Remembering Our Departed Greyt Family Members
Do you have a special departed greyhound or other pet you'd like to celebrate? Send a short tribute, and one picture if desired, to susan@firstgreys.org. We may need to edit for space.
The Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called the Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to the Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals that had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Just this side of heaven is a place called the Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to the Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals that had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
-Author Unknown
10/24/99-2/3/08
To my snugglebutt:
You were my shadow, but I never realized how empty my hand would feel when I reached down and didn't feel your nose.
You were my second boy and my third dog, but I never realized how empty the house would feel without you.
You were my problem child, but I never realized how empty Juliana's arms would be without you to snuggle and pat-pat.
You are running free now, cancer-free and chasing bunnies, and my heart is full with my memories of you.
You will always be with me; I miss you and I love you.
Michael & Christine Noble
Pouncy, bouncy & full of fun, sweet Tigger was my number one. She was the reason I got into greyhound rescue. Gone but never forgotten.
Bill Weinberg
Belle was the biggest crybaby greyhound I ever met. She was also a real meet & greet trooper. Always a greyt presence at the Ren Faire, everybody's friend. She was also my "roadie", always ready to go with dad. I miss her more than any other dog I've had.
Bill Weinberg
She was a beat up, battle scarred old brood mama who had a heart of solid gold. Never was there a more regal or dignified matron. She was truly Precious and we were blessed to have her with us for 5 years.
Bill & Chris Weinberg
Darby 5/1/01-01/17/07
Darby (Pa's Dashing) was one of our failed fosters. He was our problem child, always finding trouble to get into. On January 14, 2007, Darby chased his last squirrel. He collapsed in our yard and died January 17, 2007. He was my Darby Detterline.
Deb & Barre Detterline
Darby (Pa's Dashing) was one of our failed fosters. He was our problem child, always finding trouble to get into. On January 14, 2007, Darby chased his last squirrel. He collapsed in our yard and died January 17, 2007. He was my Darby Detterline.
Deb & Barre Detterline
Dooley 5/21/01 - 4/16/08
On March 11th, we lost our beloved Finnigan (El Top Hat) to osteo. He fought a brave battle by participating in a pain management study at the University of Pennsylvania. We were blessed with an extra two and a half months with Finnigan. He loved going to Meet & Greets, leaning on anyone who came close, convincing them he liked them the best. He was our big gentle, goofy boy who we will always love and miss terribly.
On April 16, 2008, we lost Dooley, (Bobbye's Flirt) to an abdominal mass. He was his dad's shadow, following him everywhere. He loved sunning himself in the yard and sharing the couch with his pop. He will be missed.
Deb & Barre Detterline
Budee Budee (Buddy Van) 11/9/97 – 7/5/2007
My big brindle boy and my first greyhound. I noticed him first when he and Tucker were taken from the van, so I consider him my first..
From now on, the 4th of July won't be happy, because I'll always know that the anniversary of his death is the following day.
He had a massive stroke and there was nothing to be done for him except crossing that Bridge.
I miss him and I always will.
Joan Fish
Lolo (Forbes Rhodella)
Although Lolo was almost 10, she still ran full tilt three times a week, hunted for bunnies (then let them go) and ate like a front loader to the very end.
Lolo (aka Forbes Rhodella), came to us after being discovered in a fenced enclosure along with two other dogs. When she arrived at NGAP she weighed 45 pounds. Her color was unidentifiable through the mud, ticks and fleas caked onto her tiny body. She was so weak that she was carried to her crate. When I reached out to touch her, she was shaking, but she put her paw over my hand and held it there, and she kissed my face. We were bonded for life from that moment.
Lolo's one weakness was her comfort. And she loved to cuddle in bed with me. My husband comes to bed late, and would tell Lolo to get down and go to her special bed. As far as Lolo was concerned, there was nothing special about it. With deliberate slowness, Lolo would eye him with one eye, heave a huge sigh, get up one leg at a time and then get off the bed. Before she lay down, she would eye my husband one more time, heave one more emotional sigh and thump down onto her bed. That sigh said it all.
Never have I had a bond with person or animal as I had with Lolo, nor have I ever known a more loving being. She was an angel, a therapist, a companion, a baby, a travel-mate, an alarm, an exercise-mate and a friend. She was, for me, in every way, perfect…perfect love.
