Diane4114 Posted February 16, 2005 Share Posted February 16, 2005 (edited) It is with a very heavy heart that I am writing about sending Austin to the bridge. He came here in Feb. 1998 as a companion for Willow, who was having a hard time as an only dog. He was a very good dog, and quickly became a crowd favorite. He started out a little shy in public and with crowds, he soon got over that. He turned into a champion M&G'er. He would be the first one to greet anyone that stopped by to chat. A little lean or a very soulful look from those beautiful brown eyes and we had their attention. The kids liked his coloring, he 'looks like a tiger' was the usual comment. He was a beautiful dog to photograph, and I'm going to miss being able to take pictures of him. He was physically a beautiful dog and was very photogenic. I will miss seeing him run. He was a beautiful moving dog, never put a bad foot down. His was very fast, but when running with Willow you could see that he was holding back so she wouldn't be very far behind. I have always said I wish I had a horse that moved like him. They had a game they played. She would stalk him, he would stand still waiting for the perfect time to take off...and they would be gone. Another game they played was chasing each other around the coffee table. I was never really able to see it. Even if I tried to sneak up on them, they would stop and look at me. Even though I never saw they, it was fun to hear them playing this game. I fostered for a year and both Austin & Willow were very patient foster parents. Austin was almost protective of some of them. PD was the first foster. We we at the fair grounds and Chance the shepard was there. Sometimes Chance likes to put on a show and think he's the top dog. He was hanging around PD and Austin came over and started barking at him, putting his body between PD and Chance. When Chance didn't get the first hint, Austin did it again. Chance went about his business after that. I had 2 very shy fosters, Diane's Guy and Lance. I never let them loose at the fair grounds, afraid I would never be able to catch them. So Austin would go off for a short while and check his pee mail. After a 15 min. or so he waould come back and be content to walk beside us, offering support to these 2 shy ones. With Jetta, Tom and Glaze it was being tollerant of their wild and rambunctious ways. He was the same with his new brother Matt. I think both Austin and Willow were hoping he would be leaving soon. It didn't take long for them to become friends. I'm glad last weekend had nice weather, We were able to go to the fairgrounds ...his most favorite thing to do. He enjoyed himself and it appeared nothing was wrong. When I got up at 4 AM to feed eveyone...everyone was fine. At 7:30 he woke me up by vomiting. On our morning walk, I took them over to the tree farm and the groomed snowmobile trails. He was not himself, never bothered to look for pee mail. He vomited again on the way home in the car. He was still very quiet after. By the middle of the afternoon he had started to go downhill. I called the vet that I was bringing him him, something was not right. They did blood work, took xrays. His liver and kidney values were off, and fluid was building up around his heart. He was also becoming dehydrated. Gave him some meds, fluids. There was also problems with his protein and colestrol levels, cells in his urine, other things I just can't remember right now. I took yesterday off and took him to the sister vet clinic where the ultrasound machine is. During that vet's physical exam, he was very tender when feeling his lower adnomen. The ultrasound did show the fluid buildup around the heart ... and a tumor on the heart itself. We could of removed the fluid, but it would come back, probably soon. With the results from the other tests, she felt that the cance rhad started to spread. I am still in shock that this came on so sudden, but for Austin it was probably a good thing. He was acting normal on Sunday and withing 24 hours was having trouble breathing and was so weak. It was so hard to see him like that. So I made the decision to send to to the bridge where he can run to his, now healthy heart's, content. Although hard for me, it was the best for him. We will all miss you ... and we will all be togehter again one day. Here are a few pics of Austin A friend he made at a M&G An oldie, but a goodie Giving foster Jetta a hug. Edited February 16, 2005 by Diane4114 Quote Willow( Hi Tech Popandgo ) CGC #31965 Calico Salad x MayPop 8-9-93/9-24-07 Austin( Nodak Austin ) #55202 Chrisse's Twelve x Lotsa Liz 2-25-96/2-15-05 Matt( Kelsos Metaphor ) #90695 Oswald Cobblepot x Kelso's Movita 8-10-00/2-28-14 Buddy (Aljo Class Act) #78137 Action By Design x Miss Classy 12-8-98/8-29-09 Sonny (Onaim Excalibur)#97927 Flying Train x Rough Diamond 9-7-01/1-9-2016Hunter (SS Snow Roll) #35135 Craigie Whistler x Lightning Snow 10-4-2005/9-23-17 Leo (Yolo Empleo)#72060 4-13-18 Fiesta Paraguas x Mega Bien Hecho Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest benson Posted February 16, 2005 Share Posted February 16, 2005 I'm so sorry for your loss. Run free at the Bridge Austin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShanakilMagic Posted February 16, 2005 Share Posted February 16, 2005 Run free Austin. I'm sorry for you loss Diane Quote Clare and Dylan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ShelbysMom Posted February 16, 2005 Share Posted February 16, 2005 What a special boy Austin was. I'm so sorry for your loss. Run free sweet Austin.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CleosMom Posted February 16, 2005 Share Posted February 16, 2005 I am so sorry for your loss. Godspeed Austin. Run free sweet boy! Quote Jennifer Cleo (Golddust Cadilac 83484 Blazing Desire X Greys Blu Fox) Cole (Hallo Jeremy 88778 My Rooster X Bahama Tango) Athena (R and a Peach 93839 Coldwater Guv X R and a Lady) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest tygar Posted February 16, 2005 Share Posted February 16, 2005 I'm so sorry to hear of your loss... Thank you for doing the right thing by Austin. Godspeed, beautiful boy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest DogGone Posted February 16, 2005 Share Posted February 16, 2005 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grey14me Posted February 16, 2005 Share Posted February 16, 2005 beautiful pictures....I'm so very sorry for the loss of your sweet Austin Quote Michelle...forever missing her girls, Holly 5/22/99-9/13/10 and Bailey 8/1/93-7/11/05 Religion is the smile on a dog...Edie Brickell Wag more, bark less :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greymomnc Posted February 16, 2005 Share Posted February 16, 2005 I am so sorry. Thank you for telling us about him and sharing his pictures. I know how hard it is right now. Thank goodness we have memories to cherish. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest PeteysMom Posted February 16, 2005 Share Posted February 16, 2005 I am so sorry for your loss. That was a beautiful tribute to Austin. The pictures are gorgeous. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houndtime Posted February 16, 2005 Share Posted February 16, 2005 I am so sorry for your loss. Austin was a beautiful dog. 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...
