Saying goodbye to a friend

The Greyhound Walking Club of Central New York

22nd May 2010

posted in Blog Post |

Yesterday our beloved maggie had to be put down because of her battle with cancer. There will never be another greyhound like her. My heart is crushed and I never thought I could love an animal as much as I loved her. She got me through some of the darkest times in my life. She could always make me feel better whenever I was blue. It wouldn’t take much. Just a hop on the couch, her head in my lap and that look that she gave me. The look that told me everything was going to be alright. Ya know what, she never let me down. It was always alright. She was smart like that. I felt such a strong bond with her from the day she came into our home. She was also the most gentle, sweetest dog in the world.

Farewell my friend. You will always be remembered and I will think of you often.

Glenn

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1 On May 22nd, 2010, linda said:
Glenn

I’m so sorry to hear about beautiful Maggie. You are right she was a sweetie.

Glenn, it doesn’t get easier, but in time you will heal. That’s how it was with my Esther Jane. My very first pet ever. I’ve lost two, Esther Jane and Lemella. Esther Jane was the hardest for the same reason, my first. But you will be upset with each one as they all have their own personality and something special.

My thoughts are with you, Kelly and Jake. I’m sure Esther Jane, Lemella, and all the other greyhounds that have passed are already showing her the way around when she crossed the bridge. She’ll will be waiting.

linda with Cobber, Tiki, Chase, Kebo and foster Sydney
2 On May 22nd, 2010, Darlene izzo said:
I am so very sorry for the loss of Maggie, it is very hard. We lost our first Grehound Champ 3 years ago and I have his ashes in my curio Cabinet. We have now adopted 4 more Greyhounds and we look for traits like our Champ. We have never found them in the 3 of them but we love the other 4 as they all have their own personality. But I can tell you I still have bad days where I take Champs ashes out and talk to him. I know this may seem CRAZY to some people but I just feel closer to him. I know one day we will meet again and that will be a very SPECIAL DAY. Also we had adopted our Sophie right before Champ passed and she was always there with Champ and she even got up on the table and kissed him goodbye when we had to say our final Goodbyes….. You could see the love in there eyes and she has never got as close to my other 3 like she did Champ. So there is something about Sophie that I feel Champ sends us signs through her and she is my heart dog. The other 3 I love with all my heart but me and Sophie just understand each other like me and Champ. God Bless and know she is looking down on you and I pray she will send you signs. God Bless you and your family.
3 On May 22nd, 2010, Greymom said:
So sorry for your loss. No words can make the pain lesser…I hope you find consolation in the fact that she is not in pain anymore. Cancer is very painful. Judging from the way you talk about her, she got so much love when she was alive, you’ve given her the best…
4 On May 22nd, 2010, Mary & Len Nitzberg said:
Glenn,

You are not alone. My husband and I will never get over the passing of our Rhesha. The pain was so great, we understood what it was like to have our hearts hurt. We always thought we would be so stoic when her time came, how mistaken we were. Her passing continues to be one of the most humbling experiences of my life. It reminded both of us how human we are, and the capacity we have to love and be loved. Rhesha was a mellow quiet girl, who meandered through life and loved us unconditionally.

You can never replace any greyhound, they are each so unique and truly a part of the family, and live in our hearts forever. When we were ready we knew the right thing to do was to find who needed us to be their forever home. Joey and Cayenne were to be for us. A pair of twin brother brindles that are rowdy, eat dirt and live for playtime every night.

I think the best we can all do is to give as many as we can happy safe lives. As painful as it is when one goes to the bridge, the joy we receive while they are a part of our lives is so much greater.

In time it does become less painful. You will start to remember all the wonderful things about Maggie and smile. But for now, it’s OK to be human and feel your loss.

Mary
5 On May 22nd, 2010, Amy said:
Glenn and Kelly,

I am so very sorry for your loss. I can remember way back to my childhood when I had to say goodbye to my first pet – a cat named Twinkle and I was about 7 years old. It never ever gets any easier no matter how old you are or the number of companion pets that have shared your life.

Somehow at some timne you will realise that your love for Maggie was what made her life worthwhile and you loved her well enough to set her free when her time came. I can’t even count the pets that I have shared my life with so far – and each loss takes away a piece if your heart – and each new addition brings with it a new piece to add to your heart – it is a circle of love unbroken – and you will know when that time is right to save another life and give a Greyhound it’s forever home.

