This page is dedicated to the memory of beloved animal companions who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge.  If you would like to submit a photo and/or small tribute (100 words or less) to your greyhound or other pet, please send it to GREATinfo@great-greyhound.org.  Memorials will remain on this page for one month.  Out of respect for the bereaved family, no tributes will be posted without their express permission.

Pot Luck

Luke

1/25/01 – 1/22/10

It is with great sadness that I share the news that my dear, sweet Luke (Pot Luck) passed away on January 22, three days short of his 9^th birthday.  Since his cancer diagnosis on Christmas Eve, I knew it was just a matter of time.

Luke was my delightful companion for over 6 years, and his absence leaves me painfully sad for losing him, but ever so grateful for having known him.  He was a “perfect gentleman” with a gentle disposition and a patient and easygoing manner.  He was always a friendly ambassador for GREAT’s Muvico “meet and greets” and a stellar example of the breed to the many strangers who have stopped us on the street to inquire about him.

When people would ask me if I had “rescued” Luke I would always answer, “I’m not sure who rescued whom!”

On Christmas Eve Luke was diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma – two large tumors in his abdominal cavity that were aggressive and inoperable. In January when Luke started to show signs of pain and weakness Walt and I took him to our vet - fully expecting to have to make that Dreaded Decision.  But Dr. Gregory put Luke on prednisone which reduced much of the inflammation and pain.  Although this didn’t change Luke’s prognosis, it did give us three extra weeks together – for which I am truly grateful to Dr. Gregory!

During this time, Luke and I went to a pet photographer so I’d have some mementos of our happy times together.  Although he was weary, Luke rallied for the photo shoot and reveled in all the attention!  I will always cherish that magical hour we spent in the studio and these joyful testaments to our special bond.

It will take me a long time to get over this loss, but I will continue to encourage people to adopt greys through GREAT.  You all have been terrific, and I want to thank you all for the support you have provided to me as I learned how to be a good greyhound-mom.

Thank you! – Liz O’Connell

Tuesday

1993 - 2/16/10

As fate would have it, I met Tuesday at the RV Show while working the GREAT booth with my beloved Breez.  He was an 11 year old throw-away, and dachshund rescue (DARE) had taken him in, not holding much hope for his adoption.  They didn't know I could hear him calling for me as he curled up in a blanket in their booth next to GREAT's.  I heard, "Mom, look for me.  I'm here waiting for you."....looked down into the blanket, and there he was.

The next six years introduced me to the world of dachshunds, which I have always lovingly called 'vertically challenged greyhounds'.  Tuesday was my special little boy, my shadow, my friend.  This morning, he once again talked to me as I left for work, asking me to come back and pick him up one more time for some special cuddle time.  He was telling me that he was getting ready to leave me, but I had no idea it would be this soon.  He journeyed to the Rainbow Bridge five minutes before I arrived home tonight, still cuddled under the blanket in his bed where I'd placed him this morning. 

This 17 year old little man will forever hold a special place in my heart, and, like I promised him when I met him, I will never have another boy dachshund.  Rest in peace, Tues...painfree and young.  Give Hope a hug for me, ok? 

I love you,

  Mom (Kathy Hoffman)

Black Ripper

Blackie

5/21/98 - 12/4/09

Blackie was truly “a man’s best friend.”

He and my husband were practically inseparable companions.

Blackie and Bob had the pleasure of going to work together every day.

I loved Blackie with all my heart and it is still hard to believe that Blackie is gone.  Cancer took over and in 3 weeks….Well, I’m glad he didn’t suffer long.

A greyhound is more than a dog.  He is a sweet “old soul”.  He has a history that goes back for thousands of years and he is even in the Bible.  If Jesus had a dog, my guess is, she was a greyhound.

“Blackie, mommy misses you and I’ll see you at Rainbow Bridge!”

Christine Jacobson

Addison Fritz

Addison

5/5/04 - 1/7/10

I lost my best buddy this morning.  Our Addison Fritz crossed the Rainbow Bridge.  Though he never had a racing record, he crossed with his ears perked and his head held high; just like the Champion he was.  We cried.

When we lost Taz, our first grey, 2 ½ years ago, I thought I would never find another guy who could compare.  My Addison did.  Again we feel there can never be a better pup.

Three weeks ago, in preparation for a dental, we found that Addison had kidney failure.  Other than refusing to eat, and obviously losing weight, he showed no signs of how sick he was.  He deteriorated quickly and the sparkle in his eyes began to fade.  But, he never lost his spirit or the smile on his face.  We walked this morning; the route he wanted to take.  I cried.

Addison was handsome and everyone told him that.  He was fun and he was funny.  He liked everyone, especially ladies. He was smart and knew if I showered near to noontime, he was going to make a Project PUP visit.  He got so excited.  The folks loved him.  He reminded me every Monday morning that it was time to go to the park.  When we weren’t walking or visiting he loved to spend his day on our bed, but when it got dark and we went into the bedroom, he relinquished to us. He loved to ride and always knew when we were near our destination.  The tail started wagging and the smile appeared.  He was so predictable and I could tell by his body language exactly what he expected me to do for him.  He had a different “ready to go” message for our 8, 10, 2, 4 and 7 o’clock walks.  He did so much for us in return.

We already miss you so much big guy. Give me your hand.  Nite-nite.

