Kindhearted, intuitive Aiden had that distinctive genius for knowing who needed him and when. He aced his CGC and Pet Partner exams - would he sit? All Day Long! Whether working as a therapy dog (where he often greeted his friends with a soft Rooo) or with mom, in a signature move Aiden would side-step into someone, carefully placing one foot at a time closer and closer until he was comfortably leaning into them and they into him for hugs. When he heard “Aiden’s Day!” he knew he was going visiting, to the clinic, or for a ride with mom. I would ask him “How is that, A, ok? AOK?” He was a quick study and learned to hydrate before visiting when I would say “Have some drink” and drop a biscuit into a bowl of water.  He was also the worst wet-floor-maker of any camper – water flew from the sides of his mouth and I could never keep up with mopping up the ocean. At home, he was considerate and careful with the senior campers yet in the next moment he could wrassle with Paddy and hold his own.

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Aiden had the most beautiful strong feet and they carried him through a successful career of 94 races, unbeatable in 15 of them including his Maiden at Wheeling Downs, moving steadily up from D/C to B/A and finishing at Sarasota. After sustaining an injury, his owners decided that he had done enough, and Aiden was retired and became a camper the day after his fourth birthday. Those beautiful feet would prove problematic, however; the tales of his amputated toes and “Aiden 1-5” and then “Aiden 1-4” are epic. No matter how many times he had to go to clinic he went in dipping his head, turning it slightly and smoothing his ears, and smiling! Aiden lived for Nylabones and it broke my heart during his last dental when he had so many molars removed that he had to give up those bones. The sweet boy also sprung a toe on a hind foot and as he aged that challenge would plague him as his LS progressed. PetSmart was running a jingle that we sang together – “I’d do anything for you, dear, anything, anything, for you” and indeed, we tried anything for A 

Recently, Aiden had begun laying down in two spots in the living room, always in one of two positions. At the same time, he had uncharacteristically started an outdoor projekt. His advanced kidney disease was rapidly progressing. Aiden and I had a talk and I prayed for a sign, which came very soon. Our bestest vet, who has known Aiden since the day he arrived eight years ago, was unable to help us but another kind soul from a different clinic came to Camp to give Aiden his wings. Aiden put himself on his couch and tucked his head to his left side. As he left so very peacefully, he was held and loved and heard our little song over and over … Aiden My Friend, Aiden My Friend. He was wrapped in his Angel fleece and took the few items that made Aiden Aiden: his other appendage - that Buffalo Chikken stuffy; green Gumby and red doggo stuffies from his dear friend and patient; Nylabone; treats; and one from mom: his first (of three) Pet Partner tags.

Annie and Punkin had enthusiastically greeted our guests and, when given the option, chose to go to their beds and stay with Aiden. Afterwards, Punkin went to Aiden and sniffed him all over; Annie looked at him and had clearly already said her goodbyes. There was nothing but respect from both of them for their friend. There are now only two, exactly as our Camp had been when Seamie   and TPGIT were waiting for Paddy Mayhem and Aiden to arrive so very long ago. Or was it yesterday? 

I’ve said before that the campers have the best friends, and I cannot adequately express my sincere gratitude to those who carried us through this heartbreaking time, some of whom were and are dealing with their own sorrow and struggles.

Godspeed young man. Aiden My Friend, Aiden My Friend. My collateral boy. Thank you for everything. There is no doubt the thunder last night was the Bridge Reunion Mayhem and I know the feast you all enjoyed was prepared with extraordinary love by our Soos Chef   and his helpers. Until we meet again, sweet boy.

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eta, Unbelievably, this is Bea's song but now also Aiden's song. Perhaps it is the song for Camp Greyhound CT 

 

Edited December 29, 2021 by FiveRoooooers
Aiden's story added.

[EllenEveBaz]

Farewell, dear Aiden

[Beachbum1]

So very sorry for your loss.

[RaineysMom]

I'm so very sorry  

[Remolacha]

 I am so sorry your sweet, sweet boy had to leave 

[Time4ANap]

I'm so sorry, Jan.  

It's going to be quite a week at The Bridge.  The Brothers Mayhem are back together and Miss Petunia will be there to keep them under control and be the Fun Police. I hope all of our friends who were already there are rested up and ready for this. Thunder, indeed. 

Run-free Aiden. You were a fantastic brother, camper, and took great care of your Mom. You are really going to be missed here.  

[ramonaghan]

Aiden 1-4 no more. He is healthy and whole again. Rest well, sweet boy, and enjoy your reunion. Please give your momma a sign. 

Cousin Sweep and I send our love and sympathy.   

[Potomacpupsmom]

I am so sorry Aiden had to leave.         

Run Free Aiden!    Enjoy creating mayhem at the Bridge! 

[Jerilyn]

Oh Jan, I'm so sorry to see this!  Aiden was such a good camper and you gave him such a great life! He will be missed by many. 

[Houndtime]

Jan, I am so sorry for the loss of Aiden.

[teri_d]

Oh no - I’m so sorry.  It has been a hard spring and summer for gt babies.  When we had to say good bye to both PHOG and Jill within 2 months I was hoping there would be no more gt bridge angels for awhile

[GreyPoopon]

Oh no no no! Not Aiden 1-4! I'm so sorry that your incredibly special boy had to leave so early.

Godspeed Aiden.

[BatterseaBrindl]

Oh No...  

Run free Aiden....

Gentle hugs to your Momma.

[greytpups]

Jan,  I’m so so sorry

[spottydog]

Godspeed Aiden…

[macoduck]

Oh, Jan, I am so sorry to hear this news. Like Don said, he certainly will be in good company. 

[LBass]

 Jan, I'm so sorry for your loss. May your memories of Aiden warm your heart and comfort you.

[DocsDoctor]

I am so very sorry for your loss of your sweet boy. Run free, dear Aiden!

[PattyE]

I am so sorry.  Fly-free sweetie.

[greysmom]

Oh, Jan!   No!!!  Not sweet Aiden!!!

I'm so sorry it was his time to leave............   

[Banjoman]

Miss. Jan, we ar reellee sad to read this tuday. We know that yu mayde Aidan happee and he mayde yu happee tu and yu will miss him lots and lots. We awl will.

We ar sending likky  kissis,

Chancey and Nutmeg

and luv frum Mum.

[FiveRoooooers]

Thank you all 

Aiden was the last of the second generation of Camp Greyhound CT campers. I can't even go there. The Girls and I will soon be starting a fresh chapter at a new Camp Greyhound (XX) and I know that all of our angels will be watching over us. 

[GreyPoopon]

Your GT fans will be watching too.  

[Fiona3]

Jan, this is a beautiful and fitting tribute to a very special boy.  I remember meeting Aiden for the first time.  There was a nobility about him and a gentleness that was so sweet.   I know how much you will miss him.  Paddy and Aiden made a great team.  They are together, both healthy and happy again.  All my thoughts are with you.

[MP_the4pack]

{{{{{{{{{{{{ Jan }}}}}}}}}