|
SKIDDY JOLT
I had looked at greyhounds for months and just
couldn't seem to find the right dog for us. I knew that I was looking
for a dog with a personality that "clicked". I had it in my mind that I
didn't want a Black or Brindle and it had to be a female. Well, then
came along Skiddy Jolt, a Blue Brindle male with the most beautiful
golden eyes I had ever seen. From the minute I met him, he touched my
heart and at that moment I knew that he was the "one". In July 2002, at
the age of 2, Jolt moved into our house and our hearts.
On Labor Day Weekend 2007 at the young age of 7, Jolt left us and began
his journey to the Rainbow Bridge.
|
Jolt June 20, 2000
- September 3, 2007 |
|
SI
CONDOR (Millie)
Millie was a special shy girl that
brought joy, tears and laughter into her family. She learned to
trust and enjoy life.
Millie was a gentle soul that blossomed
under her mommy's loving care. She grew to enjoy company,
treats, the beach and her walks.
Millie is sadly missed by her family
and everyone that was fortunate enough to have gotten to know her.
She made her journey to the Rainbow
Bridge on October 12, 2007.
|
Millie March 28, 1999 -
October 12, 2007 |
|
FOXIE BRITANY
Britany was saved by a caring
vet tech whom just could let anything happen to this precious
baby. She came into our lives and made us laugh.
Britany was such a happy-go-lucky, fun-loving girl, and of coarse,
she knew everything was always all about her!
Britany will always be loved
and hold a special place in our hearts.
|
Britany November 23, 2002- March 10, 2007 |
PA'S SQUID WORD
Once again, a little 2 year old troublemaker, wild child came
into my life. She would jump on top of double stacked
crates, and from turnout pen to turnout pen just to be close to
her trainer. GRFT knew as soon as I heard about Squid I
would jump at the chance to work with her. With only 10
weeks of training she was ready to compete and with only 14
weeks under her belt she earned two AKC titles.
She also had her AXJ agility title and was invited to the AKC
national Invitational in 2007 as the #2 ranked agility greyhound
in the country.
Squid's AKC name is Sea Creature NA OAJ
Squid fought a long
illness and we battled with all we had but she lost her fight on
March 20, 2007. She is sadly missed and will never be
forgotten by many.
We love you Squidy.
|
Squidy October 14,
2002 - March 20, 2007 |
|
LOOSER TMW
Cricket was the start of a life
change. She brought love and gentleness to our home. She was
always forgiving of those human errors that brought her to us.
Cricket was the inspiration of
Cricket's Kreations. It is in her memory that we give to GRFT so
that they can continue to help retired Greyhounds and bring happiness
into homes.
Cricket will always be remembered and
sadly missed by her family and friends.
|
|
Cricket 03/14/2000 -
12/10/2007 |
|
|
ALLI
Alli was our inspiration for
the creation of Greyhound Rescue Foundation of Tennessee.
She was a special girl who
never raced as she was from an oops litter, raised and injured in
the adoption kennel at Birmingham race track She was never tattooed
nor given an official race name. She was our big
girl Alli.
She helped many
retired Greyhounds adjust to retirement in her home.
She would teach them respect in a calming Alli way.
Sadly missed by her family
and many Greyhound friends.
Alli made her journey to the
Rainbow Bridge on February 14, 2008.
|
Alli
July 1997 - February 14, 2008 |
|
|
GREYS FLASH TIME
Sasha as she was known by all that
loved her was one of the founding members of GRFT. She taught many
fosters to become pets and companions and she was the model Greyhound.
Sasha loved people of all sizes, chasing
chipmunks, and her special treats.
Sasha will be remember with
gentle tears by all that knew her.
|
|
Sasha
April 25, 1995 - 2008 |
|
P'S SANDY
(Saundra)
Saundra entered my life in the Spring
of 2001. From the moment I saw her, she was my girl. Her name changed
from P's Sandy to my Saundra Dee. She had been a bounce back twice. She
became sister to Fantasy (Greyhound) and Cleo Marie (IG).My first red &
white girl went to Rainbow Bridge in 2000. With Saundra, my world was
right again with my red & white girl. Saundra loved "her mom" more than
anything in the world and I felt the same.
She filled my heart with love and laughter. People would ask if she was
part Labrador retriever due to her weight, her happy go
lucky attitude, and how she loved to play with Labradors in the water at
Bark Park. She always made foster Greyhounds secure and to many
people was known as the Greyhound psychologist.
If Saundra could speak she would have said "Just be yourself" as she
did.
Saundra lost her fight with a malignant spinal tumor July 14, 2008. We
fought it together with
all we had. I'm glad we had the last three
months to talk about Rainbow Bridge and that my first Greyhound Ferna
would meet her and how much I loved her. My life is not the same with
her gone and she is so sadly missed.
|
Saundra Dee
09/02/96 - July 14, 2008 |
|
|
CUZZIN BLUE JEANS
(Spencer)
Spencer was truly a best
friend to those that knew him. He loved children and
adults alike. All of Spencer's siblings were adopted
through GRFT with Spencer being the last in the litter to
retire. Having met all the others, when George Mullins,
the breeder made a haul to us Mike and I let him know we wanted
the last boy in the littler when he retired. Spencer was 4
1/2 years old when he retired and he just crawled right into our
hearts.
Run free our precious gentle
boy. Until we meet again.
Spencer is sadly missed not
only by Mike & Janis but their granddaughters also miss their best
buddy.
|
Spencer July 19, 1999 -September 9, 2008 |
|
|
Y KNOT GLORY
The course of my life was changed
when GloBug entered it on May 3, 2004. She brought with her joy &
sunshine, love & laughter. She was a happy hound with a coat of velvet
& soulful eyes. She loved to snuggle, she loved to eat and she loved
to go, go, go. She greeted each day with a joyful enthusiasm that she
happily shared. There was no doubt she looked forward to the
adventures that might unfold.
She opened a door for me into the
wonderful of world of greyhounds. I was lucky to have her in my life
and I am grateful for each precious moment.
She captured my heart, touched my
soul and left this world a better place for having been in it.
|
GloBug
December 19, 2001 - October 10, 2008 |
|
|
P'S FREERIDE
He was the light of my
life and my best friend. Freeride never got in trouble because he never
did anything wrong. I miss him being in the house. It will never be
the same without him. Freeride was better than a best friend. He went
boating and fishing with me, he liked to stand in the lake and I know
there will never be anything or anyone that will mean that much to me
again. I miss that look he had that was so special and the playful look
with one ear up and one ear down and all the times we played with his
toys.
I know I can never find another
Freeride. He was my big boy and my baby and he will always be in my
heart.
|
|
Freeride
June 27, 1997 - October 10, 2008 |
|
|
SEEK A JAM
Today our beautiful, elegant and regal Jake
crossed the Rainbow Bridge. He would have been 12 years old in March. We
were privileged to have him as part of our family for 6 years. It had
become more difficult for him as his arthritis progressed and it was
time to let him go. There is no more sacred promise, and no harder
decision to make.
When Jake came to us he had been returned 3 times in his short lifetime
through no fault of his own. He snuggled up to Patrick and we all knew
that Jake had found his true forever home. He was named King of the
Beach at Beach Bound Hounds that year and looked the part. He gained
confidence and blossomed under Patrick's love and attention.
Jake can now run pain free as he joins his sisters Millie and Sasha and
all his GRFT friends at the Rainbow Bridge. He will remain in our hearts
and will be remembered with much love. Our hearts are saddened and the
house is much too quiet without his gentle reminder that he needs a
"cookie".
|
Jake March 21, 1997 - January 13, 2009 |
|
|
BESSIE
Our
little Bessie took her journey to the Rainbow Bridge today, January
13, 2009. Ron and I adopted Bessie one year ago at the age of 12
1/2. Frail and depressed when she joined our family. We were
so blessed to watch her gain weight and become a happy fun loving
little Greyhound. Though our time with her was short. We and her
sister Greyhounds Francie and Cindy were happy to show her what it
was like to live in a loving family. We will always remember how
much she loved her little stuffies (even taking them with her at
potty time), hugging us with her head and cuddling with her sister
Cindy. Bessie we love you and will miss you and will be looking
forward to seeing you and your sister Cricket at the Bridge
someday.
|
Bessie went to the Rainbow Bridge on
01/13/09 |
|
|
SOLITARY LOVE
Bailey was one of the first fosters
to come into GRFT at the age of 4.