We love you,   

Mom & Dad  (Fred & Betty Freshcorn)

Conch Saladdaddy

Killian

9/14/95 – 11/09

Although he had one of the worst racing names, we loved the name Killian. We had fun coming up with nicknames for him, like Killian J. Killinsworth III, Killamangiro, Silly Killie, and one he really earned was Sir Farts-a-lot. He was a very smart dog. He figured out how to open cabinet doors, how to lift the toilet seat lid for a quick drink and to open the lid on the kitchen trash can. We had to Killie proof the house. Killian wasn't much of a tail wagger, probably due to his back pain, but he did do the "Greyhound Smile" to let us know when he was excited about things.

He was a very enthusiastic bed maker. We would find his bed in the strangest places after a night of fluffing and fussing to get the bed just right. Killian got over some of his shyness and even welcomed petting from children, who he'd been very afraid of. Killian and our little Yorkie were the best of friends and usually shared the same bed together.

This past year we had to take shorter and shorter walks. He was always very happy to go for a walk even though it would be painful. The last couple of months his hind legs would turn to rubber, even after a short walk to the mailbox. It was heartbreaking to watch him slowly succumb to the pain his lower back was causing him.

It was an honor and our pleasure to have Killian as part of our family. He was a good boy and we will miss him.

Donna & Bob

BB The Man

Kerry

6/24/98 – 10/7/09

Kerry crossed the Rainbow Bridge this evening very peacefully at Sunset Point, with his foster parents at his side.

Kerry had another very painful night (arthritis in hip and knee, diagnosed when he first came into foster care) last night, one of many.  He panted and paced most of the night, and one of his rear legs was dragging.  The pain meds were having little effect; it was time to let him go before the pain became unbearable.

While we are sad we never got the chance to place Kerry into his forever home, we are very grateful to his foster parents for giving him a home filled with attention and love during his final months.  Our hearts are with them now as they grieve for his loss.

Woods Lady Lilly

Lilly

12/12/95 – 10/1/09

Lady Lilly was an elegant senior lady when Dave and I had the wonderful opportunity to meet her and take her back into foster care, after the death of her owner.  She was 14 years old, had just lost her loving adopted Mom of ten years, and was in very bad health herself.  But she was still a love in our lives and true royalty.

We knew her only a few days, but she will always be part of our hearts.

Dave & Leslie Hardy

Bellas Rammer

Reno

12/19/99 – 10/1/09

One day I happened to run into PetSmart to grab some cat food.  When I walked in I saw a group of people talking and beautiful greyhounds lying on their beds.  I had never actually seen a greyhound in person.  I just saw them advertised for racing at tracks.  I spoke to one of the foster moms and grabbed some information.  That evening, I went online and saw GREAT’s website and all the beautiful greyhounds that were up for adoption.  I called the very next week and they told me they had just gotten in a new brindle by the name of Reno, and they would be bringing to a meet and greet that following Saturday.  I told them I would be there and would love to meet him.  When I got to the location and walked in, it was love at first sight.  There stood the most beautiful brindle greyhound I had ever seen.  I knew from that moment that dog had to be mine.

I walked up to him and bent down to say hello.  He was very shy and very scared.  I got some background information on him: GREAT got a call from a vet hospital in Citrus County.  Apparently, someone had found a very shy grey and they'd brought him to the vet hospital. The hospital asked if GREAT could take him into foster care, so the volunteers picked him up and brought him home.  Tracing his tattoos and phoning the racing owner/breeder, GREAT found that he had been given to what the breeder/racing owner had thought was a good home.  However, Reno had been on the run for several days judging from the fleas and ticks and his general condition.  The people who'd had him didn't even bother to let the owner/breeder know he'd gotten away from them.  Remarkably he survived being on his own for that time.

I told GREAT I would love to adopt him, and after going through the adoption process, I was approved. I went a few weeks later to pick him up from his foster mom.  When I got him home, he was very scared and I could hardly get him to even eat. I actually sat with him every night on the floor when it was time for his dinner so he would eat.  There were times when he wouldn’t even look me in the eye.  When people would come over to visit Reno would put his head down and shake all over.  I knew I had to do something to help him and I was not giving up until I did.

I contacted a non-harsh obedience training facility in Brandon and signed him up. I was interested in having Reno interact with other dogs to help him overcome his shyness.  We went every Thursday evening for an hour. He did very well in training and it made a huge difference.  I then worked with Reno for about a year taking him different places to interact with other dogs and with people. He improved quite a bit.  Then I decided to adopt another greyhound so he would have a buddy to hang out with in the day time while I was working.  Before I knew it, Reno was a different dog and he finally opened up. The days of having his head down and shaking were finally over.  He actually was wagging his tail and giving out kisses.

Having another greyhound was the best decision I made in order to help Reno overcome his shyness and give him confidence again.  It was such a great feeling to know I made a difference in Reno’s life.  I realized I had gone from not knowing a thing about greyhounds to having the most wonderful experience and feeling of accomplishment in giving Reno the best life I could. I had him for 8 years and he was 10 when he passed away. He brought so much joy to my life over the years.  Saying goodbye to him was the most difficult thing I ever had to do. I will forever miss him, he will always be in my heart and I will never ever forget him!

Laura Maranto

Victory Dashin

Dash

3/20/00 – 9/21/09

Mohican Toyota

Camryn

4/29/00 – 8/22/09

SI Kimberly

Bandit

10/11/95 – 7/29/09

RJ's Fonzie

Fonzie

10/27/99 – 7/16/09