We send you, Kelly and Jake our deepest sympathy,

Amy and the Caz Crew – and we just came home with our newest adoptee – a 10 year old Orange cat named Kinevil.
6 On May 22nd, 2010, Arby Robinson said:
We are so sorry about your loss. I know what you are going thru since we lost our Okie last memorial day just two days before his 7th birthday. I came home from marching in a parade in Auburn and was rushing home to take him for our usual daily walk in the cemetery. I arrived home and he could not walk straight and was acting disorientated. Rushed him to emergency care in baldwinsville and they told us that he had a brain bleed and that he would only get worst. We decided now was the time and went through with it. I was holding him till the end, and believe me that was one of the hardest things we have had to do. In August we adopted Molly and she will never be Okie but she does fill that empty space in our hearts. So take your time and heal from your loss and in the future you might want to adopt another great dog. It will always hurt but time will heal.
7 On May 22nd, 2010, buddy holliday said:
So sorry. I have a mantle lined up with my furkids ashes. Never gets any easier. Precious memories are left… Their pain ends and our’s begins. I’ve said goodbye to fosters in ill health,also. All we can do is to look over their head and see the line forming. The need for us never ends.Take care. vol/ Greyhound Rescue & Adoptions of Tampa Bay.
8 On May 22nd, 2010, Cindy Siddon said:
Glenn –

First of all let me say how sorry I am for your loss. I believe that aside from losing a child, losing a pet has to be one of the most traumatic things in our lives. Like a child they are totally dependent on us and love us unconditionally. In return we do the very best that we can for them as I’m sure you did for Maggie. I still remember the first dog that I lost. It was 14 years ago and I remember every moment of his last day with great clarity. He was only 6. He too had cancer. I think part of the shock with the first is that we never really think that they are ever going to leave us. It seems like an eventuality that will never happen. When it does we go into shock. You will grieve for her and time will not dim your memories but it will dim the pain. You will start to remember the good times more than the bad. You will heal. Right now it seems like that will take forever but it will happen. Making a memorial may help – I have a battery operated LED pillar candle with the dog tags hung on it of every dog I’ve lost and their pictures lined up surrounding the candle. It burns almost continually. The very best advice that I can give you is to give yourself time. The second piece of advice I can give you – and you may think this is crazy – is to open yourself up to another dog to love. It will not be a betrayal of your love for Maggie to adopt another, but rather will be a testament of your love to her. It also gives you something else to focus on. You will never replace her and I’m not suggesting you try, but you’d be amazed at the healing powers of dogs…………
9 On May 23rd, 2010, Kyle said:
I am very sorry for your loss of Maggie, she was a beautiful girl. As for when does the pain go away, unfortunately never completely. Time does heal wounds however the scar remains. She was very special to you and you to her. You gave her everything she ever wanted, love, security, food and a safe comfortable home. It all sounds very simple but she was grateful for it.

As for the pain, everyone is different in their grieving, some will immediately adopt another to help with their grief and to allow another a chance that Maggie had. Others will wait and quietly grieve sometimes never adopting again because the pain of loss is so strong and they feel they will never replace their lost one. I have been down both paths, first thinking that I will not adopt again because my girl was the most special and you know what, she was, and will ever be. As the weeks past, I realized I was being selfish to all the other pups that deserve the same chance as my special girl and that if she was so special and could communicate to me, she would say, please save another and show them what you gave me. I adopted again and yet again, both my boys are very special to me and it did help me. They will not replace my baby girl though, but I know she is happy that I am happy.
10 On May 23rd, 2010, Kelle Santa said:
It is so wonderful to read all of these comments. Although, it makes me cry my eyes out, it helps to know that so many others have felt the same and gone through the same experiences.

Maggie brought so much joy to us. As she left us, I told her that I loved her every day she was my dog. I couldn’t think of a better thing to tell her…there was just never a time I could think of that she did not give me anything but reasons to love her, unless I was worried about her because of my love for her. I still love her, which is what is making my heart break, because she is not here with me.

I do think this will get a bit easier with time, and we’ll focus more on the good memories rather than on this overwhelming sadness. I am eager to get together for more walks and see my other greyhound friends. Jake, our other greyhound, is suffering an overabundance of love and kisses right now, but doesn’t seem to mind too much.

