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Post by angelollie on Aug 28, 2013 13:19:09 GMT -5
With the heaviest of hearts I am announcing that my beautiful brindle boy , Frankie, age 5 years, has gone to the Bridge. Frankie had developed a form of bone cancer which was located in the femur/hip area. Dr. Couto felt that he has had this cancer for several months, even though there weren't any signs such as limping. It was also stated that cancer in that area is rare in a greyhound of such a young age.
I'll always remember the first day I set eyes on my little man. I was with Rathma (Martha), and kennelmom (Heather). We had all gone back to the kennel to "help" Heather do turn out and feed the hounds. I noticed this pup crying his heart out; he had no voice left,instead he rather sounded like a very loud squeaky oil can. He was only 18 months old but had arrived at GRA from Birmingham at 16 months old. Here was this sad-looking inexperienced pup doing his best to survive in an environment of mature greyhounds. Needless to say, my heart went out to him .... he was in my home the following day. Frankie wasn't timid nor shy but those first few weeks he became my shadow prancing along beside me, offering up his toys, loving the affection and giving it back. He truly was the sweetest boy with the "mostest" personality right from the beginning. This was Frankie on his way to his Forever Home, at age 18 months, in November 2009. Meal times were one of Frankie's favourite times. As I would be preparing their dinners, Frankie would be rushing through the house flinging his stuffies, grabbing my t-towels (I don't own any now without holes in them), dragging shoes, pulling things off the table. The closer you got to actually eating, his temple picked up and his excitement was now more contained in the kitchen, where now stuffies or shoes were flying through the air. It was almost as if he couldn't contain his silliness. Frankie allowed me to share my bed with him ... my, how he always managed to look so comfortable while I was squished to one side or one end.
Frankie also had small prey drive which made walking him in a neighbourhood of small dogs/loose dogs a challenge. He and I worked together on that a lot and finally this summer I trusted Frankie to bring him to the GRA picnic. He was so happy with that silly bounce in his step to be making a public appearance with his mom. I was so very proud of my boy that day ... my little man had grown up and was actually behaving. (a big thank you to Sonaturallygreyt for taking this photo of Frankie at the picnic, it's one that I will forever treasure) About 3 months after I adopted Frankie, his brother, Johnny, arrived from Birmingham, just being released from the track. The boys knew each other immediately and although they never actually played together, they would always seek out each other's company for naps and night sleeps. I always found it rather odd to see two mature rather large male greyhounds almost sleep on top of each other on one dog bed, with a body part touching the other as if to always be in touch.Going on without Frankie is going to be a tough one as he hardly ever let me out of his sight. He seemed to be his happiest when he could pester me, demand hugs or a little attention. Sometimes I felt that he had more human qualities about him as his insight into life didn't seem to be dog-normal. If he couldn't get my full attention, he would turn to “talking” which was a bag full of multi sounds, squawks, whines and soft barks. He respected and loved Willy, Mary and Johnny ... always wanting them to join in so we all could have some fun.
No doubt about it, Frankie was a bit of a badass .... like the day he got into my wool. I guess he thought the wool looked better on his head instead of a it being a new coat. The home these days is very quiet ... it seems that Willy, Mary and Johnny are dealing with their sadness in their own way. Willy has taken to owning and protecting Frankie's dog bed, Mary has taken over Frankie's feeding station and Johnny ... well, just maybe we'll see a little of Frankie live on through his brother.
Frankie, as I've told you over and over, you were that shining star that we loved so much as you made our home your home. I hope that we gave you all that you have given to us ... one day we'll all be together again.I hesitated to post this photo but it is such a great photo of Frankie taken on August 21st, 2013, 5 days prior to him passing. You would never know from his photo that he was that sick.
Godspeed my sweet Frankie, you will always have a very special place in my heart and soul.
Footnote: Frankie passed away on the same date (August 26th) as Lorna (RaznNik) did one year ago, both from cancer. Lorna had been a member of GRAcanada forum for years and it was through these precious greyhounds that we all became such good friends, hounds and humans alike.
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gunnersmom
Hound Nut
GUNNER--the greyhound that started it all
Posts: 1,950
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Post by gunnersmom on Aug 28, 2013 13:37:58 GMT -5
I'm SO sorry life made you play this hand. I love that photo of fuzzy-duckling puppy Frankie on his way home. Such a lucky boy to get to spend his retirement with his littermate.
No time on earth is long enough to share with the dogs we love, or prepare our hearts to say goodbye.
RIP sweet Frankie
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redgrey
Grey Lover
I need a peanut butter refill !
Posts: 577
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Post by redgrey on Aug 28, 2013 13:46:50 GMT -5
Shari this sad news comes unexpected. Frankie was so young but what a personality he was. For the short time he was here, he sure made up for it in quality time together with you.
Frankie's monkey puppy fur picture is my fav. Hugs to you and your pack at this time of sorrow.
Angel
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2013 14:05:07 GMT -5
Oh Shari, I stared at disbelief when I saw the subject line. I'm just so sorry for your loss.
I appreciate that you shared the story and some pictures of Frankie's life. I absolutely love the first pic of your fuzzy boy with the huge collar! This made me smile: "Frankie allowed me to share my bed with him ... my, how he always managed to look so comfortable while I was squished to one side or one end."
