My golden boy, Frank, my first greyhound, is home again

Greyallaround

A week ago tomorrow I helped my golden greyhound, Frank Thomas, to cross the Bridge. He had cancer and we made the decision to not make him suffer for us. The call came this morning that his cremains were back at the vet and ready to be picked up.

I had wanted greyhounds since I was 9 or 10 years old. Not long after I "discovered" the breed, I found out that they were available to be adopted after their racing career. I decided then that some day I would own one of these magnificent animals. It took 20 years, but the dream finally happened.

I went to the adoption kennel just before New Years in 2004. I had a picture in my head of what I wanted in a hound. Large male, brindle - preferably either really light or really dark, with a big, goofy personality to match. Frank was so not any of those, besides large and male. What Frank was was a tall red male with a black mask, and super shy. He didn't want to be near anyone. But when he stepped out of his kennel, rather than having to be dragged out, he walked right over to me and put the top of his head against my chest. I brought him home a few days later.

Frank was a quiet, mostly peaceful guy. This boy took his retirement seriously, and I never saw him go faster than a slow loping trot! I'd love to say that we had a lot of wonderful adventures together, but that's just not the dog I brought home. We did take him to Medieval re-enactments with us, but I am quite certain that he'd have just as soon been home on one of his beds, cuddled up with a stuffed animal.

This is going to sound crazy, but I knew within a few weeks of his being with us that he would not be with us long. There was just this... dark cloud... for lack of a better way of describing it... that always clung to him. I knew. And so when I noticed he was limping during our walks, I knew. And when the vet came to tell me the results of his xrays and tests, I knew. And I kick myself - why didn't I pay attention to the first signs? When he started attacking his sister greyhound for no apparent reason? Or when he started obsessively licking and chewing his leg until there was no fur? Or when I started to need to feed him so much more food to keep any weight on him? Or when he'd potty in the house? If I'd been listening, I'd have heard him tell me so much sooner that he was in pain.

I miss my boy. My beautiful, sweet, quiet golden boy.

Will I ever stop feeling like I killed my dog?

You know what? I just have too many photos that I wanted to put up to show you my guy. So, here's the link to my album. I hope you'll be able to see why I loved my "boring" dog so much.

I miss you fiercely, Frank. Crying or Very sad

Thanks for letting me cry and slobber all over your board. Embarassed

iris · Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 12:22 pm Post subject:

I am soooo truly sorry for your loss. As i cry for you I as well pray for you and your loving boy and hope that one day you realize that it was not you that caused this to him. Just remember that he is running again free of cancer and happy!

Trene · Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 12:23 pm Post subject:

oh so handsome! I like greyhounds. Stinks, if only our doggies could talk and tell us when they don't feel good. I'm sorry.

greydogs · Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 12:27 pm Post subject:

what a beautiful boy! i am so sorry his time with you was not longer. but you know, you gave him a wonderful home, and you did your very best.
you did not kill your dog, please let go of that thought.
things happened as they were meant to be.
you rescued him and gave him a loving home.

he is free now, running and napping.
xo

kamfam · Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 1:37 pm Post subject:

Aw, I am so sorry to hear about Frank. It really truly sucks to loose a pet. It's so awesome to have them in our lives, but boy, does it ever hurt when we lose them.

Just know that he did not go alone...he and Kam went together Presumed innocent

.

weimdawgs · Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 3:17 pm Post subject:

I am so truly sorry for the loss of your Frank. He is gorgeous.

You did wonderful for him. I hope I have your strength when my turn comes.

He is strong and healthy now, running at the bridge with Kam, Lola and Blue and the rest of our babies.

God Speed, sweet Frank.

Lynn

rejoh0605 · Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 4:29 pm Post subject:

Frank

We are truly sorry for your loss. Wilson sends kisses to you and your family.

clarkiek · Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 8:11 pm Post subject:

RIP Frank

You can always beat yourself up with the "what ifs," but it won't bring him back. I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. It's very possible that even if you had acted sooner on the "signs" that the result would still be the same. Hindsight is 20-20, but the signs were so subtle. Please don't blame yourself and beat yourself up over his passing. There is a time for everyone to move on, and it was his time to go.

While he was here Frank chose you... and you gave him a wonderful place to retire and live out the rest of his life the way he wanted to. Find peace in this. You were his angel.... and now he's yours. Presumed innocent

NenaGunther · Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 9:52 pm Post subject:

I am so sorry about Frank Crying or Very sad

I still sometimes do the woulda shoulda coulda with our Pit/Collie mix Simon that we lost last summer. It doesn't help to beat yourself up.

RIP Frank Flower

amazonstarlight · Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 10:10 pm Post subject:

weimamama · Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 10:20 pm Post subject:

So sorry about your needing to make that decision for your sweet boy. It's never an easy choice, but one of such fortitude and love. Frank will no longer be in any pain (visible or not). he is running free and happy at the bridge until we all meet up again.

His light will shine on in NJ; the candle is being lit as soon as i finish typing.

doGspeed, sweet Frank.

freespiritmom · Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2008 1:09 pm Post subject:

You didn't kill your baby, you took care of him by helping him not to hurt anymore. You are an angel of mercy. That is what my Vet calls people who have to have their babies put to sleep.

GailB · Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2008 2:28 pm Post subject:

Frank Thomas Presumed innocent

simis · Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2008 9:02 pm Post subject:

I'm so sorry for your loss. Rest in Peace Frank Flower

AmyB · Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2008 11:03 pm Post subject:

I'm so sorry for your loss!

Frank was such a beautiful boy, I love greyhounds as well, and he is one of the most handsome one I've ever seen.

Please don't beat yourself up over this, Frank wouldn't want that at all. He loved you so much and he knew how much you loved him. You were a wonderful Mommy to him! I'm sure there was nothing else that could have been done. I know he was so happy that he was able to spend the last months of his life with you!

I'll be thinking of you and your family. Flower

Frank