ramonaghan Posted May 27, 2022 Share Posted May 27, 2022 (edited) My beautiful brave girl is gone. She fought to the very end. I'll write a proper tribute when I can. Sweep. Sweep-Sweep. Sweet Pea, Peanut, Puddin’, Button, Bug. Our girl. The best first dog we could have asked for. Not always perfect but always perfect for us. It was a rocky start. I had fallen in love with her photo online. I know, you’re not supposed to do that, but can you blame me? In her heyday she literally stopped traffic, with her eyeliner and her dark mask, ears, and tail against bunny-soft fawn fur. Her foster mom never brought her to meet and greets, so someone else in the group volunteered to bring her. They got in an accident the day before. Everyone was fine, thankfully, but their van was totaled, so that plan was off. Then her foster mom decided she was going to keep her. I was so disappointed. We met some boisterous boy hounds, but none felt right. We decided to postpone our search until we returned from a vacation. When we got back, her Pending status had changed to Available again. Her foster mom had changed her mind due to her work travel schedule. We scheduled the home visit. We met Sweep and two other girls. Those two were sweet, shy girls. Sweep walked right in like she owned the place. Next hurdle: she might have cheated on her cat test; she’d shown a little too much interest while at a temp foster’s home. We had two cats, so that was priority #1. However, she was so entranced by her own reflection in the full-length mirror that she hardly noticed the cats. She did well on our stairs, enticed by Babybel cheese. She put her head in my lap. SOLD. Except. My husband, John, had a mean case of analysis paralysis. Dogs complicate your life. Could we still travel? Could we trust her uncrated with the cats? Would she have separation anxiety? He just couldn’t commit yet. So, we reluctantly agreed to let her stay on the Available list. Then the foster needed a sitter for Thanksgiving, and our adoption coordinator asked if we might be interested in that as a trial run. We agreed, picked her up, and never took her back. She went to Atlanta with us over Christmas to visit John's family and charmed everyone. She even did well with the combined 8(!!) other dogs in the house at one point. (I will never forget the sight of one of the resident Shih tzus hopping up on an ottoman to reach Sweep's backside for a doggie hello.) Yet John was still waffling until a frigid February day when we finally loaded her up to drop her off for a home visit with another family. We were both crying. The group volunteer asked John if he loved Sweep. He said “Yes, I think I do.” She said, “Then you don’t have to do this; you can still keep her.” That was it. We signed the papers and took our girl home. She adored her pop. Sweep made us laugh from day one. She did crazy zoomies when John got home from work, she was a champion leaner and roacher (including in the back seat and during nail trims), and she had the silliest, best smile with those tiny bottom teeth. We had our challenges with her: she was a major breed snob and would snark at other dogs on walks, and she had sleep startle that she never really grew out of. We dealt with a mystery limp for a couple of years that turned out to be an old racing injury. But mostly she was easy, and easy to love. She just wanted to be with her people. She loved rides, walks, and cheese and hated bananas, thunderstorms, and stupid boy cats getting in her face. We never saw it coming. John let her out one morning in March 2021 and she zoomed around and then stopped short with a yelp. She wouldn't put any weight on her back right leg. We rushed her to the e-vet, not even thinking of a broken leg because she hadn't screamed or made any sound since that one yelp. And yet that's what it was: a gnarly spiral tibia fracture. None of the specialists saw evidence of cancer either before or during the surgery to repair the break, which took place on my birthday. We felt like we'd beaten the odds. In May at follow-up x-rays, her break hadn't healed as expected. We took her back in June, and that's when they spotted the cancer. Also, a small bump on her left front leg turned out to be a soft tissue sarcoma. Although much less aggressive, this was a huge double whammy. She started chemo and the plate held steady until August, when she broke the back leg again jumping into the car. It was grotesque--the plate was bent and her leg at an impossible angle. Not even a yelp from Sweep. It was time to amputate. Until the break she was a very youthful 11 year-old, and she was feisty and spirited and we knew she could handle it. The post-amputation biopsy confirmed osteo. Her life changed a lot after the amputation. Though she did recover within a couple of weeks and her stubbornness served her well, she confined herself to our living room and the path to the back