Greyhound Angels

Running a Sanctuary for the Old and Special Ones can be bittersweet. Being with these dogs through the good times and bad, day in and day out, leads to a very special bond. And, being with them at the end of their lives can rip our hearts out and at the same time, bring a sense of peace, knowing that the special ones did not die alone. We would like to remember, always, the many Greyhounds that have passed away.

Boo Boo was with us long before we officially opened the Sanctuary. He came in as an adoptable dog but was passed over 3 times for the most ridiculous of reasons. We knew then that he was meant to stay and he became a very important part of our work. He adored other dogs and often accompanied the new retirees on their first meet and greet. His gentle nature helped the new ones to find their courage. Although Boo Boo was healthy, we had a strange feeling that he would not live well into his senior years and he passed away at the age of 7 from cancer.

Spider came to us as an adoptable dog. He was gorgeous and adored people, was tolerant of cats but was a little protective of his back end around other dogs. He tried so hard to get “picked” by potential adopters, but was passed over time and time again. Spider also seemed to come down with the strangest of medical conditions every few months and we knew early on that he was probably going to have to stay with us. True to his unique nature, Spider passed away suddenly, sleeping in his favorite place in the sanctuary. He was almost 7 years old.

Cindy Bear was the sweetest of brood mommas with the thickest coat we’ve ever seen on a Greyhound. She was 12 1/2 years old when she came to our Sanctuary, very much in need of dental care. Her teeth were rotting, infected and causing a her a good deal of pain. We were so careful to run as many pre-surgical tests as possible and our vet was ultra careful during the entire procedure. Unfortunately, Cindy Bear did not survive. Her passing is a horrible reminder of the unique physiology of retired racing greyhounds and serves as a caution to all dogs undergoing anesthesia. We miss her dearly.

Momma Levity was our “first” in so many ways. She was the first retired brood momma to grace our lives, the first “super” senior that we took in, the first to be awarded a grant for her care, the first to live to the ripe old age of 13 1/2. We thought for sure she’d make it to 14, but that wasn’t in her cards when she suddenly couldn’t walk. We knew immediately it was a spinal stroke (FCE) and at her age and her already weak hind end and her kidney disease, we also knew that she would not survive. Momma Levity was such an integral part of the Sanctuary and our lives that it’s hard to realize that she’s gone. But, her spirit lives on in our hearts and we are better people for having had the opportunity to care for her.

Pepper lived to the ripe old age of 13 1/2. A cancer survivor and a survivor in many other ways, it appeared that Pepper would live forever. But, no one can escape death and we were powerless to save her. We miss her deeply, her doe-like eyes and her wide collection of facial expressions. Pepper was a staple at meet and greets and we always joked that she came to an event to show everyone just how easily a greyhound could fall asleep! Rest now, sweet one… You are forever in our hearts.

Stone was with us for many years before his 13 1/2 year old body just wore out in September of 2016. He was terribly shy and hated going anywhere. His senses started to fail in his last years and he was almost deaf when he passed. One of the big boys, Stone’s presence was a comfort, despite his separation anxiety and other eccentric behaviors, which limited our time away from him. Rest in peace, Old Man Stone. We miss you.

Smokey was never officially a Sanctuary dog, but we felt that he never wanted to leave and we were ready to make him an official member if he couldn’t find a home by the end of February. Sadly, Smokey was taken from us on Valentine’s Day, after emergency abdominal surgery the day before. He never recovered and passed away shortly before noon. His passing is a painful reminder that, no matter how young, a beloved pet can slip away with little warning. His passing is a constant reminder to love your beloved pets everyday and never, ever take anything for granted.

Momma Sissy was one of the best meet and greet dogs, ever. She came to us shortly after weaning her 4th litter of pups, with several bad teeth and chronic gum problems. We took care of her medical problems and she took care of our emotional needs. She was such a hard worker and loved to be present at any event. Her doe-like eyes and graying muzzle invited all to get closer to her. When her hind end got weak with age, she spent many hours on our laps, enjoying the view and attracting attention wherever she went. Bone caner took her too young, she was one month shy of her 12th birthday when we had to say goodbye. Always stoic, and never a complainer, Momma Sissy will always be in our hearts.

Momma CoCo was a role model for us. Six years before she passed from inoperable liver cancer, CoCo was badly injured racing. Her right front leg never healed properly and she got around mostly on her 3 good legs and went on to whelp and raise 4 litters of pups before she was retired and placed in our Sanctuary. CoCo was always happy, always ready to travel to meet and greets and always smiling for “her” public. She never complained and never let her disability get her down. Even as her hind legs began to weaken with old age, CoCo still wanted to work her crowd. As long as she had her blankets to rest on, she was ready to spread her joy. Everyone knew Momma CoCo and her passing has hit us hard and let a huge hole in our hearts.

Momma Granola was one of the sweetest brood momma’s ever to live at the Sanctuary. Passed over many times by other adoption agencies because of her severe muscle tremors, Momma Granola found her retirement home with us. She fit right into the Sanctuary and even became a surrogate momma for Blind Truman. She suddenly became ill and wouldn’t eat. After weeks of testing and treatments, the vets discovered that she had a very atypical case of intestinal lymphoma and went downhill very quickly. We had no choice but to let her cross over the rainbow bridge. Her passing hit us all very hard and she will be in our hearts forever.

Hero was only with us a short time, but in that time, he touched our hearts. His passing was a glaring, gut wrenching reminder that bad things happen even when you do everything right. We have no control over death and we should never get comfortable doing routine surgeries and procedures. There is always a chance of a bad outcome, especially with a breed as delicate as a greyhound. We are so, so sorry, Hero. Rest in Peace.

