The Needle Nose Notes September 2000

LOSS

By Mike Gallas

The Needle Nose Crew has been a part of greyhound rescue for over six years now. We have watched hundreds of greyhounds blossom with the love of a family all their own. We have also been around long enough to see many of our dear friends leave this world and cross the Rainbow Bridge to the "other side". It has been said many times before that no love comes without a price. Unfortunately, when the loved one is a dog the price is usually the fact that we will out-live our dear friend. It would be wonderful if we were each assigned a canine friend, a guardian angel, to go through life with. A special pal to help us through whatever life may throw our way, always by our side, from birth to death. Of course, this is not the case, yet I am sure many of you have had the feeling that someone close that has passed on is watching over you or has paid a visit on occasion. Can anyone really prove this is not possible? I choose to believe that my friends, human, canine and otherwise are watching over me waiting until we are once again reunited. So with that thought, I leave you with a poem I came across while reading a rescue publication.

I stood by your bedside last night;

I came to have a peep.

I could see that you were crying

you found it hard to sleep.

I whined to you softly

as you brushed away a tear.

"Its me, I haven’t left you,

I’m well, I’m fine, I’m here."

I was close to you at breakfast,

I watched you pour tea,

You were thinking of the many times

your hands reached down to me.

I was with you at the shops today;

your arms were getting sore.

I longed to take your parcels,

I wish I could do more.

I was with you at my grave today;

you tend it with such care.

I want to reassure you that

I’m not lying there.

I walked with you toward the house,

as you fumbled for your key.

I gently put my paw on you;

I smiled and said, "it’s me."

You looked so very tired

and sank into a chair.

I tried so hard to let you know

that I was standing there.

It’s possible for me to be so near

to you every day.

To say to you with certainty

"I never went away."

You sat there very quietly,

then smiled, I think you knew…

in the stillness of that evening

I was very close to you.

The day is over….

I smile and watch you yawning

and say "goodnight, God bless,

I’ll see you in the morning."

And when the time is right for you

to cross the brief divide,

I’ll rush across to greet you

and we will stand side by side.

I have so many things to show you,

there is so much for you to see.

Be patient, live your journey out…

Then come home to be with me.

(Author unknown)

Drifter says "Hey guys! Want to have some fun? Get your special human friend to put on your muzzle and play a round of greyhound soccer!"

SPEEDY

By Gayla Hannah

I'm really touched by the messages I've received from other greyhound folks offering their condolences. Greyhound folks are the best! I still can't believe Speedy's really gone. I keep expecting to hear him coming down the hallway squeaking his toys or running for the front door when I open it (for any reason) hoping for a walk. He will always have a very special place in my heart, a place no other greyhound can ever truly fill, but they are all special in their own way. The best tribute I can give Speedy, I feel, is to rescue another boy and hope to give him a more pleasant life… filled with mountain hikes, soft beds, plenty of toys, and lots of hugs and kisses. Each one deserves to feel special for whatever time they have left.

Note from Ed…Four days later, Patch went to join Gayla’s greydaze gang of Aja, Rikki and Traveler.

WAKE UP, IT’S TIME TO PARTY!!!

It’s been a long hot summer, but now its time to get off the couch, stretch those lazy muscles and party… Greyhound style!!! It just so happens that there are two greyhound events just around the corner. The first of these events is Canine Causes’ first ever reunion picnic. As many of you may already know, Canine Causes was formed just over a year ago. One of its goals is to help Hemopet/Pet Life-Line adopt some of their long-term resident greyhounds into permanent homes. Canine Causes started a foster home program for these "hard to adopt dogs" which has proven very helpful in getting the greys house ready. This foster home arrangement has also allowed the dogs to be seen by a greater number of potential adopters. During the last thirteen months, thirty-five of these wonderful greys have successfully been adopted. The date for the picnic is September 24^th from 11:00AM to 4:00PM at Pittsford Park in Lake Forest. To get to the park, take Highway 5 south to Lake Forest Dr., head east on Lake Forest to Pittsford then turn right. The park will be on your right side. Lunch will be served potluck style so you are asked to bring a main dish, salad or desert that will serve 10. Another option is to pay 4.00 per adult and 2.00 per child at the gate. Activities will include a raffle and an assortment of greyhound friendly games. We strongly advise that everyone bring exercise pens, some sort of shade and lots of water for your greys. The late September days are often very warm. For further information or questions please call (949) 465-6969. The second event is the now famous Greyhound Play day, Sunday, October 22, put on by Linda and Larry Brown of Retired Racers at their ranch in Acton. If you have not already experienced the Greyhound Play day, you owe it to yourself and your grey(s) to come on up. There will be all kinds of "greyhound stuff" to purchase in the general store as well as a chance to see your dogs in action as the greys course two at a time (imagine a sort of greyhound drag race). Food will be available for purchase or you can bring your own. Greyhound Play day is open to greyhounds only. For safety sake, other breeds will not be allowed on the property. The ranch does have a greyhound only dog park that allows the dogs to run off lead without being pestered. This is a wonderful chance to just sit back and "talk dogs" with people that are as crazy about these marvelous greys as you are. You can find the Brown’s ranch at 6027 Valley Sage Road, which is listed in the Thomas Guide on page 4374, section F-4. Acton itself is about 1-1/2 to 2 hours north of central Orange County off Highway 14. I guarantee that it is well worth the drive. You and your grey(s) will have a wonderful day.

GREYT ADVICE FROM SHARIN:

Don’t steal your Mom’s underwear and dance all over the backyard with it – especially when there’s company!

REMEMBRANCES

Our hearts go out to…

John Salladay and Maggie Smith for the loss of their wonderful nine year old Tory.
Denaire Rigney for the loss of the far too young Bibi.
Gayla Hannah for her loss of marvelous eight year old Speedy.
The Chapman Family, Heidi, Ingrid and John for the loss of their ten year old Ahslee.

The game provides a list of GREYT names you need to find in the scramble of letters contained in the box. The names may be spelled forwards, backwards, up, down or diagonally. I drew names to create the list except for Indigo & Topper of course. So, if your favorite grey is not here, fear not, there’s always next time. Have Fun!! J Janie Ulrich