Over the years, I’ve heard so many
stories about Bailey’s life in rescue before she came to live with
us—ten months in Knoxville with you guys. I know many of you cared about
her and knew that she was a special girl. I also heard a few
stories about what she was like when you found her in
Birmingham. I have to share one of my favorite as well as
annoying things about Bailey. Almost every night, she wanted attention
in the middle of the night. She would come and stand by the bed, and if
we didn’t notice, she would bump her chest against the bed as if to give
us a warning. If no one responded, you can be sure that her next step
was to take that especially long and cold nose of hers and run it along
any bare patch of skin that she could find! A few pats of reassurance,
and she’d go back to bed. Let me tell you that both Steve and I
experienced this many, many times over the years, and I’ll actually miss
this.
While Steve and
I are sad, we know we’ll cherish our memories of Bailey. Steve and I have
held a bit of an Irish wake in her memory, and we even had Bartlett
participate. We will take Bailey’s remains out to our farm. We’ll plant
a tree in her honor, and we’ll bury her with her favorite purple stuffed
crab that Mike and Janis gave us when we adopted her. |
|
Bailey
June 20, 1996 - March 10, 2009 |
|
|
BOW DEWDROP
Dewey was a special dog that will
be remembered by us many times a day. Dave has reflected
several times today how difficult it was not to have Dewey follow
him down stairs for breakfast and how he missed Dew rubbing his head
against his leg wanting to be pet. For the past year and a half,
Dewey waited in my room for me to get ready in the morning and when
he saw me go into my sock drawer, he would stand up and get
excited. Some mornings if I took too long by his standards he would
bark at me. He knew that once my shoes were on it was time for a
walk. AFTER his walk I was free to do as I pleased but, not until
he went around the block. Dewey was always the first one to greet
us whenever we returned home and always got the girls excited as
well. He helped Trudy to come out of her shell and she felt
confident getting up to greet us as long as Dewey was nearby. She
and Jazzy seemed to look for Dewey both inside and out last night
when we returned home without him. They will miss their friend
as we do but, they will recieve extra love because they have become
more precious now. We are very thankful and honored to have been a
part of Dewey's life and to have been loved by him. May he enjoy
his final forever home more than he did ours.
We love you Dew
|
|
Dewey
November 19, 2003 - July 24, 2009 |
|
|
SKIDDY DOC
Skiddy Doc was originally adopted
through Smokey Mountain Greyhounds and because a GRFT pups when his
family could no longer keep him.
Zev became the call name for this
special boy who had lots of love to give and give it he did his whole
life. First with children, helping to teach 3 young children to
walk while holding on. Zev lost this home due to the doctor
thinking the kids were allergic.
Zev was then adopted by a family with
4 small children with the two youngest about 9 months so he had another
job teaching the youngsters to walk. After about 3 years this
family no longer needed Zev and abandoned him at a vet's office.
Fuzzy & Nina again came to Zev's rescue.
Zev had finally hit the jackpot when
a wonderful couple fell in love with him before even meeting him.
There are those among us that fall for the eyes and just know that is
the one for us. Bettie fell head over heals for this boy and made
him her own until the day he left this earth to be with those that had
gone before him.
Zev knew love in his life but also
rejection and abandonment but he never lost the will to give of
himself to others. Fuzzy & Nina and Bettie & John
helped to bring peace and love into Zev's life.
Sadly missed by all that had the good
fortune to get to know him. Run with the wind big boy. |
Zev May 21, 1998 - July 20, 2009 |
|
WINFRA LIL SPOT
It is with a heavy heart that we
grieve the loss of our most precious little shy girl Lexie. She was
helped to cross over the bridge this morning.
Lexie was our little miracle girl that had overcome every
obstacle that came her way through the years. We remember
all the baby steps she had to take to get past her many
fears. She truly looked to us for safety and reassurance
as she wondered into this big spooky world. Lexie would
always stand behind Mike or I and cry for the one that had
walked away. She would hide in corners or run up the steps
when we had company and forget a child coming into the
house, that was very frightening.
She was always in need of her Mom and Dad. It was with
sadness and a broken heart we let Lexie go. She will always
be remembered as our miracle girl and have that special
place in our hearts forever.
Sadly missed and always loved,
until we meet again.
|
Lexis
October 9, 1998 - October 12, 2009 |
|
PAT C YAKKING
On a Saturday in February of 2002 I
started my journey into the wonderful world of Greyhounds. John
and I and my friend, Marty, decided to check out Pet Supply City because
the Greyhounds were there. Like so many others, I had never seen a
Greyhound "up close and personal," and fell promptly in love.
There was this beautiful red and white 4 1/2 year old that Brenda named
Carson because he looked like Kit Carson's pinto pony. I was
smitten. I had to wait three long weeks before I could get my baby
but it was worth the wait. Carson opened the door to not only the
most fabulous breed of dog known to mankind, but to a world of new
friends that I am proud to call my "Greyhound Family." Yes, Mike I
was going to have just "one" Greyhound but you knew better. Five
Greyhounds and many fosters later, I am still amazed at these wonderful
creatures. God gave me Carson for over seven
wonderful years. He would sit and listen to me when I needed to
talk and would let me cry into his neck when I needed to cry. I
promised him that I would never let him suffer and when he went down I
knew it was time. It didn't make it any easier, but I kept my
promise and let God have him back.
Good night, sweet prince.
Wait for me at the bridge.
My love forever. |
Carson August 11, 1997
- October 12, 2009 |
|
C YOU PUFF IN
It is with deep sadness and a broken
heart that we said Goodbye to our Nikki. She always brought a
smile to our faces with her love of life. Nikki was a happy,
active beautiful girl. Not everyone got to see the
cuddly, kissy side of Nikki as she had a little scared side with
strangers.
Nikki was handed to Mike & I with
a condition that we adopt her. We were not looking for another at
the time but she stole our hearts in the first minutes so there was
never a question that she would not find her home with us.
Nikki always welcomed all the new
fosters into her home and let them know life was good.
Nikki our love was unselfish and
we let you go but you will always have your place in our hearts.
Run free our sweet girl.
Sadly missed, always loved, until
we meet again. |
Nikki
September 20, 1999 - December 4, 2009 |
|
CUZZIN LEVI
Our precious Levi went to the Rainbow
bridge on Tuesday. He was diagnosed with
bone cancer and UT informed us that it would spread in a matter
of weeks. We did not want him to suffer or be in any pain.
Cuzzin Levi came to us in 2003... He was straight from the track and
showed up in Mike and Janis' backyard. My son was 3 and we went to see
the 'doggies'. Levi walked straight up to Tyler and gave him a wet nose
'hello', that was going to be our dog! (little did I know that Mike was
not ready to part with Levi)
We all say that there has been one special dog in our lives and he was
the one! Our hearts are still aching but we are comforted in knowing
that he will not have to suffer. When we said our prayers last night,
Tyler, our son, said that Levi was probably laughing at us for crying so
much over him. I know each day will get easier.
Levi will always be loved by those
who knew him. |
Levi July 19,
1999 - December 15, 2009 |
|
STORMY SEA SHELL
I first saw Macy Grey on the Florida
website. A big beautiful blue girl named Stormy Sea Shell, and I
fell in love. I immediately called Janis and she put in a request
for her. We thought she was coming to Tennessee, but just days
before her scheduled travel date she was adopted to a family in Florida.
I was very disappointed and our search for a blue girl continued.
About 4 months later we got a call that Stormy Sea Shell had been
returned and within a few days she was in Tennessee and had moved into
our home and our hearts.
Macy Grey is the name she chose
for herself from the long list of options we had tried out. She
was such a regal lady at times, and just a bag goofy girl at others.
She seemed to take on the role of matriarch of our pack, canine and
human alike. She like having her way, she like order and above all
she liked keeping her brother and sisters in line. She could be
very loving, she could be very aloof and at times she could be right
down obstinate. A very unique personality for a very unique girl.
We love you and we miss you our
sweet baby. You will forever be in our hearts.
Run free with your sister
Britney.........Run free our big girl |
Macy Grey
October 10, 2001 - February 13, 2010 |
HUSKA DORA
Dora was our very first greyhound. We had the
wonderful opportunity to choose her from among several new retirees
that had just arrived. Little did we know that soon our hearts
would be totally wrapped around that little girl’s paw! She was so
full of energy and delight and was so very well behaved. We were
amazed at how she gently reminded the family of the various meal or
snack times. She totally filled the house with joy and love.
With overwhelming sadness, we said goodbye to
our Dora today (she was only 4). She was suffering from cancer of
the GI tract. Even knowing we would only have 2 short years with
her, we would pick her again from that yard full of dogs without
hesitation! She will forever mark pawprints on our hearts. God
rest her soul in peace now!
Until we meet again, my angel ....
|
Dora
January 27, 2006 - February 23, 2010 |
OKIE DAWN
Today, my Bonnie Blue, the stately
matriarch of my pack, crossed the Rainbow Bridge to join
her beloved Carson. For the last several months, Bonnie
had been suffering from severe arthritis in her hips,
and it had really gotten bad the last several weeks.
