Jim's pets • Blackie: family dog, 1950s • Smokey: family long-hair cat, 1960s • Tigre: family short-hair cat, 1960s • Chica: family dog, Christmas present, 1960s • Gus and others: hamsters, 1960s • Chameleons, chicks, and turtles, 1960s • JB: golden tan dog, UT Austin, 1972 • Hamsters, 1984 • Eddie: stray puppy, 2008 • Dallas: pound dog, 1992-2006, 14 years • Austin: Greyhound, 1994-2002, 8 years 6 months • Vegas: Greyhound, 2002-2010, 7 years 8 months • Manhattan: Greyhound, 2007-2017, 9 years 9.5 months • Brooklyn: mixed Greyhound, 2011-2024, 12 years • Nola: Greyhound, 2024-now, 1 years • Eddie: Greyhound, 2025-now, 1 years Advantages to living with a dog rather than a wife • I never have to have dinner with her in-laws and her parents never visit. • She eats the same food everyday and is grateful for it. • She never asks for money. • The later I get home, the happier she is. • She likes it if I leave a lot of things on the floor. • I never have to wait for her; she's immediately ready to go 24 hours a day. • If she smells another dog on me, she doesn't get mad. She just thinks it's interesting. • She likes to ride in the back of a pickup truck. Enlightening test: Lock your wife and your dog in the garage for three hours. Then open it and see who's happy to see you. Wisdom we can learn from dogs • Its good to make people laugh. • Practice unconditional love. • Always stretch when getting up from a nap. • Take naps. • When loved ones come home, always run to greet them. • Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride. • Run, romp, and play daily. • On warm days, stop to lie on your back in the grass. • On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree. • Delight in the simple joy of a long walk. • Never pretend to be something you're not. • If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it. • When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently. • Live in the moment - don't regret the past nor worry about the future. • Don't hold grudges. • Celebrate every day - rejoice in life's simplest moments. Every walk is the best walk, every meal is the best meal, every game is the best game. Above right: Text to a friend: She had to put her dog to sleep because he was too aggressive. Wisdom from a veterinarian Dogs are a gift in life like no other thing. I was once told that when we chose to live with beings whose life span is even more brief than our own that we live in a fragile circle. A circle which will often and sadly be breached. However, I cannot imagine a life so poor as what a life would be without the presence of a dog. Dogs give so much and ask so little in return. You were the sun and the moon and the stars to your girl. She trusted you to make all of her decisions for her, and you rose to that confidence that she placed in you. You always did your best for her and she thrived in the care which you gave to her. Her trust in you was earned by you with your devotion to her. Her life was blessed because she spent that life with you. Of course you grieve for what you have lost, but please, do find a moment here and there to remember all you had, and all she gave to you and the richness with which she enhanced your life. You were entrusted with your girl's care for her lifetime; you made that lifetime a heaven. I share the sadness of your loss and celebrate the life you gave to her. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. My condolences, Marguerite Why a dog death hits me so hard • Humans have a nurturing, raising children instinct. I have chosen to be single, with no children. My dogs fill some of that void. I raised them - they become my kids. Kids shouldn't outlive their parents. Mine do. • When one dies, it makes it more obvious that I am alone. And that can sometimes be depressing. • Manhattan's illness and death came at the same time that I retired from teaching, sold the NY apt, and a friend died. Lots of loss. Why losing a dog can be harder than losing a relative or friend By Frank T. McAndrew When some people see their friends mourn the loss of a pet, they often think it's an overreaction; after all, it's “just a dog." But, your own pet is never “just a dog." Many times, people grieve more over the loss of a dog than over the loss of friends or relatives. Research has confirmed that for most people, the loss of a dog is, in almost every way, comparable to the loss of a human loved one. Unfortunately, there's little in our cultural playbook - no grief rituals, no obituary in the local newspaper, no religious service - to help us get through the loss of a pet, which can make us feel more than a bit embarrassed to show too much public grief over our dead dogs. Perhaps if people realized just how strong and intense the bond is between people and their dogs, such grief would become more widely accepted. This would greatly help dog owners to integrate the death into their lives and help them move forward. Dogs are the only animal to have evolved specifically to be our companions and friends - socially skilled animals that we now interact with in the same way we interact with other people. Dogs can be even more satisfying than our human relationships because dogs provide us with unconditional, uncritical, positive feedback. (As the old saying goes, “May I become the kind of person that my dog