I look forward to seeing many of you again soon.
11 On May 23rd, 2010, Allison Truelsen said:
Dear Glenn,
I am SO sorry for the loss of your baby girl. I, too, have found losing greys more painful than most humans I have lost. I have searched for soothing books and have not found one yet that helped me. I am afraid that only the passing of time and being with other dogs will help you. Please don’t spend too much time alone. The sad memories can take quite a while to be replaced by happier ones. But that time will come. And I have found in my 20+ years of adoption/rescue experience that everyone has their own time clock on when (or if) to welcome another grey into your life.

I will say prayers for you and strongest wishes for your comfort in trying to recover from such a devastating blow. Truly, there is nothing like it. I am so sorry. Take good care of yourself, allison
12 On May 23rd, 2010, Glenn said:
I just want to tell everyone how much all your comments have touched me. Thank you so much. Its so nice to know I have support out there and it does bring me comfort.
This is by far the hardest death ive ever had to deal with in my life. Its just the little things that are really killing me right now. All the little routines Maggie and I used to do together. Some of these things were special to just us. Those things are just ripping at my heart out because they are gone. Something so little as Maggie and I walking up the stairs at night together to go to bed. Its such a small thing but when you dont have it anymore, it really hurts.
I guess it just takes time but i was really unprepared for how much all this would hurt.
Glenn
13 On May 23rd, 2010, Joanne said:
Glenn & Kelly, I am so very sorry to hear about Maggie. Know that although there will be some who won’t understand the pain and loss you feel, there certainly are many who do. Someone once said to me, shortly after I lost my heart dog Lacey, “It’s just a dog.” Not so, they are so much more than that, if you let them. As others here have said, time does lesson the pain, but it never goes away. I think you will find that Jake will help you both walk through this and give you the strength you need to come out the other side. Hoping it helps to know there are so many who share your pain.

Godspeed sweet Maggie, run young, healthy and free.

Joanne & the gang
14 On May 23rd, 2010, Deedee and Roman said:
Hi Glenn and Kelly, I haven’t met you yet, but I live in the area. I’m very sorry to hear about the loss of your precious Maggie. I adopted my first dog/greyhound, Caesar, when I lived in L.A. in Dec. 1999. Then 2 yrs. later, I adopted Roman. Both boys moved back east with me. I had no idea Caesar’s death (due to old-age problems and osteosarcoma in the end) would hit me like a ton of bricks. I had been preparing myself for awhile that his time was coming, so I thought I’d be “OK.” Ummm, nope. It was VERY rough, but I found comfort, as mentioned by others, knowing that other greyhound/dog owners had been through the same kind of unbearable heartbreak. Not only did that help me, but so did spending hours writing a tribute (with a video and photo gallery) to Caesar…trying to get it just right: http://caesard.blogspot.com. I also set up a memorial table. I’m happy to say that indeed time is a healer. Take care, Deedee and Roman
15 On May 23rd, 2010, Carol Sasson said:
Glenn,
My husband and I are also very sorry to hear of Maggie’s passing. Of course you are “a wreck”. When a family member (human) dies, the world expects you to be unavailable, so that you can mourn and deal with the loss, and it’s no different here. Do whatever it is you need to do to get through each day, one at a time. Some people like to remember times together while others can’t bear to look at a photo. We’re all different, but one thing is certain,- there will come a time when it’s all OK again. I just can’t tell you when that is for you. The other thing I think is so important, is not to feel bad about feeling bad. THis was a relationship more intimate than most people ever get to experience. and I can’t tell you how many people have whispered to me that losing their dog was more heartbreaking than losing a parent. Send her your love each night and I know she will hear you. We’re sending you prayers of peace .
Carol Sasson
16 On May 24th, 2010, Abel Fletcher said:
First of all let me say how sorry I am for your loss. I believe that aside from losing a child, losing a pet has to be one of the most traumatic things in our lives. Like a child they are totally dependent on us and love us unconditionally. In return we do the very best that we can for them as I’m sure you did for Maggie. I still remember the first dog that I lost. It was 14 years ago and I remember every moment of his last day with great clarity. He was only 6. He too had cancer. I think part of the shock with the first is that we never really think that they are ever going to leave us. It seems like an eventuality that will never happen. When it does we go into shock. You will grieve for her and time will not dim your memories but it will dim the pain. You will start to remember the good times more than the bad. You will heal. Right now it seems like that will take forever but it will happen. Making a memorial may help – I have a battery operated LED pillar candle with the dog tags hung on it of every dog I’ve lost and their pictures lined up surrounding the candle. It burns almost continually. The very best advice that I can give you is to give yourself time. The second piece of advice I can give you – and you may think this is crazy – is to open yourself up to another dog to love. It will not be a betrayal of your love for Maggie to adopt another, but rather will be a testament of your love to her. It also gives you something else to focus on. You will never replace her and I’m not suggesting you try, but you’d be amazed at the healing powers of dogs…………
+1
17 On May 24th, 2010, Linda H said:
Glenn & Kelly, I too have lost my first Gryhound and she was my “Heart” dog. Sage, at 13, died in my arms from heart failure. There was no warning, there were no symptoms. She was the perfect companion. I had her for 9 years and my heart broke as hers failed. I just sobbed and sobbed. She was failing but I thought that she had more time. My heart goes out to you now as I know a portion of the pain you must be feeling. I lost 2 in the same year and as others have said it will get easier as time passes. Grieve but leave your hearts open for in time you will welcome another not to take her place but to add more love to your heart and spirit. Maggie is free and happy and will wait for you at the bridge. God bless you