She had to struggle so hard just to get up and down, and
as much as I wanted to keep her with me, it wasn't fair
to her.
Bonnie was always the
"mom" of the group, trying to keep the young-uns in line
when they got too rowdy. While being very independent,
she was always generous with her kisses and tail wags.
She wasn't your typical "blue dog." She had her blue
moments (while I was preparing dinner for everyone, she
would grab a toy and run back and forth in the house -
this was the only time that she did that!!). Six months
ago today I lost Carson, my king, and today I lost my
queen.I
know that Carson was waiting for her at the bridge, and
both are now running free of pain and carefree. And I
know that I will see them again.
|
Bonnie- Blue
July 27, 1999 - April 12, 2010 |
|
KISSABLE
Kissie found her home on May 13,
2002 and was loved by a Mommy, Dad, and 2 skin kids.
She was given several Greyhounds
to share her home with as the years went by.
Kissie has left a large hole in
her families' heart.
Sadly missed and never forgotten. |
Kissie
January 12, 1998 - April 12, 2010 |
|
KIOWA SANTA GAY
Gabby spent several years
entertaining and caring for folks in a nursing home but when she aged
and needed special attention Gabby found herself back in foster care at
12 years old.
A very caring family saw and fell
in love with Gabby and offered her a loving home for as long as Gabby
could allow them to share with her.
Gabby was called to the rainbow
bridge on May 23, 2010 at 11:00 PM. Her family says she was a
wonderful addition to their family and she will be greatly missed.
Gabby touched all of our hearts
and will always hold a special place with those that were lucky enough
to have known her. |
Gabby October
1997 - May 23, 2010
|
|
AKINS OUTLAW
I remember telling Sydney that if and
when he had any pain from cancer or his seizures grew worse I promised
him I wouldn't let him suffer.
Well I kept my word but Becky and
I are the ones that are suffering. I know we gave him a good life,
I know he was getting old and I know he wouldn't want to live in pain
with the
bone cancer, so yes I had to keep my word that I promised him
but, it's so hard. Sydney didn't hurt anybody and never even
barked at the grandkids as they all but laid on him--he loved the
attention. Such a good boy- my buddy.
Sydney has join the other
greyhounds and they are all running on pain free "legs".
Thanks Mike and Janis---you
changed our lives. |
Sydney November 29,
1999 - June 3, 2010 |
|
HOT RODDER
Sadie as she was know to her family
and friends. Such love and trust from a sweet girl.
Sadie went into her home and helped to make it a family. She
accepted the little barkers as her siblings.
Sadie was loved each day and when
the end came she was given with that love.
Run pain free sweet Sadie.
You will be missed and never forgotten. |
Sadie
December 19, 1997 - June 14, 2010 |
|
ARGOT
It is with a very sad heart that I
let you know that my sweet greyhound, Arthur, whom some of you knew as
Argot, passed away this week at the tender age of six.
Arthur had developed a limp which
turned out to be bone cancer and did not survive the amputation surgery
I had hoped would allow him to spend more time here pain-free.
If you knew him, you knew he was
as gentle as any greyhound could ever be and was a perfect match for me.
He was a companion, a friend and family.
He will be missed dearly and remembered fondly, but I am grateful he is
no longer suffering.
Thank you to everyone who helped bring Arthur into my life. I am
indebted to all of you.
Arthur was a trooper but some
things just happen for reasons we have to accept without understanding.
Sadly gone from our lives but
never forgotten. |
Arthur
June 26, 2004 - July 22, 2010 |
|
LADY MAE SASSY
Sassy was a wonderful ambassador to
the Greyhound breed. She worked with the nursing home residents
until they smiled. She never complained and enjoyed her family and
friends.
Sassy is now running free without
pain at the rainbow bridge with Prince and Bandit. We feel it was
a privilege to have her as long as we did. Sassy turned 11
in May.
Sadly missed and always loved by
family and friends. Run free sweet girl. |
Sassy
May 30, 1999 - July 23, 2010 |
|
KAYJAY COWELL
Dundee was a beautiful blue boy that
became a family member in June 2006. He had the Greyhound
personality and elegance.
Dundee was much loved by family and
friends and will be
missed by all that knew him.
Run free sweet boy until we meet
again. |
Dundee
October 12, 2002 - June 1, 2010 |
|
OKELANI
It is with a heavy heart that I share
with y'all that a cherished member of my family passed away yesterday.
I have allowed Lani to join her sister, Asia and many cousins at the
Rainbow Bridge. There are those that come to us as chosen and then those
that come to us as a miracle. Lani was a miracle for sure.
No one knew her name or her past or even how old she was.
I am blessed to have
had her in my life for the last two and a half years,
although I honestly don't feel like it was long enough.
I hope that she felt loved and knows that I did my best
to love her and keep her safe. Since I don't know
where she came from (as she was the greyhound left at
Petsmart), I can only hope that what she knew with our
family was the best years of her life.
Please keep us in
your thoughts as we adjust to life without her. She is
loved deeply and sadly missed.
Run Free, my Sweet Lani. Run Free.
|
Lani
December 25, 1999 - August 10, 2010 |
|
JP'S CINNAROMA
Lily spent the first two years of her
life waiting for us to find her. She knew how much we needed her.
Stroking her silky ears helped ease John’s mother's pain during her
final days.
A year after
Lily arrived she became the very patient big sister to Ginger. She
tried to teach Ginger the “Cookie Monster head roll” but was never quite
successful. Lily took the simple act of asking for a cookie to an art
form.
Her last three
years were a constant struggle. SLO caused all her toenails to
painfully fall off; lymphangiectasia gave her chronic diarrhea; and
cancer, which she fought silently until it was too late to help, proved
to be her last battle.
She had two
great joys in life – hunting squirrels in the park, which she did
faithfully twice a day, and running in the snow.
Lily was the
perfect dog. She is greatly missed by all those who knew her and loved
her.
|
Lily
August 10, 2003 - September 4, 2010 |
|
SYSTEM MR EMILY
We adopted Emily in 2005.
Her name should have been spunky. She ran the house from the day
we brought her home.
Emily was adopted twice and came
back to us twice, through no fault of her own. She was a cuddler
and was my husbands heart dog. I loved her too but, Dave was
her favorite.
Emily entertained people in the
nursing home. If she didn't go there on a particular day they
would always ask "Where's Emily"?
We miss her terribly but I know
she is pain free and keeping Sassy company at the Rainbow Bridge.
Run Free Sweet Emily |
Emily
August 28, 1999 - September 3, 2010 |
|
HI DEE
Hi-D passed away June 20, 2010 after
a battle with bone cancer. She was such a gentle girl, even
letting the little Pappion eat before she would. She also mothered
the new kitten, washing its face often.
We miss her so much.
|
Hi-D
July 1999 - June 20, 2010 |
|
HONEYS KALEEYAK
It
is with deep sorrow that we had to help our beloved "Honey" a.k.a.
"Honeys Kaleeyak" over the Rainbow Bridge this afternoon. She is
now at peace. Honey,
you have met brother Ringo, many cousins and many
friends. Run free sweet princess!
When you tire, sleep at the
feet of the master, and
look down on us inadequate mortals without
condemnation. You know in your heart of hearts that we did our best to
give you a safe and happy home and all of the love that this house could
provide. There comes a time in every creatures life when
ones burden becomes to heavy to bear. Your time had come sweetheart.
The cancer was eating
at you - your frail old legs no longer functioned
properly and at fourteen years old we did what was best for you.
So Honey, you have left us for a better place. You
will be dearly missed, but never out of our thoughts.
So dear princess, sleep well, and
THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING US
FOR YOUR
FOREVER HOME.. |
Honey
September 22, 1996 - October 7, 2010 |
|
BUILTLIKEAOIFE
It is with a very heavy heart that I
post that my sweet blue brindle baby Aoife went to the Rainbow Bridge
today.
I found her in distress today and
took her to the vet but they couldn't save her. Ever since the
passing of her sister, Lani, in August...Aoife has been much more clingy
and almost like she knew the end was near.
I treasure every single day I got
to spend with her. I was lucky enough to love be able to
love her. She was an 8 1/2 yr old brood mama who was most
definitely NOT cat safe! If y'all remember her at the beach these last
three years, she would perk up at the sound of any small dog! She
cracked me up! Over these last few months, she has become my third
leg....really sticking close. I must admit that I have loved every
minute of it. I am so thankful that I got to enjoy these last two
years of her life giving her all the love in the world and watching her
take joy in the wonderful, relaxing life of retirement. I believe
she appreciated it more than most! I am already missing her
terribly and I find it difficult to find the words to say goodbye.
I am trying to take joy in the fact that she is running free at the
bridge with her sisters Lani & Asia. I love you so much, Aoife.