We are sick with the loss, but we think of her with deep love and gratitude. We think she is mentoring our new Greys, Mic and Cindy. We hope so. They should be so lucky.
- Frances Young
Onyx my love:
My big, beautiful, Greyt Girl, with gorgeous soul connecting eyes. What a wonderful joy it was to live with you for five years. To walk with you early every morning in the quiet dawning of a new day on the path along the Bushkill. To see your excitement when you alerted me to a rabbit,
squirrel, or another person through the trees more than a half mile away. To feel you lean against me with interest as the school kids go on the bus and to kiss me for the treat when we got home. Onyx my love, I learned so very much from you. The path is vacant now, but I know you walk with our Master above, your eyes fixed on the bridge for me so we can cross together. I miss you Greyt Girl, you will be in my heart forever.
- Paul Morrison
Lots of folks at First State will remember Keeper's name. He was truly the most amazing animal. Because of his wonderful disposition and fantastic looks, he was true a crusader for First State. Because of him, many greys found loving homes. Yesterday, he left us. He died in my arms. He was the love of my life. I truly needed him more than he needed me. I can't give him a more meaningful tribute than that. He touched so many people's lifes, that he will never be forgotten.
Rest in peace, my wonderful and loving friend.
- Linda Benner
Foxy – (JC's Crafty Fox) - 1999-2008
In late October, 2007, I lost my beloved Willie (1 Blue eye, 1 Brown eye) to osteo. He was my big and gentle boy who I will always love and miss terribly.
In January, 2008, I lost Foxy, (my 1st hound) to osteo. She was my hubby’s protector, following him everywhere. She loved the couch and her treats. She will be missed.
I truly believe my hounds wanted to be with my hubby, and now all 3 are my angels.
- Faye Lombardo
Eight years ago you came into my life but I had no idea at that time how very much you would mean to me. As we begin this most horrible of days I try to only remember all of the wonderful times that we have had. How at first you seemed more disturbed by Freedom than pleased to have a brother but after a short time how you would go around the house after him, picking up his toys every evening and putting them away. How he wanted to share the sofa with you and it took weeks before you grudgingly allowed him to lay next to you. I remember watching you and Rocky racing each other to the point of exhaustion and then how you would sleep for an entire day after running that hard. I recall how after I got your brothers you were the model for good behavior when they would be acting up, which was constantly in the beginning. I never had to worry about your behavior because you were perfect. What I remember the most though is how you came to me. You spent 6 months in a home where you were not treated very well and virtually ignored. Overweight and with a severely injured neck from the constant pulling of the leash and how quickly you thrived in our house and loved your long walks and exercise. You have been with me thru the most terrible times of my life and you never gave me anything but your best. You were never needy or unbalanced but always the perfect lady. I remember Grandma calling you the girl with the pretty ears and little feet. I can only hope that the past 8 years somehow made up for the first 4 years of your life when you were treated so horribly. As you go to join Grandma, you will meet people, and dogs, that love you even though you have never met them. You will adore Pop and he will play with you and take you for walks again because neither of you will struggle to walk any longer. You will get to meet Chrissie, Piet, Lady, Mitzi, Brandy, Bozo and Magee and others that have left before you. I want you to know that it is because of you Shadow, and your brothers Freedom and Rocky, that I have dedicated my life to helping every dog that I can possibly help. Everytime that I didn't feel like studying or working, I think about you and your brothers and keep on going. All that I have in the world is you and your brothers and the 3 of you have kept me going when times were so terribly difficult. I will never forget you and will always honor your memory and most of all Shadow, I will always love you. You gave me far more than I could have possibly ever given to you. Thank you for coming into my life and giving me nothing but your best. Please be happy and remember that soon your brothers and I will be with you again, running and playing. I love you Shadow and part of you will live with me forever. God Bless You!
Forever your loving friends and companions,
- Freedom, Rocky and Bob (Witmer)
On December 12th 2008 my precious PatC (pictured on the right) was laid to rest. She brought a lot of joy to me in the 14 months she was with me. I was so very happy; I got a chance to rescue her. She’ll be missed.
- Faye Lombardo
Kaci
Our Kaci, we fell in love with you the first moment we saw you. You had the most beautiful, soulful eyes we ever saw. You weren't with us very long, and you will be missed more than we can say. You were such a good girl and an absolute pleasure. You will forever be in our hearts.