Sending hugs to you and your pups.
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Post by linn on Aug 28, 2013 14:22:14 GMT -5
Shari I am so very sorry for your loss. I love the first fuzzy boy picture too. He was far too young to be so sick. Hugs to you and the rest of the pack,
Run free sweet Frankie.
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Post by GreyPoopon on Aug 28, 2013 15:46:16 GMT -5
Oh noooo!
I am so incredibly sorry. I've had a crush on Frankie ever since I saw that first--absolutely adorable--photo of him on his way home. I was honoured to meet handsome Frankie at the picnic and see him in all his red finery.
It's incredibly unfair that such a fun-loving soul should have to leave when he was far too young.
Godspeed Frankie.
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troysmom
Hound Nut
Troy & Leopold
Posts: 1,717
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Post by troysmom on Aug 28, 2013 16:36:54 GMT -5
I'm so sorry for your loss of Frankie. He was such a happy and entertaining boy in your posts. I too fell for him on his fluffy puppy day home, such a handsome brindle he was. I just love how beautiful his markings are.
Your post made me cry! I've gone through cancer with Troy and it breaks my heart when any hound's life ends because of it! especially when they are so young.
Frankie was truly blessed to have you save him that day and bring him to a family with siblings and his brother Johnny.
He will always be with you!
ETA Angelollie just wanted to say that you are an awesome mom to all your pups! Frankie and the gang are so lucky. Frankie will be watching you from heaven, I believe that in my heart. My Troy is with me every day and Frankie will be with you.
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Post by Sally Blossom on Aug 28, 2013 16:44:53 GMT -5
Frankie, we love you!!! Thank you for sharing this beautiful eulogy with us about this amazing pup. I cried, I smiled through the whole eulogy. There is a love between you and Frankie like the heavenly scent of a rose that remains after the petals have wilted, this Love will remain and grow -- and be there for you to remember. Frankie left you his heart and he took a big piece of yours with him. Your Greyhound Family are with you, Willy, Johnnie and Mary during this time and will always be there for you. Frankie, you are free from pain and run with all your loving friends at the Bridge.
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Post by newtothis1 on Aug 28, 2013 17:18:22 GMT -5
So sorry for your terrible loss. He was so young. He sounds like quite the character. I love the shot of the wool on his head It sounds to me like you gave him so much and he gave just as much in return. He was well loved.
You and his pals will each mourn in you own way, but mourn you will. You all must miss him terribly, he was quite the pup. With each others help you will get through this awful time.
Gods Speed Frankie
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Post by johnandjenn on Aug 28, 2013 17:48:51 GMT -5
Sorry for your loss. Taken far too soon. Thoughts and prayers
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moncheri
Grey Addicted
Broodies are the best!
Posts: 2,843
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Post by moncheri on Aug 28, 2013 17:53:45 GMT -5
Oh Shari, I cannot believe this. My heart is breaking for you, Frankie was far too young to succumb to this horrible disease. I am grateful that I got to meet your beautiful, silly boy at the picnic this past June - he looked so dashing in red. I am glad you posted the last picture - it is such an amazing photo of the two of you. Words cannot express the sympathy I extend to you. Frankie had the best life, albeit it short, with you, Mary, Johnny & Willy. I will miss reading about his crazy antics, but I am grateful that he did not suffer for a great length of time so that you can remember him as the robust dog he was just recently. Be rest assured, that he was greeted by so many of our Angels waiting for him at the bridge and I am sure Lorna will be watching out for him so that he does not get into too much mischief.
Hugs to you my friend.
Carla
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Post by rubylottie14 on Aug 28, 2013 19:17:55 GMT -5
Shari, what can I say, what a shock to hear this news. I can't do better than what's already been said on here. He is such a lovely boy and it was wonderful that he came to you at such a young age. What a stunner. No one would have known from that photo that he was ill. I'm glad you found the cancer so that you could stop any pain he might have been in.
I am thinking of you and your pups.
with love
helen x
PS I'm sure that Zak, Gerry and Ruby are with Frankie now and playing together along with all the other pups from this forum and around the world.
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sonaturallygreyt
Junior Grey Lover
Cora, Bristol and my bridge angel Bella
Posts: 355
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Post by sonaturallygreyt on Aug 28, 2013 20:54:10 GMT -5
Shari, I'm so sorry to hear about Frankie. He was much too young. I remember Cora hugging him at the picnic this year. He was such a handsome kind boy. His life with you was short but he was happiest with you. You made his retirement dreams come true. Run pain free at the bridge with our other angels. R.I.P. Frankie
Mike and Alison
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daylight
Hound Nut
what's so funny Light?....Joker!
Posts: 1,275
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Post by daylight on Aug 28, 2013 20:57:25 GMT -5
I am so very sorry. I feel like I have known Frankie (and you and all your pups) from the wonderful stories of your lives together. My heart aches for you all right now.... it was so sudden and unexpected at his young age. Although Frankie's life was much too short, it was a rich one....so filled with your love.... and that will live on forever. God bless as you comfort each other at this difficult time.
Godspeed dear Frankie.
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Post by Dorasmom on Aug 29, 2013 8:54:32 GMT -5
I'm so sorry for your loss. Frankie was much too young to have to leave. Godspeed honey.
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