You have left a huge hole in our hearts and we mourn for you with the
utmost love and respect for such a wonderful, loving, beautiful girl.
Run Free with your sisters. We will remember you always.. |
Aoife
January 12, 2000 - October 12, 2010 |
|
DULY'S HERMAN
Giles was a special boy from
the moment he entered our lives eight years ago. It's hard to put
into words what made Giles special so I won't try.
Giles came back into GRFT after 6
years and the Haley- Stafford household at the age of 9. I knew, even
before we signed the adoption papers, that he would spend his remaining
days with us.
Someone once told me that even though they had dogs when they were
growing up, all sorts, shapes and breeds none had ever evoked the
emotions that they have for their greyhounds and how their hearts had
been taken by this gentle, special breed. I think that is a
fitting explanation for the impact that Giles had on our lives.
Giles will be remembered with much
love and will be missed by all who knew him. We are grateful that we had
that second chance with him and will take comfort from the fact that he
is welcomed by his sisters, Millie and Sasha and brother Jake as well as
all his GRFT friends at the bridge.
Run free, without pain and forever
in our hearts dear Giles. |
Giles
May 1, 2000 - December 6, 2010 |
|
RJ'S HUNTER
Hunter, like so many others chose us
to be his family. We met at the end of October 2002 when we had gone to
see a small female. Hunter demanded scratches and would gently swat
with his paw with a pitiful plea with his brown eyes. Once he had mom
in his pocket, he moved on to Dad Bruce who soon also fell victim to his
charms. By evening’s end we know he would be ours.
Hunter was the
perfect dog, happy just lying on his pillow or playing with his monkey
and stomping on it to make it “talk”. He loved camping and his ears
perked up at the mention of the word. He always wore his “yappy camper”
hat. Everyone in our camping group loved Hunter and will miss him.
He was anxious to please, obedient and never disappointed us. We know
that we enriched Hunter's life by giving him a home filled with belly
scratching and love but we also know that Hunter enriched our life by
always being happy to see us, nudging us to pet him, leaning against us
in love and sighing with complete confidence that he was safe with us.
He knew something that day 8 years ago that we came to realize too.
The three of us were meant to be together. He will be greatly missed. |
Hunter May 9,
2000 - January 12, 2011 |
|
CD'S FLO
We lost our girl Bartlett today. She
was 15, and she was part of our family for almost 11 years.
Bartlett (CDs Flo) was amazing from the first day with me through her
last hours.
When Bart first came into the
house, she bounded in and immediately jumped up on my kitchen table!!
Wow, that was a statement to stand there defiantly with four paws firmly
planted on the table top!!
With a little patience, training, and understanding, Bartlett became a
wonderful companion and even a registered therapy dog. We had
almost 11 years with Bart--10 of those years with Steve, 8 with Bailey,
and 2 with Mighty. We spoiled Bart over the last few days, and
Steve even brought home a biscuit and gravy, bacon, and eggs for her to
have today. We came home tonight and opened a bottle of champagne
to celebrate Bart's life. She was a great member of our family,
and we'll certainly miss her.
Hugs to all of our friends in
greyhound rescue--both human and canine! |
Bartlett
November 7, 1995 - January 19, 2011 |
|
CH ELIJAH
Eli was
my first greyhound. I had gone to the meet and greet with my mind set on
bringing home a little girl. Instead, I walk in and this big
whiney black boy comes up and leans right into me. He just looked
up at me with those loving eyes .and my heart was his. Then the antics
began...as he jumped up and tried to knock over the gerbil display! LOL
That
loving, welcoming, not-a-care-in-the-world attitude is what I remember
most about Eli. He has known every foster that has passed through our
doors and welcomed each one of them exactly the same....with the kind,
loving eyes and attitude that they quickly learned from him how to enjoy
this wonderful life called retirement. He was also quick to teach them
that he was the boss of this house.
He
stole my heart on that August day four-and-a-half years ago and came
into my home and my life and changed me forever. My heart will
always be his and it has grown so much because of him. He was most
definitely my heart dog...
This
house is much too quiet without him....he was definitely my whiney dog.
But that was music to my ears.....and I miss it. He was quick to tell me
exactly what he thought of whatever I was doing.....and it will take
time to get over that.I love
him so much and can only hope that he is running pain-free with his
sisters Asia, Okelani & Aoife and many many cousins.
My
heart is aching and my tears are flowing.....I miss him more than I can
say with words.....
We love
you Eli. |
Eli
January 19, 2002 - January 31, 2011 |
|
RIP RACEY DELUXE
Racey came into our lives as one
spooky boy who had special requirements and needs. Racey found his
special person that was willing to jump through hoops, build a life
around his needs and through that love and patience Racey became a
confident playful Greyhound.
Racey touched many lives and
opened may door so that others could feel the love of that special mom.
Run free our "Racey Dog" we love
you forever. |
Racey
June 7, 2002 - February 18, 2011
|
|
DULY'S JOKER
Josie was our first attempt at fostering, and John and I
knew before we even got home with her that late
September day that she was not going anywhere.
Josie was our “blue girl” in a brindle coat. A little
wild child that brought us many laughs and terror to the
cats in the neighborhood. She survived a horribly
broken leg in 2003, and it was then that we learned just
how strong our little girl was.
There won’t be anymore 6:30 a.m. choir practices for us,
and that is one of the things that I will miss the
most. I hope the good Lord is not a late sleeper,
‘cause Josie will have the heavens going by dawn every
day!!
Run free of pain, Josie Roo-Roo, with Carson, Bonnie and
Buddy and all your brothers and sisters that have passed
on before you.
You
will be in my heart forever.
|
Josie
February 29, 2000 - March 8, 2011 |
|
KIOWA DARK DITA
It is with a very broken heart that I
let Gracie Lou go to the bridge at 10:10 AM Friday, March 18, 2011.
The Lumbar Stenosis had become
progressively worse and her back legs and hips were no longer working.
I don't know what I will do
without her as she was truly my heart dog.
A major portion of my heart and
life left this side of heaven today.
Gracie was a beautiful girl inside
and out. She will always be loved.
|
Gracie Lou October 28,
1998 - March 18, 2011 |
|
HK'S CONNIE
Reagan as she was know by all that
knew and loved her left her family today, May 6th of 2011. |
Reagan
September 12, 2004 - May 6, 2011 |
WHERE'S ALLIE
Allie was born August 1, 1997
and lost her battle with cancer in June 2011. The Rainbow
Bridge now has the presence of our queen. Allie was a very
special girl and more human than a lot of people. We never
had to teach the fosters that came through our home because
Allie took over and taught them how to do steps, crate well, eat
and play with toys even though playing was beneath her she still
taught them how to play. She was the most wonderful hound
in our world and we feel very honored to have known her.
She gave us 10 fantastic years and the end came too soon.
We will never forget her or stop loving her. I know Allie
will be as good at the Rainbow Bridge as she was here.
We will always love you
and will never forget you my sweet, sweet baby girl. Thank
you GRFT for bringing Allie into our lives.
|
Allie
August 1, 1997 - June 18, 2011 |
|
LEGS WINGER
My precious baby girl crossed rainbow bridge 7-12-11. She lost
her battle with histiocytic sarcoma. It was so hard to let her go
but, she could not go on.
Lilly was a quiet gentle soul, so elegant and regal with a
presence that everyone loved.
When asked if she was a rescue I said yes but the truth is
she rescued me. Lilly was my constant companion. She went to work with
me everyday and traveled the country showing horses. With her kind face
and beautiful color people always wanted to pet and talk about her.
Lilly had two funny little dances. One for let’s go outside
NOW and one was her happy to see you dance.
We had a little over a year together which wasn’t enough. I
am so grateful to everyone at GRFT who brought Lilly into my life and
who offered their support when she became ill.
Lilly your no longer in pain so run free my sweet baby girl.
My broken heart aches and I will forever love you. Be waiting at the
bridge for me Miss Lilly doing the happy dance. |
Lilly May
22, 2002 - July 12, 2011 |
|
KOKO SIRLOIN
Koko was a beautiful shy little
girl when she enter her new home on May 2, 2004 at almost 2 years old.
She was able to celebrate her birthday in her new home with her family.
She opened the world of Greyhounds and has been able to help many on
their journey in retirement.
Koko was a trouper to the end and
was able to say good-bye to friends and family just days before heading
to the Rainbow Bridge. She has truly left her mark on many.
Run free Angel Girl and know that
you will always have a spot in our hearts. Never to be forgotten
and always loved. |
Koko
May 12, 2002 - July 27, 2011 |
|
HAL'S BEST STUFF
With a very heavy heart it pains us
to say that after seven incredible years of knowing Luke, we had to let
him cross the Bridge.