door to go outside. Sadly, no more roaching; she couldn't figure it out as a tripod. No more walks of any length. No more hanging out in my office or watching us cook dinner, no matter how many rugs I put down or begging I did. So we put four beds in the living room and she played musical beds. We threw treats for her in the yard for exercise and played games with her to stave off boredom. She ate quite well until the very end. She sought affection and still loved her rides (when they weren't to the vet). She had quality of life but it was drastically different from what she had before. In January routine x-rays revealed three tiny nodules in her lungs. We were told if we wanted to debulk the soft tissue sarcoma it was now or never, although they warned us it could come right back. We had the surgery done and got about three weeks before it started growing again. We put her on Palladia, which kept her lung mets stable for a while. Earlier this month, the first time we have actually gotten to go inside the oncologist's office with her and meet him in person, we learned that the cancer in her lungs was rapidly progressing. She was tiring easily. Any exertion would cause her to pant. She wasn't in pain, but she was worn out. Even in the short weeks since then, we could see further decline. She was still eating, getting herself in and out unassisted, smiling, and giving us "the paw" for affection, but it was time. Nashville summer would have been hell on her. Lap of Love came to the house this morning—an unseasonably cool, overcast day that allowed us to say goodbye outside. I fed her roast beef and cat food as the sedative took effect. I wish I could say it was totally peaceful, but my girl was nothing if not a fighter. She would have fought well beyond what we would ever have asked of her. I whispered how much we love her over and over, thanked her, and held her paw as she left her broken body. She was 12.7 years old, 15 months past the first leg break, and 9 months post-amp. We had 9 1/2 wonderful years with her. It wasn't enough. Now she is healthy and whole again, and we are left trying to figure out how to navigate a world without her. Taken yesterday. My still smiling Sweep. Edited May 28, 2022 by ramonaghan Quote Rachel with Doolin Doodle Dooooo, boss cat Tootie, and feline squatters Crumpet and Fezziwig. Missing gentlemen kitties Mud, Henry, and Richard and our gorgeous, gutsy girlhounds Sweep and Willa. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remolacha Posted May 27, 2022 Share Posted May 27, 2022 Oh no, I am so sorry Sweep was one of those special dogs that I fell in love with even though I never met her. She will be missed by her many fans, but so much more by her own people Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FiveRoooooers Posted May 27, 2022 Share Posted May 27, 2022 (edited) Sweep, demonstrating to all how to Do It Rite: choose your people, make yourself at home, be ok with the kittehs, smile the most envious of smiles and later, defy all odds and predictions and with everything you had show them how to Kick Kanser's A$$. What a grand life you lived dear Sweep, and you will be missed beyond measure. Your cousin will help you get settled and Seamie will have been cooking all day to welcome you. Sweep If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever. {{{ Rachel and John }}} Edited May 28, 2022 by FiveRoooooers Quote Old Dogs are the Best Dogs. Thank you, campers. Current enrollees: Punkin. AnnIE Oooh M, Ebbie, HollyBeeBop (Betty Crocker). 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...
palmettobug Posted May 27, 2022 Share Posted May 27, 2022 NOOO NOT BEAUTIFUL SWEEP! Run pain free, sweet girl. Quote Current Crew: Gino-Gene-Eugene! (Eastnor Rebel: Makeshift x Celtic Dream); Fuzzy the Goo-Goo Girl (BGR Fuzzy Navel: Boc's Blast Off x Superior Peace); Roman the Giant Galoot! (Imark Roman: Crossfire Clyde x Shana Wookie); Kitties Archie and Dixie Forever Missed: K9 Sasha (2001-2015); Johnny (John Reese--Gable Dodge x O'Jays) (2011-19); the kitties Terry and Bibbi; and all the others I've had the privilege to know Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MerseyGrey Posted May 27, 2022 Share Posted May 27, 2022 There’s a new star in heaven tonight…hugs to Sweep’s humans Quote Buddy Molly 🌈 5/11/10-10/10/23 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
macoduck Posted May 27, 2022 Share Posted May 27, 2022 We're all going to miss you dear Sweep. Rachel, thank you for sharing your Sweep with us. Quote Freshy (Droopys Fresh), NoAh the podenco orito, Howie the portuguese podengo maneto Angels: Rita the podenco maneta, 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...
RaineysMom Posted May 27, 2022 Share Posted May 27, 2022 I am so very, very sorry Sweep was such a special girl sending many, many hugs 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...