thinks I already am.") Dogs recognize people and can learn to interpret human emotional states from facial expression alone. Scientific studies also indicate that dogs can understand human intentions, try to help their owners, and even avoid people who don't cooperate with their owners or treat them well. The loss of a dog is painful because owners aren't just losing the pet - they're losing a source of unconditional love, a primary companion who provides security and comfort, and even a protégé that's been mentored like a child. The loss of a dog can also seriously disrupt an owner's daily routine more profoundly than the loss of most friends and relatives. For owners, their daily schedules - even their vacation plans - can revolve around the needs of their pets. Changes in lifestyle and routine are some of the primary sources of stress. Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened. Dallas I had always enjoyed having a dog as a kid and thought it might be fun to have one as an adult. So, during the spring of 1992, I set out to get a puppy. I went to a couple of places where the dogs are never euthanized - they just stay on the grounds. I realized I wanted a dog from a pound, to save one from possibly being put to sleep. I had planned to get a puppy on the Friday before spring break, but, the weekend before, I went to the Oklahoma City dog pound - just 'to look'. Not a good idea. It was both fun seeing all the puppies and sad seeing the pens labeled with the upcoming day that the dogs would be killed. It was late in the afternoon, not too many people were wandering around. I sat down on the concrete and opened the gate to a pen so a little brown and black puppy could come out and see me. This puppy crawled up into my lap and went to sleep. She was the last of her litter to be adopted and was probably tired of all the activity at the pound that day. I looked up at the attendant and said, 'I guess this is my dog'. She agreed and we went up front to take care of some paperwork. I carried her to the car where she went back to sleep in my lap for the 30 minute ride home. I got home and put her in a chair. Fortunately, she resumed her nap so I could hurry to the store to get food, paper towels, carpet cleaner, chew toys and anything else I thought a puppy might need. From that day in March, 1992, until now I have enjoyed the companionship of dogs. Later we went back to the pound for a few obedience classes. She would sleep in my - her - bed. First I kept her in a friend's back yard while I was at school. I'd pick her up and take her home. For three weeks, I moved into the Wallo house and she had to stay outside. Once, she was crammed in the dog house while it was raining. She was uncomfortable and so was I. Many trips to the city of Dallas where she had the run of the house, many walks around the Orchid Lane naborhood, Dealey fields, and White Rock Lake. In Edmond, we walked in a field north of West 7th street. Sometimes, especially as a puppy, we walked the trails at Hafer Park, back in the wilderness area. I would unleash her and we would play tag and chase. Dallas was always very strong and independent. Walks were on her terms. She would pull on the leash in eagerness to explore and sniff. And she tried to sniff just about everything she could. She would sit and put her front paws up on my outstretched hand and wait for a treat until I said, 'Okay'. One day she got out and ran after me, across Broadway all the way to East Fifth Street, just beyond Rankin, a few houses away from where she would later live. The person whose yard she was in called me the next day and I retrieved her. We walked the naborhood, the Smith/Scott's porch, Stephenson Park, Fink Park and the field and creek by park and woods. I lost Dallas and Vegas one nite in the forest growth by Fink Park. I searched all over, afraid they might chase a cat or squirrel onto busy Second Street. Went home and got a flashlight. Back at the forest, the beam hit their bright eyes and they were only a few feet into the underbrush - the leash connecting their two collars had hung up on a branch. They had just waited there for an hour, absolutely quietly and patiently. Naming the puppy I sought help from friends to name the new puppy. The daughter of a friend suggested Casey (although, I'm not sure why). I thought she said KC as in Kansas City where she was born. I thought KC was a good name but it had no connection to me, so, Dallas (my hometown) made more sense. And so the puppy was named Dallas. She loved riding in my Geo Tracker with a sunroof - she put her paws on the roof and stood on her hind legs with her head sticking out. Sorta like in this pic of another dog. Her cheeks would billow open and flap. People pointed and laughed. She loved it. The last days of Dallas the dog, 2006 January: Noticed lump on the left side, took her to the vet. X-ray showed tumor that was enveloping her ribs and restricting breathing in one lung. The vet and I agreed she was too old (14 years) to undergo surgery, so we put her on some pain killers, glucosamine, and vitamins. Wensday, Febuary 7: Worked at home all day on the history lecture; Dallas was moving slow. She barked at the mailman, as she did everyday. I left about 4pm and got home after midnite. Dallas didn't come for treats; finally walked