We rescued Luke in July 2004 after
we met him at a GRFT Meet & Greet at a car lot gazebo near
Sevierville. We felt he chose us that day. He walked
up to us and didn't leave our side, and while we were warned that he was
very skittish and would need some help transitioning into daily life as
a sweet and lovable dog, we were committed to give him the life he
deserved. From the moment we met Luke, he changed our lives.
We have spent seven wonderful years doting on him, playing with him,
taking him with us to work...and have been blessed to see him transform
from Spookie Lukie into this amazing, compassionate, goofy and
incredibly happy gentleman of a greyhound. Words can't express
what he brought to our lives. Knowing that it was time to let him
go, and being lucky enough to love him, kiss on him, and hold him as he
was moving on was something I will never forget. Although that was
hard, the hardest part has been being at home and not having him here.
There is really an empty space in our home where his big physical
presence used to be. He was the most gentle soul, always there for
a nuzzle and a hug and a grin. We miss him xo much.
Run Free precious Luke. |
Luke August
23, 2002 - August 9, 2011 |
|
PAT C STATIC
One day I decided I needed someone in my life to keep me going and
happy. I went shopping with my daughter Janet and my granddaughters
Jessica and Madisyn. We entered a store in
Knoxville, Tennessee that was full of people. I noticed a
male looking at me so I walked over to him and stopped to talk to him.
He was very tall and just looked at me as if I was the one for him. I
thought that he might just be too tall for me; but he had these
beautiful almond colored eyes that made my heart melt.
I turned to the people around him and asked them each to share
something about this man; to me he looked like a giant, skinny rat.
They asked me if I had ever met this guy before because they said he
acted like we had met somewhere before and he had fallen in love with me
at first sight. They spoke very highly of this fellow. I looked into
those big almond eyes and just knew he was really the one for me. At
that moment he no longer looked like a giant rat. I just knew he was
going to be mine. He had a very soft spirit and love was all over his
face.
I knew when Static left this world I would miss him. Static has
been the best four legged male companion a woman could ever have. He
has helped me in so many ways of healing after cancer. I was not so
lonely with Static around. He made me laugh so loud sometimes. Thank
you God for placing me in the right place at the right time to meet the
love and companion for my life. He is my winner, I sure do love him.
I am so grateful to Greyhound Rescue Foundation of Tennessee.
My love was laid to rest on Monday, September 5, 2011 after his
right rear leg snapped in half, it showed signs of cancer. I had to let
him go. I was so very blessed to have had him with me for the past
eight years. Yes it is hard and I miss him. I love you Static and I
will see you when I get to Heaven.
|
Static August 12,
2000 - September 5, 2011
|
|
TEMPO SPARROW
Trudy is her name and she was a
precious little girl that needed love, patience and understanding.
She found all those things with her family and became a cherished
companion.
Trudy helped many newly retired
Greyhounds learn to become companions and feel secure in a home and
family environment.
Trudy will live on in many hearts,
never to be forgotten but remembered for her gentle spirit and for
helping her mom overcome her fear of dogs.
Run free precious girl.
|
Trudy
January 14, 2004 - September 8, 2011 |
|
SJ WILD MAN
The last 2 days have been rough as he
lost the use of his legs. Amazingly he kept his appetite for Arby's and
hotdogs. I prayed all night that God would take him in his sleep to be
an Angel, but apparently SJ wanted us to help him instead. Our vet and
his assistant, SJ's friend, came out to the house and we all helped him
make the journey. He is our first greyhound to cross over and I would be
lying if I said it wasn't killing us. There will never be a hound more
dramatic and non-greyhoundish as SJ was-he will be forever and always in
our hearts. He was a brave little soldier until the end and we are so
very proud of him. I would say that he will be running free without any
pain now, but that's a lie. He never liked to run or do anything active,
so we imagine him unmaking someone's bed, watching a movie, and eating
an Arby's beef and cheddar-all pain free of course. We chose to cremate
him, so that he will be with us where ever we go. Hug your hounds for
him tonight. Run Free Precious Boy.
|
SJ
July 4, 1999 - October 11, 2011 |
|
TMC'S WATCH THIS
This little girl came into our home
as our first attempt as "Foster Parents". She was our second
grey. It was amazing how quickly the 2 girls became attached to
each other.
Shortly after she arrived, she
suffered a very sever seizure. The vet worked to identify the
cause and she began taking medication. She lived out the next 6
years seizure free but after all of this, we were so attached that we
couldn't let her go for adoption. We called GRFT and told them we
wanted to adopt her.
Kaylee was our special girl,
sleeping on the end of the bed. She always had to put her chin or
a paw on your leg. She was gentle and friendly to everyone.
She loved her toys and everyone else's as well. Thank you Charter
Cable for replacing those remotes. On an outing to Liz & Dave
Hixson's Kaylee roamed the rooms gathering up all the dog toys.
She even "gently" took the toys away from the other greys as they
played. She put them al in a pile then lying on top so the other
greys couldn't take them back.
In October she was diagnosed with
cancer. We took her home and promised to let her go when it was
time. We miss you "Sweet Pea" Run Free. |
Kaylee Sue "Sweet Pea" August 27, 2003 - October 28, 2011 |
|
DULY'S LIZZY
Our wonderful Lizzy has crossed to
the Rainbow Bridge. She joins her sister Josie and the many others
we have all cherished over the years.
When we were looking for another
Greyhound after losing the last of our pair, we saw Lizzy on the list
and didn't consider her as she was six but we kept coming back to her
(that winsome face and big eyes). Once we met her she was ours.
What a joy we would have missed if we had passed her by. Lizzy was
a wonderful companion, so loveable, so much fun, with a real joy for
life and a real snuggler. Over our almost six years she was with
us her playful side emerged and she learned to play with toys with a
puppy-like joy, and run through the house as if it were an open field.
Always leash walked, she much preferred running in the house to running
outside.
Mike teased us about having the
"perfect dog" and, we believe we did.
Lizzy had many names...Wizzy, The
Lizard, Sweet Girl, Lizzaful, BooBoo, Stinky but mostly just Lizzy.
She brightened our lives from the day we brought her home. A
perfect name could have been "Sunshine Girl" because that is what she
brought us every day of her life with us. She did not have
anything but joy and love to give. Lizzy's love of food was
legendary and when it was time to eat she never hesitated to remind us
that we needed to get a move on. We often said that as long as
Lizzy was eating she was good but if she started not eating we knew we
were in trouble., that turned out to be true.
Goodbye beautiful girl. We
will always love you and miss you. You were simply the best! |
Lizzy February
29, 2000 - November 6, 2011
|
|
PAT C SELMA
Selma came to live with
our family in
late June 2005 when Janis asked me to
foster Selma for two weeks while her foster mother was out of town.
I knew after two days she was here to stay. When we first met,
Selma and I had a special bond. She would often lie in the kitchen while
I was cooking or baking, and, more than once, Selma thought she was a
lap dog. She tried so hard to curl up in my lap, but could never manage
it with her long, lanky body.
Selma loved to romp, bark and play but, she also enjoyed curling up in
her favorite blanket or stretching out showing her belly on the living
room rug....always keeping a close watch with those soulful, big brown
eyes.
Selma loved long walks, watching squirrels, birds and deer, and she
never forgot to tell me when it was time for dinner (she always "turned
on" her alert mode at least 45 minutes before it was time to eat! )
And, always, Selma never missed placing her head on the bed to say
"good morning" or "good night."
For six and a half years, Selma was my perfect little girl.
On Oct. 17, 2011, sweet Selma's vet diagnosed her with bone cancer.
We brought her home and pampered her more than ever, giving her all our
love and anything she wanted to eat.
Sweet Selma passed over the Rainbow Bridge on Nov. 6, 2011. Selma
will always be in our hearts. |
Selma
August 19, 2000 - November 6, 2011 |
|
JAX JEEPER POWER
It has been over a year since
we bid farewell to our dear girl Jazzy, and she took her journey across
the rainbow bridge. Though to some, it may seem odd to wait this long to
post an obit for her, I wanted to be sure I had time to appreciate all
the things she had left in our lives. Physically, Jazz was an unusual
specimen. Much more stocky than your average grey, but not fat and full
of energy. She was very polite, always ready to snuggle, and loved
sharing sleeping quarters with her best friend, my son David. David and
Jazz
became fast friends from the get-go, and had that
special bond that only exists between a boy and his canine companion.