Mercsmom Posted May 27, 2022 Share Posted May 27, 2022 Oh, gee! Such a lovely girl We are sorry for your loss. She was so wonderful, it's our loss, too. Run free, pretty 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...
45MPHK9 Posted May 27, 2022 Share Posted May 27, 2022 I’m so, so sorry, Rachel. Wishing you peace in the days ahead. 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...
Houndtime Posted May 27, 2022 Share Posted May 27, 2022 I am so sad and sorry to see that Sweep is gone. Quote Irene Ullmann w/Flying Odin and Mama Mia in Lower Delaware Angels Brandy, John E, American Idol, Paul, Fuzzy and Shine Handcrafted Greyhound and Custom Clocks http://www.houndtime.com Zoom Doggies-Racing Coats for Racing Greyhounds Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beachbum1 Posted May 27, 2022 Share Posted May 27, 2022 Oh no. My heart breaks for you. No more pain for your sweet girl. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Potomacpupsmom Posted May 27, 2022 Share Posted May 27, 2022 Oh Rachel, I am so sorry Sweep was such a beautiful girl and was such a big part of your life. Such a beautiful tribute brought tears to my eyes. She is whole now with no pain and can run free and fast-and sweep all at the Bridge off their feet! 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...
Time4ANap Posted May 27, 2022 Share Posted May 27, 2022 I'm so sorry. We loved Sweep like she was one of our own even though we never got to meet her. Run-free Sweep. When you see Rocket, tell him I said that the first round is on him. Petunia will be your enforcer if he gives you any trouble. We will all miss you very much here. 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...
BatterseaBrindl Posted May 28, 2022 Share Posted May 28, 2022 Love that captures the heart and touches the soul remains forever. Hold those special memories of Sweep close to your heart ...... Run fast and free dearest Sweep.... 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...
greysmom Posted May 28, 2022 Share Posted May 28, 2022 Run with the Angels, sweet girl. You will be missed by so many of us left behind. {{{hugs}}} to you Rachel, and your whole family. 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...
GreyPoopon Posted May 28, 2022 Share Posted May 28, 2022 Damn. I am so very sorry. Sweep was a GT favourite and will be missed terribly. Godspeed precious Sweep. 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...
Lexi Posted May 28, 2022 Share Posted May 28, 2022 I am so sorry for your loss. Sweep was such a sweet girl. Quote Lexi (mom to Nok, the former feral black kitty) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spottydog Posted May 28, 2022 Share Posted May 28, 2022 Tears here…Run free, lovely Sweep. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MerseyGrey Posted May 28, 2022 Share Posted May 28, 2022 Such a beautiful tribute. I love the picture of her looking up at her daddy Quote Buddy Molly 🌈 5/11/10-10/10/23 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EllenEveBaz Posted May 28, 2022 Share Posted May 28, 2022 How is this even possible? Fare well, most beautiful of girls. 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...
LBass Posted May 28, 2022 Share Posted May 28, 2022 I'm so sorry your beautiful, beloved girl had to leave. Rachael, your post is a beautiful tribute to a Sweep and the love you all shared. There is heartbreak in the loss, but the love will always be a part of you. 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...
Jerilyn Posted May 28, 2022 Share Posted May 28, 2022 I am so sorry! Sweep was a special girl and you took such great care of her. She had so many quirky things in common with Lila, I like to think they are hanging out together now. ❤ Quote Jerilyn, missing Lila (Good Looking), new Mistress to Wiki (PJ Wicked). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sniffy Posted May 28, 2022 Share Posted May 28, 2022 Ugh, So sorry to hear about this. Quote Was a subscriber in the mid 2000s (the aughts!). Reactivated in 2021. What'd I miss? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annette Posted May 28, 2022 Share Posted May 28, 2022 So sorry. I am sure our pups are hanging out with Sweep and doing some racing and showing off. Quote Annette, mom to Banjo (AJN Spider Man) & Casey (kitty), wife to Roy. Mom to bridgekids: Wheat (GH), Icabod (GH), Scarlett (Cab's Peg Bundy), Rhett (Kiowa Day Juice), Dixie (Pazzo Dixie), Pogo/Gleason (Rambunctious), and Miriam (Miriam of Ruckus) and Spooky, Taffy, Garfield, & Lefty (kitties) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShebasMom Posted May 28, 2022 Share Posted May 28, 2022 I am so very sorry for your loss. Run free Sweep. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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