Tracy was never wanted in her first “home” and presented us with several challenges. We hoped and prayed that we could help her to find comfort in our Sanctuary. She tried to overcome her past, but it was so difficult for her. She kept us at arm’s length most of the time, but she always let us know what she wanted. When the end was near, we honored her wishes and let her go in peace. Good bye Tracy. Although we could never hold you in our arms, we will always hold you close in our hearts.

Piglet was 13 years old when she joined our Sanctuary but we knew as soon as we met her that her time with us would be very short. Her health issues were grave and we could never get her back to a state where she felt no pain. Her presence brought all kinds of emotions – joy, anger at her state of health, smiles at her efforts to carry on – and her passing left a huge hole in our hearts.

Bam Bam was already old and worn out when we took her into the Sanctuary, but we were able to give her some peace and pain relief in her golden years. A big girl with a big heart, Bam Bam was a deep and gentle soul. At the end, her liver failed so quickly and she passed before any medications could take hold. Bam’s passing reminds us always to live in the present and cherish every minute of life, as it can be over in a flash. We miss you sweetheart.

Minnie Me was always a bit of a mystery. She was supposed to have been transferred to another greyhound adoption group, but they didn’t want her. She came to our Sanctuary as a unexpected, but very beloved guest. She ended up staying permanently when her potential adoption fell through. Minnie would come down with the most unusual and often dire medical problems, and then, just as suddenly as they came, they left and she was healthy again. The one thing that Minnie Me couldn’t conquer was the horrible arthritis that plague her joints. Yet, Minnie was always cheerful. But, one day, Minnie couldn’t handle the pain anymore and her leg started to swell. Unresponsive to the maximum medications, we knew it was her time. She crossed over the Rainbow Bridge peacefully, on our lap, surrounded by much love. For a dog that wasn’t supposed to be with us, she had a very profound effect on us all. We miss you, Minnie Me.

Destiny was the model Greyhound, always ready to meet and greet any and everyone. Her signature “lean” was adored by all. She left us all too soon and we couldn’t stop her disease. We let her go, lovingly. Sweet Dreams, Destiny.

Razzle Dazzle was our Irish Lass. She came to us as a very old lady who had just weaned her 5th litter of puppies. Although limping badly from arthritis when she first arrived, Razzle showed us that pain and discomfort would never get in her way. She always took her medications with a smile, was always pleasant, always a bit of a goof ball, and always ready to meet and greet whoever came her way. Razzle met many obstacles head on – cancer, seizures, an enlarged heart – and she always bounced back until the end, when a stroke took away her ability to bounce. Razzle died peacefully in our arms and she’s a constant reminder that most challenges can be overcome with a positive attitude.

Always a gentle and extremely sensitive soul, Joey’s quiet presence touched so many hearts. When he was diagnosed with Cushing’s Disease, we knew his time was limited. He fought long and hard for a year and a half, never complaining of the toll the disease took on his body. As he slowly faded away, he spent more and more time snuggling with his human caretaker. His loss was a terrible blow to all who loved him.​

Momma Lena had the distinction of being the oldest greyhound we’ve ever cared for. Living to the ripe old age of 14 years, 8 months and 2 weeks, we had high hopes that she would live to celebrate her 15th birthday. She was going strong with regular vet and chiropractic treatments until the end. But, her old body just gave out and she was unable to go on. We helped her over the Rainbow Bridge and cried many, many tears for her.

What greyhound could ever match Mulberry’s uniqueness and klutzy charm? She had the distinction of being the longest ever resident, spending over 12 ½ years at The Sanctuary. She was a true blue greyhound, born with a spinal abnormality that rendered her incontinent and in need of diapers. Her bunny hop gait left her prone to toe injuries and her failing eyesight compounded her propensity to get into accidents. Ever the Diva and Drama Queen and always coming down with some strange illness, we never dreamed that she’d celebrate her 14th birthday. Mulberry was such a part of The Sanctuary that her loss leaves a huge empty hole in our hearts. She was fortunate to have a wonderful sponsor that took care of her medication expenses for the last years of her life. Mulberry was loved by many and touched many hearts during her lifetime. We are sure that she’s hopping free now across the Rainbow Bridge.

Sweet MacKenzie, what nightmares you had from a past that left you scarred and afraid. You’d go in reverse more that you’d go forward, but, you trusted us and, together, we made it. How we miss your presence, your warmth, your glow. You were always by our sides, always a true companion. You will be in our hearts, always.

Ruby was a true gem and touched the hearts of so many during her much loved meet and greets. She came to us with the worst dental disease we’ve ever known and ended up losing all of her teeth. She could win every “tongue out” contest and being toothless never stopped her from gobbling up her food. But, as it happens with every animal, the time came to help her cross the Rainbow Bridge. She went quickly and peacefully and we miss her dearly.

Benjamin came into our lives at a time when we were still grieving. He spent his years making people smile. Like his predecessor, he, too, died too young, from an inoperable tumor. His passing reminds us how powerless we are when death knocks on our door. But his passing also gives us a chance to save another in need. And, so, the cycle begins once again…

Firefly, you were born into a world where greed and profit outranked the safety and welfare of animals. You were run into the ground, and when a serious injury left you barely able to walk, you were turned into a breeding machine. Your injury was never repaired at a time when repairing it could have made a difference. But you were always a sweet, gentle soul that never complained about your condition. We were so glad that we could give you a good retirement. You brought so much joy to those around you. The long-term complications from your injury ultimately killed you, and we are beside ourselves with grief and anger that there was nothing else that we could do to save your life. You will be in our hearts forever.​