Jazzy was one of those excitable hounds that would
sometimes just run in circles in one spot, first in one direction, then
the other. She was very fond of her family and seemed to have that knack
of knowing when any of us really needed her company. She was a
magnificent companion and when she left us there was a huge hole in all
of our hearts. We all were aware that a dog with Jazzy's unique
ability to know just when we needed her companionship
most, and her gift of being able to be a comfort to all of us was very
rare. I asked David what he would have wanted people to know about
Jazz, and he replied, "That she was a lover". He really hit the nail
on the head. Jazzy was a dog full of love, that would share that love
at the drop of a hat. Now that Jazz has joined her brother Dewey, they
have been able to romp and play free of the burden of the cancers that
took their lives at such a young age, and if I know Jazz she is piling
up lots and lots of love in that huge reserve sack of hers to lavish us
with when we are reunited again one day.
Jazzy, we all now bid you our final farewell till
we meet-up the next time where there will be no more separation, no more
sadness, and no more tears. We all love you very much.
David, Chris, Betty and Dave |
Jazzy July
15, 2001 - November 13, 2009 |
TYVILLE MEELY
“Sister,” whom
you knew I think as “Sweetie,” has died. She was a
small, black greyhound we got from you in the summer
of 2002, only a couple of months after you brought
us Medgar (Justin). She had come along with you to a
pet store visit in Chattanooga. I don’t think you
expected anyone to take an interest in adopting her.
She had painted toenails, was dehydrated, with
multiple sores, etc. You made the comment, Mike,
“Are you sure you want that one?”
When she died
this morning Sister was 13.5 years old. Our vet, who
has had his practice for almost 40 years, says she
was the oldest greyhound he’s ever seen. She lived
with us in Chattanooga, in DC, in Americus, and here
in LaGrange. During the last year or so she’s been
feeble and easily disoriented. She became unable to
take regular walks about six months ago. She had a
significant stroke about a month ago, a seizure
Wednesday night, and another stroke this morning.
She was a hard-headed dog with great dignity. And
she had the prettiest ears.
Thank you for
allowing us to care for her.
|
"Sister" August 3, 1998
- January 6, 2011 |
|
GR AVENUE
We lost our sweet Avie this morning.
She began having trouble breathing late yesterday
afternoon….panting…pacing…..and in general acting so unlike herself.
We got into the vet early this morning and after blood work and x rays
it showed that she was in heart failure. It was very sudden and
unexpected as she just doing her evening run 2 nights ago. She was such
a nice, pleasant and friendly dog and we are going to miss her like no
other…..Annie will be lost without her buddy. Avie was almost 12 and we
know in our hearts that she had a wonderful life with her forever
family.
If it wasn’t for the wonderful
work that you all do for the greyhounds we would have never met her…..We
want to thank you all……..Colleen and Max
|
Avie August
14, 2000 - January 21, 2012 |
|
RV SPARE CHANGE
It is hard for me to say this, and I
knew I would have to say it one day, but my beloved "Emily", has gone
over the Rainbow Bridge. Emily was Number 50, adopted back in
2000. She was 14 years old and would have been 15 in April.
She was such a gentle, loving companion and was always with me when I
was alone and going through tough times. She seemed to always know
what I needed. Towards the end, her sight was going, she couldn't
hear and she could hardly stand without having to crouch down. She
had lost 15 pounds, but still enjoyed eating. Every once in a
while she would gallop in the yard and then collapse for a while to
rest. She knew beyond a doubt that she was my baby and that I love
her. She was always pampered. I will miss her terribly. Connie |
Emily May
15, 1998 - January 19, 2012 |
|
MY SWEET LORI J
I first met Lori in Chattanooga at a
M&G that GRFT was having in 2004. She was on the outside of the
group, looking a bit sad and being protected by her foster mom.
Our eyes met and I knew that we were bonded for life. She was
older and not the prettiest dog in others' eyes but for me she was
perfect.
I adopted Lori and she immediately
took over the house. She took every step I took and became my
"Velcro girl". Even now I look behind me expecting to see her
there. She knew she had found her forever home.
Lori began to have mini-strokes
and lost control of her back legs. I realized I was being selfish
keeping her so I held her in my arms while the vet sent her to the
Rainbow Bridge and vowed I would see her again.
While my life will never be the
same without her, I cherish the time that we had together I will
miss her forever. She was my best friend. Diane |
Lori
March 18, 1998 - November 23, 2011 |
|
SCADILLAC HIBALL
Hiball won our
hearts from the first day when we took her home as a foster and we knew
we were keeping her that night. She loved to give delicate kisses
to everybody she met. She was the only dog I know that enjoyed
giving the people doggie kisses and ignoring the other dogs at a dog
park. Hiball won the title of the Sweetest Dog in the whole world!
Dainty in everything she did.
Each leaves a
special memory behind. Hiball's is her sweetness and delicate
little kisses that she bestowed on everyone. I remember when she
tried to sit on Mike's lap at PetSmart.
Hiball will be
missed so much. Run free beautiful girl. |
Hiball
September 18, 2001 - January 30, 2012 |
|
CRAIGIE STAR
Every time I go on the Rainbow Bridge
and look at the pictures I get very sad. I don't quite know what
to say. Star was a beautiful, happy girl that lost her battle with
cancer on January 25, 2012. She was great friends with Trixie, our
Great Dane but she truly loved Jackson when we adopted our second
Greyhound and when Sweet Dreams came into our home she immediately
bonded with her. I would watch them play outside together.
When all three of us would take short walks, Jackson and Sweetie would
match their pace with Star's. Star was truly loved and sorely
missed.
Godspeed Star.
|
Star
July 8, 2005 - January 25, 2012 |
|
WHERE'S UPSET
Tikka was a family member for 10
years, adopted on February 13, 2002. She was there for the family
through the loss of a child, helped when they went through the loss of
dad and helped with the heartache that followed. Tikka was one of
a kind, always there to comfort. She knew when to be calm although
she loved to be her puppy self.
Run free sweet Tikka. |
Tikka
March 29, 2000 - March 7, 2012 |
|
C YA SMOKE RING
Ripley was given a poor chance at
life after she retired and was abandoned along with Robbie on what is
know as the Top Of The Mountain, a dumping ground. A kind soul
found the two Greyhounds in the nick of time and took them to a vet who
just happened to know someone that had adopted from us and we were
contacted. We picked Ripley and Robbie up that very day and were
completely shocked not at their condition, but at how they forgave the
human race for the cruelty that was dealt them.
Now on to her new life with her
wonderful loving family. Amanda and Chris would have given Ripley
the world if only she could have stayed with them a little longer.
In Amanda's owe words "we had to help our sweet baby girl Ripley go to
the Bridge.
She woke up twice during the
night Saturday and then several times during the day on Sunday
she acted like she couldn't lie on either of her sides. We took
her to the emergency veterinarian here who hooked her up to the
EKG and found that she was in complete AV block. The spot in
her heart that triggers the heartbeat wasn't able to get the
impulse to the heart muscle to contract. A chest x-ray showed
that she had a tumor at the node. Pacemaker wasn't an option,
so she went to the bridge to wait with her brothers and sisters
for us yesterday evening. She was not in pain and was
comfortable. Chris was with her when she crossed over. We
are so grateful for the time we had with our sweet girl and for
this group for bringing us together. And for you all, for
rescuing our sweet angel. She leaves a void in our hearts that
can't be filled.
We certainly want to continue
to bring greyhounds into our lives once we've had a chance to
mourn."Run free
our beautiful girl.
|
Ripley
September 19, 1999 - March 11, 2012 |
|
BOOTLEG LEE
Just 1 year ago Logan arrived into
our home. Our lives have been changed by his attitude for living
life to its fullest, one day at a time. We will never be the same
because of the impact our Big man has had in our lives, how he gave
without taking, how we could never give him what he deserved, life and
happiness. How our boy overcame obstacles, without complaining,
just moving ahead, one day at a time. he loved life so much, he would
wake us each morning with "snuffles", this is how he communicated the
start of a new day. He would check in on us during the night, the
way a parent checks on a child... The legacy of Logan will live on as we
remember him, he did not live long with us, but we hope he lived well,
and was happy. His bloodcurdling ROOS and big smiles testified of
this. We will always miss you, Big Man, and we love you so much.
I believe they can see us from heaven and that there are no walls
separating us.
Thank you to all who prayed for
Logan, may his legacy live on in other hounds who will need us just as
much as he did. This year we would not have traded for one second.
Len and Lois |
Logan
June 15, 2005 - April 28, 2012 |
|
UCF SOUR CREAM
Thank all of you for your kind words
and thoughts today. It was by far the most difficult thing I have
ever had to do. Cooper doing okay but fell and fractured his leg
that had the cancer in it. He was just in so much pain and I could
not get him comfortable. It was time for me to have to let him go.
I feel Cooper hung on until he was sure Sophie, Moseley and I got moved
and we were going to be happy in our new home.
Cooper was a wonderful big brother
to Sophie. He was her security and taught her to be brave.