Linda H
18 On May 26th, 2010, Victoria said:
Glenn, I have lost two greyhounds in the past. It is very hard because they are such sweet, and gentle friends and companions. You never forget the pain of losing them. You just process it differently. I will always wonder why they do not live
longer lives though. I personally believe that we will be reunited with our greyhounds
some day. There is that hope. Sending you a sense of peace.

Vicky
19 On May 26th, 2010, Glenn said:
Vicky, yes, i have been thinking alot about being reunited with her one day. Some religions say that animals dont have souls but I cant image they would be put on this earth, have such an effect on humans, then die without going anywhere. Im sure I will see her again I just miss her so much now.
20 On May 27th, 2010, amy said:
glenn,
I am sorry for the tardiness in the post. I could not bear to sit and write before now, that would mean I would have to think about my own loss, my best fur friends that have recently gone on……that was too much to bear. but know I am truly sorry; Maggie was a very special greyhound!!!
oh, how I miss my betsy so. the softness of her fur right behind her ears, the way I could kiss her head and my chin fit perfectly in the divot on her forehead. she was my girl, my good girl. I keep praying I see her in a dream, but I have not been so fortunate. it is like she has just vanished. all I am left with is her ghost. she was a good dog, she would have taken a bullet for me and I for her…

glen- I know you will find another greyhound that will steal your heart. I didn’t think it was possible for me after I lost my heart dog betty, but then there was betsy and the similarities went well beyond the name….

I honor your ability to love with your heart wide open that is a truly special gift. any animal will be blessed to come into your home.
peace,
amy

Native American Prayer

I give you this one thought to keep —
I am with you still — I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle mountain rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not think of me as gone —
I am with you still — in each new dawn
21 On May 27th, 2010, Glenn said:
Amy,
I really dont think there could ever be a greyhound that could steal my heart like maggie did. So I can totally understand where you are coming from with the loss of your dog , Betty.
I do think though that there are so many greyhounds that need good homes and I really want to give another one a chance in the hopes that maybe I will feel a little bit of that special feeling that i felt with maggie.
I know know other breeds of dogs are special but there is something about greyhounds. I wish more people knew how special they are. So gentle and so loving.

Glenn
22 On May 31st, 2010, brandimom said:
Glenn, I am sorry to hear about Maggie. Words are not adequate but just know time does help.
23 On August 30th, 2010, Gina VanLengen said:
Dear Glenn and Kelle ( and Jake),
I am SO sorry to hear about Maggie. I always LOVED her when she stayed with me when you would go away…she was a comic and knew just how to get at mt heart! Yes..she was on my bed and yes she did have snacks..she was a perfect lady and I was so looking forward to seeing her…well – she is running free guys and stil a happy girl….bless you Maggie..I love you!!

Gina
24 On December 20th, 2010, morgan said:
im very sorry for your lose.my greyhound died on the 16 or 17 of november and that was the very first time that i lost a very,very beloved pet.its ok to feel mad or sad.because when maggie crossed the rainbow bridge, she was not in any pain anymore.and if you cremated her it is ok to get mad at that cause it feels like they are killing her again.but there not.but the good thing is that you get to keep her forever and if you want to you can be cremated and be barried with maggie.

morgan
25 On December 20th, 2010, morgan said:
let her rest in peace, and wish her to run fast over the rainbow bride.barriey her in the spring so you can plant flowers on her if you didnt already,and wish her a happy second life,shell be waiting for you on the other side of the rainbow bridge.love her and keep her in your heart forever.
morgan