You left an imprint on each of our lives. Mustang is lost without you, too. We will love you for always and until we meet again...you will always be our Kaci Girl.
Love, Mommy, Daddy, Austin, Jolene, Hope, Adriana, Kara Mia & Mustang
Our Kaci, we fell in love with you the first moment we saw you. You had the most beautiful, soulful eyes we ever saw. You weren't with us very long, and you will be missed more than we can say. You were such a good girl and an absolute pleasure. You will forever be in our hearts.
You left an imprint on each of our lives. Mustang is lost without you, too. We will love you for always and until we meet again...you will always be our Kaci Girl.
Love, Mommy, Daddy, Austin, Jolene, Hope, Adriana, Kara Mia & Mustang
On January 14th, 2009, our precious Bailey Dawg ran her last race… across the Rainbow Bridge to join her fellow greys who passed before her. She adopted us in October of 2003 and we were blessed with five and a half wonderful years together. She came to us as a frightened little girl with her tail tucked tightly between her legs, carrying scars both inside and out. Some fears she bravely conquered – others stayed with her until the end. From the first time we looked into those beautiful Cleopatra-lined eyes, we knew she had finally found her home.
During our short time together, our love helped her blossom into a happy, energetic hound. She loved her stuffies, her treats, and dad’s home cooking. But most of all, she loved being with us. She looked forward to Saturdays when we took her to meet & greets because she got even more attention. With a huge smile on her adorable fawn face, she loped into the crowd of her greyhound friends like a kangaroo! She was an exceptional ambassador for FSGR… always attentive to approaching people and eager to greet them with a wagging tail and a kiss.
She was our heart dog… our first and only Bailey Dawg. There will never be another like her, as she was truly unique. She taught us how to love unconditionally and always gave us her love, loyalty and friendship. Saying good-bye was the hardest thing we ever had to do and our lives are empty without her. We will cherish our memories together and she will always be in our hearts. We wish you God’s speed, my love… and ask only that you greet us at the Bridge someday when we can join you. Run free, Bailey Dawg…
Lori & Dailis Melbarde
Our beautiful, wonderful friend passed away February 19, 2009 after a long, happy life.
Current was the pushiest, fussiest girl who always thought that she knew best, and we loved her dearly.
Sara's shadow, who always tried to make her go to bed before she was ready. Who hogged most of the bed every night and chased anything that looked cute and fluffy.
Our first greyhound ever, you were a contradiction with thick fur, who barked when you wanted something and shed like crazy. We taught you how to play, and you taught us how to have more fun.
Our baby girl, shadow dog, and Curr-baby, we love you and we know that you're off chasing squirrels on a fluffy cloud somewhere. We love you and we'll always miss you.
The Rodgers Family (Tom, Rose, Sara, Abigail, and Raleigh)
Lily was a wonderful part of the family who passed away from cancer in July. We're glad we were able to give this adorable little diva a home and we miss her a lot!
The Priebes and Luke
Sammy came into our home Jan. 16, 2001 full of energy and we wondered what we were getting ourselves into. However, we quickly fell in love with him, his quirky ears giving him so much character. Our other dog, Scruffy, quickly taught him the ropes of going potty outside and being rewarded for doing a good job. Over time he developed such a wonderful personality that anyone who met him fell in love with him. We had 8 greyt years together and he will be missed by everyone who knew him.
Joan and Wally Myers
First State mourns the loss of Holly Adele. This tiny, wiggly girl charmed everyone she met, both with her sweet personality and her smart black tuxedo looks.
Adele was born on March 8, 2005. She retired after a broken leg, and was prefostered in Florida by Gold Coast Greyhound Adoptions, where she recovered from surgery to correct her fracture. Along with her foster sister, Maeve, she was brought north by First State volunteer David Tyack. Foster parents Dan & Noreen Kern gave her a taste of the joys of retirement.
Unfortunately, complications from surgery for a serious intestinal condition ended her life entirely too soon. Dr. Smith and the entire staff at Alburtis Animal Hospital tried hard to save her life, to no avail.
Adele touched so many lives in such a brief time. She loved people, kids, greyhounds, puppies and cats. First State was privileged to hold her, even for a short time. Run free, sweet girl!
