Just a quick note

 

Several years ago, 2004 to be exact, we fostered a beautiful brood mama named Barbie. She was the sweetest dog ever. It took us a long time to find a family for her, but when we did, it was the best family ever. A retired couple, Don and Jody, gave Barbie her forever home. Don and Jody were faithful followers of Itsa Greyt Day.

We would see them and hear from them occasionally. It was especially heartbreaking when we learned that Barbie had lost her battle with cancer.

They adopted two more greyhounds from us, completely in love with the breed. Don and Jody were dog people through and through.

Today we were saddened to learn that Jody lost her battle with cancer last month. Jody was elegant and kind; when I grow up, I want to be just like her. And yes, the world is missing a greyt dog lover.

I popped into my office for a brief moment today and sitting in my mail box was a sweet photo collage from Molly and her momma Debby (also faithful followers of Itsa Greyt Day). Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for thinking of us. Debby, you put a huge smile on my face.

And last, but not least, Flocko is sending Bunny a big, wet and sloppy kiss.

Happy Friday!

Back in the day

 

Greyhound Gardens was sort of a Grand Greyhound Station. We were a revolving door for hounds as they found their forever families. I loved that time, and I loved every greyhound that crossed our threshold. 

Some of them managed to wrap their paws around our hearts more than others. This is Barbie. She was a broodie and was absolutely the sweetest dog. Week after week we would show her to families and there just was never a bond. Secretly, I was relieved, she could have become a garden hound. In October 2004, four months after she joined us, we found the better than perfect family.

Don and Jody loved Barbie and Barbie adored them. Sweet Barbie went to the rainbow bridge much too soon, but we still keep in contact (Hi Don and Jody).

I'm sure you all recognize this bluetiful hound boy. Yes, my Danny Bleu was one of those failed fosters. Well sort of. The minute Danny and I laid eyes on each other, we were one.

I spoiled him totally rotten from the very beginning, no body else would have wanted him.

We didn't know it, but Barbie was Danny's momma. It wasn't until around the time she went to live with Don and Jody that we discovered the connection.

Stay tuned, more tails to come.

November

Bentley • April 7, 1997 – April 6, 2004

November is National Canine Cancer Awareness month.

As I thought back, I realized that the evil beast has taken way to many of our babies.

Phoebe • October 1, 1991 – November 27, 2005

Gracie • September 15, 1994 – March 25, 2006

Cleo • December 22, 1995 – March 28, 2008

Fonzi • October 4, 1999 – February 10, 2009

Barbie • April 16, 1996 – October 13, 2007

Duncan • April 22, 1999 – May 14, 2010

And so, as I looked a little farther, I learned that one in three dogs will be diagnosed with canine cancer.

The National Canine Cancer Foundation is raising money for research grants to help find a cure.

Who knows, maybe if we can find a cure in canines, we can find a cure in humans.

December 18

Another call came. A ten year old girl was being bounced through no fault of her own. Sadly, Gracie had just been diagnosed with osteosarcoma and we didn't feel we could take another greyhound.

We lost Gracie a few weeks later. In Gracie's honor I called to see if Cleo still needed a home and sure enough, she was waiting. She came as an only child and soon adapted to a big family. She was a true delight.



Barbie was another one of the Humane Society calls. Her family had left her off to be put-to-sleep. She was way to wonderful for that, even at ten years old, so home she came.