Post by sdsandiford on Jan 3, 2013 17:29:38 GMT -5
Sadly, we lost Dave today. This is a surreal moment for me, because the last of our original three greyhounds has now said goodbye. We adopted all three of our boys in 2005, and came to know some wonderful people through GRA. It saddens me greatly that so many of the dogs that brought us together as friends so many years ago have now passed on.
On December 27th, we found out Dave had cancer. According to our vet, his tumor (on his right elbow) seemed to be originating from connective tissue (thankfully not osteosarcoma). We decided to have it removed and pathology done to find out exactly what we were dealing with and how best to move forward. Our vet was hopeful since this type of cancer sometimes stays localized to the initial tumor site.
This morning, Dave went into cardiac arrest during his surgery and died on the operating table. I am in complete shock, and still can’t believe that I’ll never see my big gentle boy again. I’m also feeling very guilty. He might have had a much longer life had we not rushed into surgery.
We brought Dave home December 25th, 2005. At that time, Lewis and I were volunteering regularly at the kennel, and I had come to like Dave. We already had two greyhounds (Jack and Stuey), and Lewis didn’t think we needed a third dog. I’m not sure how (or why) he gave in, but at a Christmas morning brunch at Bill’s, Dave was presented to me wearing a big red bow. I’ll never forget that. Even though Dave didn’t have Jack’s spunky personality or Stuey’s endearing shyness, I always lovingly referred to Dave as the dog with the steadiest personality (of any breed) I’d ever known. Nothing phased Dave. He let Jack through tantrums with little more reaction than an eye roll, and he let Stuey hide behind him when he was scared (which was often). Dave raced at 85 pounds, and was one of the biggest greyhounds I’ve met (and I’ve met many). Yet, he was as laid back as they come – one of the most unflappable and gentle dogs I’ve ever known.
In September, we introduced LenE (barely 2yrs old) into our home. Our hope was that Dave would show him the ropes. Over the past few months, Len has settled in beautifully. I’d like to think Dave’s calm presence was partially responsible for that.
Rest well, my dear sweet friend. It’s been wonderful to have known and loved you over the past 7 years. I’m sure Jack and Stuey were there to meet you at the bridge.
Photo taken by Dana (Mecki) in 2011
On December 27th, we found out Dave had cancer. According to our vet, his tumor (on his right elbow) seemed to be originating from connective tissue (thankfully not osteosarcoma). We decided to have it removed and pathology done to find out exactly what we were dealing with and how best to move forward. Our vet was hopeful since this type of cancer sometimes stays localized to the initial tumor site.
This morning, Dave went into cardiac arrest during his surgery and died on the operating table. I am in complete shock, and still can’t believe that I’ll never see my big gentle boy again. I’m also feeling very guilty. He might have had a much longer life had we not rushed into surgery.
We brought Dave home December 25th, 2005. At that time, Lewis and I were volunteering regularly at the kennel, and I had come to like Dave. We already had two greyhounds (Jack and Stuey), and Lewis didn’t think we needed a third dog. I’m not sure how (or why) he gave in, but at a Christmas morning brunch at Bill’s, Dave was presented to me wearing a big red bow. I’ll never forget that. Even though Dave didn’t have Jack’s spunky personality or Stuey’s endearing shyness, I always lovingly referred to Dave as the dog with the steadiest personality (of any breed) I’d ever known. Nothing phased Dave. He let Jack through tantrums with little more reaction than an eye roll, and he let Stuey hide behind him when he was scared (which was often). Dave raced at 85 pounds, and was one of the biggest greyhounds I’ve met (and I’ve met many). Yet, he was as laid back as they come – one of the most unflappable and gentle dogs I’ve ever known.
In September, we introduced LenE (barely 2yrs old) into our home. Our hope was that Dave would show him the ropes. Over the past few months, Len has settled in beautifully. I’d like to think Dave’s calm presence was partially responsible for that.
Rest well, my dear sweet friend. It’s been wonderful to have known and loved you over the past 7 years. I’m sure Jack and Stuey were there to meet you at the bridge.
Photo taken by Dana (Mecki) in 2011