laurie Posted February 16, 2005 Share Posted February 16, 2005 I'm very sorry for your loss. Austin was so beautiful! Quote Laurie **& Angels Emily, Beatrice, Okie, Rhemus ,Vixen, and Rose-always in my heart** Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Madeara Posted February 16, 2005 Share Posted February 16, 2005 Let me tell you again Diane how sorry I am truly a shock that this happened so fast. He was lucky to have had a person as good as you. Austin was indeed a very sweet beautiful boy, I am happy to have met him. Quote "To err is human, to forgive, canine" Audrey, Nova, Cosmo and Holden in NY - Darius and Asia you are both irreplaceable and will be forever in my heart Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LadyBailey Posted February 16, 2005 Share Posted February 16, 2005 Run free sweet Austin. You are so beautiful in those photos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scullysmum Posted February 16, 2005 Share Posted February 16, 2005 Today is a truly sad day, I am so sorry. Run free Austin Quote <p>"One day I hope to be the person my dog thinks I am"Sadi's Pet Pages Sadi's Greyhound Data PageMulder1/9/95-21/3/04 Scully1/9/95-16/2/05Sadi 7/4/99 - 23/6/13 CroftviewRGT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iluvgreys Posted February 16, 2005 Share Posted February 16, 2005 I'm very sorry for your loss. What a tender loving soul he is... now whole again with all our beloved Bridge angels. Quote Jeanne with Remington & Scooter the cat....and Beloved Bridge Angels Sandee, Shari, Wells, Derby, Phoenix, Jerry Lee and Finnian.....If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heavenand bring you home again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hallie Posted February 16, 2005 Share Posted February 16, 2005 I was shocked when I received your email, and my heart goes out to you and Austin's sister Willow and brother Matt. I'm glad that I have gotten to know you and your pups, and send my sincerest sympathies on the loss of your beloved Austin. I know your heart is breaking. Godspeed, sweet boy. Quote Nancy missing my Angel, Chance ~ 1/23/99 - 1/24/08 (Fortified Heart) "...for every joy that passes, something beautiful remains" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burpdog Posted February 16, 2005 Share Posted February 16, 2005 What a shock Sending my sympathy & hugs Quote Diane & The Senior Gang Burpdog Biscuits Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest GiJenn51 Posted February 16, 2005 Share Posted February 16, 2005 I'm so sorry Diane. Run free sweet boy... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Joe_N_Mists_Mom Posted February 16, 2005 Share Posted February 16, 2005 I am so sorry for your loss. hugs to you and your family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Yossarian Posted February 16, 2005 Share Posted February 16, 2005 Very sorry to hear about Austin, he was clearly & dearly loved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BrockGusDad Posted February 16, 2005 Share Posted February 16, 2005 Wonderful tribute, Diane. I am so sorry. Godspeed Austin..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest argolola Posted February 16, 2005 Share Posted February 16, 2005 I'm crying with you over the loss of your dear boy. I'm so sorry. He will live forever in your heart. May your happy memories sustain you, until you meet again. Run free, angel boy. You are loved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diane4114 Posted February 16, 2005 Author Share Posted February 16, 2005 Thank you all for your kind words. I still can't believe it. Quote Willow( Hi Tech Popandgo ) CGC #31965 Calico Salad x MayPop 8-9-93/9-24-07 Austin( Nodak Austin ) #55202 Chrisse's Twelve x Lotsa Liz 2-25-96/2-15-05 Matt( Kelsos Metaphor ) #90695 Oswald Cobblepot x Kelso's Movita 8-10-00/2-28-14 Buddy (Aljo Class Act) #78137 Action By Design x Miss Classy 12-8-98/8-29-09 Sonny (Onaim Excalibur)#97927 Flying Train x Rough Diamond 9-7-01/1-9-2016Hunter (SS Snow Roll) #35135 Craigie Whistler x Lightning Snow 10-4-2005/9-23-17 Leo (Yolo Empleo)#72060 4-13-18 Fiesta Paraguas x Mega Bien Hecho Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fliggie Posted February 16, 2005 Share Posted February 16, 2005 Quote My Photojournal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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