You were my princess; my beauty.
You would snuggle next to me one minute, then be Miss Independent the next.
You were the most stubborn, picky, and regal girl I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.
I miss your eyes, staring back at me.
I miss your face, rubbing deeper into my hands.
I miss your warmth, your kisses, and your peace.
I know you are free from pain, sunning yourself in the softest grass, and eating the only the best treats.
You will forever be my Princess Cassie.
Love,
Michael, Christine, Juliana, and Buddy Noble
We had to say good-bye to Glory after eight wonderful years together. She was the sweetest, kindest, goofiest girl and we adored her. Our daughter's face lit up every time she said Glory's name. We will miss our girl every day.
Jodi, Brett & Zephyr Kimmel
We lost our beloved Maxx after a slipped disk caused paralysis in all limbs. He was a great dog, and loved very deeply by everyone that met him. He lived 7 1/2 wonderful years with us and we miss him terribly. We thank FSGR for bringing him into our lives.
Tammy Johnston
Fagan was such a special dog to us, not only was he greyhound, but also part black lab. See he came back to FSGR at no fault on him. When my husband and I met him at Walnutport Canal in Sept, 2008 we were only going to stay there for an hour. But we found ourselves staying there for the whole day. See he found us, we weren't even looking for a dog at that point. Fagan barked at everything, dogs, other people. But he was comfortable with us. He loved to be at fun run's and lay on everybody else's blanket, and then when some other dog's would walk by he would voice his opinion. And by the sound of his bark we knew who was barking. He loved to run, other owners always said that he "prances" or "hop's" when he runs. We are still moving forward with our meet and greets to help with FSGR. It's all about the hounds and to help them find homes and have better life. That's why we are devoting our time to FSGR meet and greets and for the St. Paddy's and Allentown and Emmaus Parade and in our hearts dedicate it to Fagan. And when it's time to adopted again when the time is right.
Jenn Demarest
10/26/99 - 4/1/10
You raced into our hearts and our lives a broken and uncertain soul. You quickly became a part of our family and a friend to us all. We saved you from certain horrors only to lose you too soon to the ravages of osteosarcoma. Thank you for letting us share your love, life and companionship. There will always be a void in our home and in our hearts for you. Run free and be happy, for you are a winner.
We love and miss you,
Mom, Dad and sisters Dolly and Sugar, Gracie and Kino
Lady Di was such a special girl with a wonderful personality. It was a pleasure to have her for our pet. She brightened up the room and always made us smile. We miss her very much.
The Spevaks
28 MAR 2001 - 21 JUL 2010
Leopold - aka Kiowa Betternmost - came to us on 31 July 2007, underfed and wormy, with the corner missing from one ear, and was only supposed to be with us for a few weeks. But when he woke up from a little nap and whined for a second, then picked up his head and looked at Kass, perked up, got up, and trotted over to her to get some ear scritches, we knew he couldn't leave. He'd wake up disoriented, look around until he saw one of us, then relax ("Oh, good. You're still here.") and go back to sleep.
We just don't know how we're going to know when to get up in the morning, go downstairs, feed the dogs, take them out, or go to bed without our loudmouth boy ordering us around. And who's going to bark at the UPS man after he's gotten into his truck to drive away? Who's going to howl and jump at the door like he has murder in his heart when actually he's the biggest candy-ass around? Who's going to accompany Kass when she naps and make sure that Bob never sleeps for more than 30 minutes? Who's going to curl up next to us and snuggle, but complain if we rest our arms on him?
Our darling Leopold will spend his time under the walnut trees, keeping us safe from The Grey Menace (pesky squirrels, always encroaching). We buried our friend and then we got the pack rooing. It's so hard, though. You always used to start the rooing, Leo. It just isn't right without your voice. While we were saying goodbye to you under your tree, it rained - suitable for a dapper gent, always in his tuxedo, a touch of rain pattered on the funeral cortege like something out of a Victorian romance novel. Then, after the shower passed, a rainbow blessed us with its beauty. We know it was you sending us a benediction from the Rainbow Bridge.
Goodbye, Lu-Lu. We miss you so much. And we thank you for the many blessings you brought into our lives.
Bob, Kass, Melody, Sebastian and Preston (McGann-Davis)