Rembering Racer

August 29, 2004

Three years ago, I witnessed this pup being brought back to the adoption kennel after being in a home for 6 yrs. Due to financial problems, the lady could no longer keep him. I told Jan I'd take him if he fretted over the weekend...he was 9 yrs old & not likely to be adopted.

Racer was a son of HB's Commander, so he was quiet, reserved, sort of a snob in greyhound sense since most of them are sweet & friendly. He was a little chubby when I got him, winded from not being exercised. He would go outside & trot everywhere he went.

I had him for about a month & we had a Halloween party at the adoption kennel, so I took the seniors...Brogan & Racer. They were the first to start bobbing for dogs...hotdogs in a wadding pool & got the youngsters started on the game also. That day Racer's personality started coming to the surface.

Each month he surprised me with something new. Like during feeding time, I noticed he would growl & stomp his foot & turn around & glance at Brogan & Snowy who were also in the room. I found out by watching, that he was actually growling at the dog in the mirror.

He loved to lay outside by himself at night, I think he was pondering his life. He would get out there after feeding time & do his figure 8's and in no time, he became quiet the "in shape" dude. He & Snowy had started a friendship & suddenly last summer, at 3am in the morning, he yelped out in pain.

When I came in the room, he was down on the floor panting. I thought he had fallen on the wood floor, so I helped him up & he seemed to calm down.

But as the day progressed, I realized he'd had a heart attack...about 2:30 the next afternoon, he did the same thing. He stood panting so hard and his face was ice cold. So I got him on the couch & talked him to the bridge. There in my arms, he took his last breath. I had never had one actually lay there with their head in my lap, my hands brushing his soft face & his soft brown eyes become lifeless....it was surreal.

I miss him a lot. He was funny in his own way, very serious...didn't like anyone to put their arms around him. He loved to sit on the couch...I have a picture of him sitting in my friend Ericka's lap.

When I would watch him outside, I knew that's where he got his name; Time To Race.

I miss you....

Edited August 30, 2004 by snowy8

August 30, 2004

What a handsome boy he was. I know it still hurts, but please take comfort in knowing that he is in good company at the bridge. Hugs to you as you remember.

August 30, 2004

Lene' you're always there for everyone! You are so sweet, you know, there is a special place already for you in heaven!

HopeForHounds · August 30, 2004

What a sweet boy. :f_white

patricia · August 30, 2004

What a beautiful tribute for a beautiful boy. Run free Racer...and don't forget to send your Mommy Rainbows from time to time...Kiss Angel Sophia for me. :beatheart

TheFullHouse · August 30, 2004

Very beautiful Hilda, Racer looks down upon you, he's watching you and knows you love him very much! :f_pink

August 30, 2004

What a beautiful tribute Hilda.May your loving memories give you comfort at this time.He was so fortunate to have had you in his lifetime.May he run free of pain forever up there with our angels. :gh_run :gh_run Linda and Nike

grey14me · August 30, 2004

scullysmum · August 30, 2004

ShanakilMagic · August 30, 2004

*Hugs* :grouphug

August 30, 2004

What a loving tribute. Run free sweet Racer. :f_white

August 30, 2004

Oh Racer..........what a sweetheart and what a sweet lady that took you into her life. Brogan and Racer, well, lets just say I will never forget that day when those heads went into that water and hot dogs came up. I still smile thinking about it. You are missed Racer, jan

August 30, 2004

Such beautiful words for a beautiful boy.

August 30, 2004

My heart goes out to you. What a sweet boy and what a loving mom! Hugs :paw

September 1, 2004

This is one of my favorite pictures of him, it was taken the week before he died. As you can see, him & Snowy had started something. He got to where he'd follow her around or they'd lay out in the grass & talk.

September 1, 2004

Even the most reserved & quiet HB pups can have their moments.

September 1, 2004

I have to admit, I laughed at him or about him more than I was or am sad. He was so funny, and he didn't mean to be. I guess that's what we love so much about them. Their way of making us laugh, even when there are tears coming down our faces.

September 1, 2004

I am so touched by your post about Racer. I lost a wonderful HB's Commander son in December of 2003. God speed Racer.

marion · September 1, 2004