Cooper was our perfect boy and
will always be loved. |
Cooper
March 28, 2003 - April 30, 2012 |
|
VAMP MOLLY
We adopted Molly on December 12,
2003.
After a wonderful joy-filled life
she passed today. In celebration of her life today we were going
through all her old paperwork and photos. Molly was the most
wonderful pet we have ever had and our life will certainly have a large
hole in it that she used to fill but we also know that she is running
again like the wind with no pain.
Thank you GRFT for the wonderful
organization you are. |
Molly
November 6, 1999 - May 22, 2012 |
|
YES SHES GOT IT
Sheba, beloved retired x-racing
Greyhound of Len & Lois, Kimberly & Ronnie and Janis & Mike made her
journey to the Rainbow Bridge on June 7th, 2012.
GRFT brought Sheba into foster
care on March 23, 2012 with a large lump on her side which we had
removed but the lab report confirmed it to be a rare aggressive fatal
cancer with no recommended treatment.
Sheba was such a happy girl and
able to enjoy family life with lots of love. She had the time of
her live meeting and kissing lots of people at Mountain Hounds in
Gatlinburg. Sheba witnessed her contract being signed by her
GRFT families and went from one to the other for kisses. Perhaps
this is what she was waiting on before leaving.
Sheba showed no signs of pain
until the afternoon of June 7th when the area became very swollen, black
and oozing blood. She was immediately rushed to the vet where we
were told she could be given massive pain meds and kept alive for maybe
a couple extra days but Sheba deserve more that to be force to live in a
zombie state. We made the difficult decision to let Sheba go.
Until we meet again. |
Sheba
April 17, 2009 - June 7, 2012 |
|
TYVILLE COSMO
Thank you for bringing Cosmo
into our lives.
Cosmo brought so much joy
and happiness to our lives and was my best friend through a lot of
trying times. This was one of the hardest things we have ever been
through
We love you Cosmo and
miss you very much. |
Cosmo March
9, 1999 - July 2, 2012 |
|
BB'S AMANDA
Our beautiful, intelligent baby girl
Lola came into our lives July 15, 2011. What a wild child, had
major separation anxiety and thunderstorms were a nightmare, even with
her thundershirt but she did get better, especially if I slept in the
floor with her all snuggled on her pillow. Lola loved her play
toys *we call them her babies) even when she came out of her hotel (her
crate) she would always go back and get her babies and take them to one
of her pillows. Her squeaky toys were probably her favorite, next
to her treats. She loved her peanut butter that she got every
morning.
She was so calm on boat rides and
got better at being in the car especially if we were going to the beach
which she loved running in the sand and sniffing the grass. One of
her favorite things was to get into her swimming pool and just lay to
cool off, even better than the lake. To our Velcro baby who loved
to lean on your leg, we greatly miss you and know you are having fun
romping through the meadows with all your friends and especially Atlanta
Lady. We love and miss you both deeply.
All of our family and friends that
got to know you also miss you. We will never be able to celebrate
July 4th again, without missing our sweet loveable Lola, Baby Girl you
don't have to be scared of Thunderstorms or fireworks ever again.
Our hearts are broken and such a void in our lives. Much LOVE and
Miss you Tremendously.
|
Lola September 5,
2009 - July 4, 2012 |
|
SKIMAR MANATEE
Part of our family since April 17,
2004.
Manny crossed the Rainbow Bridge
on July 6, 2012 at 6:30pm. He was 12 years, 7 weeks and 1 day. Manny
was first and foremost a mama's boy. He was also a big brother to all
the dogs that came through our home. Firm when teaching manners,
patient when showing them the ropes and he was better than any harness
or gentle leader when teaching the dogs how to walk on a leash.
Four years ago, Manny was diagnosed with a degenerative spinal disease
and we knew every day we had with him was even more special. I always
thought of him as my Little Engine that Could. No matter what, he
always tried and be always believed he could do anything. After Reagan
crossed the Bridge a year ago, Aiko brought out a new spark in Manny.
When she went to training, he learned new tricks. When he was feeling
down, she got him to play. When I told him he wasn't a two year old
husky, he started a game of Catch Me if You Can.
Manny started going to daycare after Reagan passed and he was a
favorite. He got to hang out behind the counter, play in the baby pool,
made friends with dachshunds and hung out with his greyhound friend
Boss. In fact, he got to see several greys who once lived with him as
fosters. I'm so glad I
decided to take him to daycare on Friday, which isn't a regular day. He
was with people that knew him well, knew that he wasn't feeling good and
tried to make him comfortable. I don't if he was waiting for me to tell
him it was okay, but I'm glad he did, even though I know it was hard for
him. Manny always gave his all and my Little Engine just ran out of
steam.
|
Manny May 12,
2000 - July 6, 2012 |
|
AMF THAT WAY
In 2007 Sugar entered our home as a
foster and immediately stole my heart. After coming back a second
time, and the way she looked at me, I would never let her go again.
We signed the papers on her 8th birthday.
Sugar gave me the "look" that it
was time to let her go, she was ready to go. Perhaps it was meant
to be that Sugar came home to me so she could live her last year happy
and walking without a limp. I only wanted what was best for my
Sugar so with big fat tears and an aching heart I will listen and let my
Sugar baby go.
I love you Sugar and will always
hold you with me. |
Sugar July
20, 2003 - July 6, 2012 |
|
SMK MERCEDES
Mercedes had four families that fell
in love with her and have always kept her near their hearts. She
was always a beautiful elegant lady.
Mercedes lost her battle with
cancer and is now running pain free with friends at the Rainbow Bridge.
Run free with lost of love ones
waiting to meet you again. |
Mercedes November 17, 2003 - July 22,
2012 |
|
PASSIT PAZAZ
Out sweet Stella is gone. She
was the best dog I have ever known and brought more joy to our lives
than I can express.
Just a few weeks ago we took
Stella to the vet and said we had a very healthy girl. At the age
of 11 she he no obvious health conditions and seemed to be lively and
energetic as ever. However, Stella had a terrible accident while
out in the yard to potty. When we called her to come in she was
lying at the back fence and could not get up. Her back legs were
paralyzed and she was in obvious pain. The vet's examination
revealed she had no feeling in her back half and that she had either
ruptured a disc or broke a vertebra.
Thank you GRFT for bringing Stella
into our lives. We gave her soft spots to curl up on, a shady back
yard, a little boy to give her treats and a stuffed possum that she took
care of for six years. She liked to roll in the grass and to stalk
squirrels.
We miss her terribly but are
forever grateful for the wonderful years we had with her. |
Stella June 27, 2001 - July 21, 2012 |
|
CHAR CITY UNITED
It is with a heavy heart that we have
lost our beloved Miles to Osteosarcoma. He has left a GIANT Miles
size hole in our hearts and in our home.
I have cried so many tears this
summer after his diagnoses and I'm still looking for him, calling him
and thinking I see him on the couch but I can say the last weeks of his
life were filled with lots of love, hugs and kisses, all of his favorite
junk food. The kids too photos, drew his likeness and told him
sweet stories while they fed him by hand. We feel like we received
SUCH a special gift to have been able to spend time and be able to
properly say goodbye to a truly sweet soul. He touched our lives
and changed our lives forever.
We will always and forever love
you Miles. Run, run pain free. Thank you is not nearly
enough to say for you sharing your beautiful soul with our family.
We are better people for it. |
Miles December
20, 2001 - August 11, 2012 |
|
FORBES FANTASY
Sadly, my pretty brindle
Queen, Fantasy went to Rainbow Bridge on Sept. 5 at 3pm with her mom &
dad at her side. She was 15 years, 3 months old.
Fantasy and I met a couple weeks after my first greyhound died in May
2000. Cleo Marie, the IG and I, traveled to Knoxville after seeing an ad
in the Knoxville paper. With tears in my eyes, I met the gang that
would soon to be known as GRFT. Mike insisted I come back the next
week to meet a "cute little brindle girl" that was not at the Meet &
Greet. The next week Cleo Marie & I met the beautiful red brindle girl
named Forbes Fantasy. She retired from the track in Fort Myers after
breaking toes in her kick off foot. When I stooped down to ask her if
she wanted to go home with us, she licked Cleo Marie's head and then my
face. She picked us out. Fantasy was always the queen and she taught me
well to wait on her and create her wonderful collars and coats. She
traveled on vacations from Tennessee to Illinois and to Florida and
Myrtle Beach. Her favorite place was Bark Park at Myrtle Beach where she
would dig in the sand and lay in the lake. If a nongreyhound dog
approached her, she would snap or growl at them. To her nongreyhounds
were not acceptable. Her nick name became "Dee" after the Grand Pee
Dee (Myrtle Beach). She won so many contests through the years that the
curio is bulging with trophies, ribbons and her Queen crowns. I am sure
she now wears a crown at Rainbow Bridge. I know Saundra, Ferna, Shem and
all her GRFT buddies greeted her. I know she would have lived forever
with me if she could have. We were so lucky to have 12 + years
together.
My
house is full of hounds but so empty without my brindle queen. She was
BBH Queen 2010 and Mountain Hounds Queen 2012.
She
will always be my Queen in my heart. I miss my girl so much. |
Fantasy
May 27, 1997 - September 5, 2012 |
|
MOON MT GILES
Miles, aka Moon Mt. Giles or the most
beautiful boy in the world as I call him, lost his 14 month battle to
cancer. He remained graceful and happy to the end, giving me a
kiss and wagging as his dad came home. He will forever remain
mamma's beautiful boy.
Until we see you again my love -
there will never be another mamma's boy like you.
Run free beautiful boy. |
Miles
March 26, 2004 - September 14, 2012 |
KEEPER MATTS GAL
Mattie was the best Christmas
present we ever received! She
arrived on Christmas Eve of
2005. When we first saw her at
the M&G in Knoxville it was love
at first sight. Keith and I had
traveled from Richmond, KY after
seeing her on the Greyhound
Rescue Foundation of TN
website. We had packed our
lunches and took Mattie and our
other grey, Chancey to the back
of PetSmart to eat lunch.
Before Keith had a chance to
take his first bite of peanut
butter sandwich, Mattie ate half
the sandwich right out of his
hand! We were amazed because
she was so tiny and mild
mannered. She was the perfect
traveler, and fit in right at
home from day one. We have
never had any dog who did more
to please than Mattie. She
loved playing with squeaky toys
and hid them all over the
house. When we would find one
under the sofa and ask her,
“Mattie Tat, did you do that?”
she would wag her tail with
pride and Roo. She loved to
dance in circles and taught
Chancey and Punkie how to
“boogie.” Mattie was our chow
hound and loved to sun herself
in her big backyard. We would
marvel how she would flip
herself from side to side as
though she had a built in
timer.
Thank you to Janis and Mike for
all your loving support, and to
Mattie’s foster parents for your
wonderful care. We will always
be grateful to you all!
Mattie passed to Rainbow Bridge
on December 12, 2012 after a
short battle with cancer. Up
until the end she remained a
loyal, loving companion to us
all. She crossed over the
Bridge in her favorite bed with
her favorite toy, and a bag of
snacks, with her family
surrounding her. Her genuine
goodness enriched everyone she
met, and she’ll always remain in
our hearts as our little, sweet
“Mattie Tat.”
|
Mattie Tat
October 18, 2003 - December 12, 2012 |
|
Maggie Mae (aka MA BARKER)
Maggie Mae entered our life
as our first foster, but on the second day, I realized this fostering
just wasn't going to work out. I had fallen in love with a
Greyhound. A bounce-back from a family that hadn't understood
Maggie had some issues, she was destined to become our Maggie Mae, our
special girl, issues and all!
A beautiful white and brindle girl
with gray ticking, Maggie Mae's eyes were as rich as chocolate
and her coat as soft as a bunny. She was a Greyhound with ADHD,
just excited to be wherever she might be and happy to be a part of
HER "Forever Family".
Maggie Mae never missed an
opportunity to let someone pet her or love on her, because that's why
God had put her here. She was loved by all that met her, and was a
great ambassador for other Greyhounds hoping to, one day, find their
perfect Forever Home.
Run and play, and have lots
of fun. Wait for us at the Rainbow Bridge Maggie Mae. |
Maggie Mae
December 4, 2001 - February 19, 2013 |
|
SWIZZLE STICK
It is with a sad heart that I must
say Ellie went to the Rainbow Bridge just 3 days shy of turning 14 1/2.
She had been declining rapidly for several weeks, struggling to get up,
wobbling when she walked and needing support to do her job. She
appeared tired. Her body was worn out, and her quality of life was
diminishing.
I will never forget when Ellie
arrived at my home on December 15, 2002. Foster parents Gary and
Lisa brought her into the house and she immediately claimed the couch in
the den! She found her "forever home," and I found my "forever
grey." She was such a joy in my life, and I treasured all the time
spent with her, including the walks, rides, picnics with GRFT and just
lounging around home together.
We developed an even stronger bond
as we confronted the many challenges that older greyhounds face.
Just before leaving the house for the final trip to the vet's office, I
told her we were going for a ride; she immediately became excited, for
car rides were always one of her favorite activities. I drove
around for an hour, giving her the pleasure of the ride. At the
vet's she was surrounded by three of her loving humans - Neal, Janice
and myself. The end was peaceful; I had my arms around her neck,
letting her know how much I loved her as she took her last breath.
She was a great dog
and fit my personality. I thank the wonderful people at GRFT for having
these dogs available for us, and Ellie in particular for me. I think we
learned more from her than she learned from us. We miss her so much —
the house feels empty without her. |
Ellie
July 27, 1998 - January 24, 2013 |
|
POLECAT
Porter came to John and I as a foster
on Father's Day weekend in 2003 and never left. Porter won our
hearts the minute he came home with us. He was the most beautiful
black tuxedo boy I had ever seen.
I will miss his playful antics and
his soulful eyes. Porter would have been 13 on July 19, 2013.
Run free sweet boy, I will love
you forever. |
Porter
July 19, 2000 - April 4, 2013 |
|
INDISCRETION
Today is a sad day for our family.
We had to say goodbye to our sweet Cindy.
We will miss our sweet Cindy and
we thank God for blessing us with her the many years we had her in our
lives.
Cindy, you will never be forgotten
and will always be loved.
Run free our beautiful girl. |
Cindy
August 11, 2001 - April 23, 2013 |
|
SILLY WILL
The first time I saw KC at a M&G I
knew he was the greyhound for me! In fact, he was one of the
driving forces behind me moving out of an apartment and into my first
house (with a large fenced back yard) 10 years ago.
KC (nick named Kissy Face) was
gentle and loving. He loved being outside in the warm sun with a
breeze on his face, he loved running and playing with his "sister", Sky
(greyhound) and "brother" Katsamoto (jack russell mix) and he just loved
life in general. But most of all KC loved people, being near them,
being loved on by them and giving love right back to them!
KC was my companion for 10 years
and all of the joy, love, and laughter that he brought into my life
during those years will never be forgotten but instead will warm my
heart in his absence.
You are, and will always be loved
and missed, KC!!
|
KC
August 20, 2000 - April 19, 2013 |
|
SYSTEM IRS TAX
We adopted Tax March of 2003.
We lost her to kidney failure April 29, 2013. She will be
thoroughly missed by both of us for she was a true companion and friend.
Tax was diagnosed with the beginnings of kidney failure around
Thanksgiving 2012, but with the aid of a special diet she managed to
ward off most of the effects until just recently. The vet and one
of his conferring specialists made the comment that she was a wonder dog
that almost beat the ailment. Unfortunately over this pas weekend
the effects were just too great for her. Tax will be sadly missed.
I considered Tax to be responsible
for saving my own life. As part of my recovery from heart surgery
I would walk daily with Tax through the neighborhood for her exercise.
My cardiologist often stated that I probably benefited from these walks
more that Tax.
We will truly miss our Tax, our
gentle giant. |
Tax
March 22, 2000 - April 29, 2013 |
|
NR'S MIRACLE
It was with a heavy heart and
many tears last evening that we had to let our beloved Mollie join her
sister and many friends at the Rainbow Bridge. Molly's vital
organs had ceased to function.
Mollie came to us in November 2011
as a "foster". She had found her forever home. Mollie could
be obnoxious, obstinate and very lovable, but not all at the same time.
She would pee on the kitchen floor and drink from the toilet bowl but we
loved her just the same. She was family.
Mollie, dear Mollie, rest in
peace. Run, jump and play with your new friends. Even there
you may chase a squirrell. You are in a far better world than the
one you just left. Know this dear Mollie, you will forever be on
our hearts and minds,
Honey will welcome you at the
Rainbow Bridge. |
Mollie
December 17, 2000 - May 20, 2013 |
|
AMF SPEEDY FLY
Speedy was a tough little girl and
fought a good battle but we had to say good-bye to our beloved girl
today as she crossed over to the Rainbow Bridge.
Speedy will always hold a special
place in our hearts.
\ |
Speedy October
3, 2004 - May 21, 2013 |
|
AMF POT OF CANDY
Rest in peace AMF Pot of Candy.
You were my sweetest pet ever and
I miss you already. |
Candy
04-17-2003 - May 13, 2013 |
|
PAL'S COTTONCANDY
Candy touched many hearts throughout
her life. She won over the young and old, was a true companion and
loved people. |
Candy
April 9, 2004 - May 21, 2013 |