to kitchen, but did not take the treat. Her breathing was labored and slow, she stood a while, then plopped down on the carpet by the kitchen. I got blanket and pillows and lay next to her. Finally I went on to bed. Thursday, Feb 8: I woke up at 5, Dallas was on the carpet in the bedroom - she may have moved to be nearer to me. At 7:30 I couldn't find her - she was outside throwing up. She moved slowly around the yard and finally came inside a few minutes later. I called the vet and made an appt for 9:20. I lifted her into the car and took her in - he discovered she wasn't able to use her left lung, the tumor had grown and she was in poor condition. We discussed options; decided not to put her to sleep yet, but to take her home and have him come to the house when I called. He gave her a shot of pain killer to make her more comfortable. The attendant went to get a coworker who wanted to come say goodbye. She had worked there for 8 years and loved both Austin and Dallas. She spoke with Dallas. I thanked her and we left. I lifted Dallas into the car and we rode home, probably her last car ride and she loved riding in the car. At home, I lifted her up onto the bed and we slept a while. I went shopping at Target to get enough food so I wouldn't have to leave the house for the weekend. Got home and a call from ClockTower - went up to school to meet with them. A good meeting, they had done a good job. Home and to bed. Friday, Feb 9: Dallas was better: she walked to the kitchen, ate treats, chewed rawhide. Back up on the bed. Normal day: we took a walk, she was alert. Saturday, Feb 10 - Wensday, Feb 22: Normal days: we took walks, she ate well, she took treats. Tumor is noticeably bigger, she is more sensitive when touching nearby, and breathing is raspy. Tuesday, Febuary 21: Dallas has her 99th birthday. Doing fine. Thursday, Feb 23 - Tuesday March 14: Moving slower, her breathing is tougher. Her arfritis may be worse, she has trouble jumping on and off the bed. Saturday, 2-25: Vegas has a bloody open wound on her leg. Took her to the vet who stitched it up. She's back home. I was a bit worried since I lost Austin during leg surgery. She later chewed out the stitches and chewed a hole in her skin. Back to the vet. New stitches and leg wrapped during spring break. It healed well. Saturday, March 4: She feels awkwardly bony, a sway in her back. I think she's getting close to death. Wensday, March 8: I put a low sofa unit next to the bed so she could step up without having to jump, which she has trouble doing now and it seems to embarrass her (but she never really used it - I think she was too proud). Thursday, March 9: I rescheduled my NY trip, from spring break to April so I could stay home with Dallas and get caught up on projects. I think I would have felt sad if she died while I was having a good time in New York. Would she have felt that I abandoned her while she was dying? Dallas has been a loyal companion and protector - she would not abandon me. Sunday, March 12: I took Dallas (and Vegas) on a farewell tour. Stops: Wallo house on 7th where she spent the day while I was at school; WindRush apartments where she first lived and walked the area; 606 West 7th where she grew up for 3 years, where she met and mentored Austin, and where we walked the naborhood, school playground, houses under construction, and field. Monday-Tuesday, March 13-14: Dallas stayed on the bed and didn't or wouldn't join Vegas and I for our daily walk. She is reluctant to jump on and off the bed. Wensday, March 15: She looked awful in the morning, tough breathing, jerking in bed, couldn't seem to get comfortable. But by late morning and afternoon, she was her normal self - eating treats and checking out the back yard; and eager to take a walk, although she got winded on the walk. Thursday-Sunday, March 16-19: Fed her canned dog food - she gobbled up two cans, took walks, very alert and lively (Saturday & Sunday it rained - no walks). Monday-Wensday, March 20-22: Short walks, she was panting. Thursday, March 23: Tough day. She didn't eat much, not even the soft canned food. Wouldn't take treats. I ran errands in the morning. Went to school for a couple of hours in the afternoon. ClockTower guys at 5pm and home to work at the table. When it was time to go for a walk, she just stayed on the carpet and wouldn't get up. It was tough to walk. Her back legs weren't functioning well. Her back right foot was swollen. She panted. Later that night, I helped her get up on the bed. She panted and couldn't seem to get comfortable. She had trouble moving. I lay next to her and cried. This was my baby girl. My best friend for 14 years. She knew Laird. She took many trips to Dallas. Mom and Dad loved her - thought she was a great dog. I didn't take my usual sleeping pill cuz I wanted to be able to respond to her needs. Then I realized that I cry very easily when I'm sleep-deprived, so I took a pill to get some sleep. It helped - slept lit eight am. Friday, March 24 (12th anniversary of Laird's death): Up okay. I went to McDonald's; a couple asked how she was doing. I said we were close and we talked about deciding when to put pets to sleep. Went home; she ate breakfast, walked out to office, slept on bed (I helped her up). Okay in the afternoon. Stayed on the bed, breathing hard. She looked fine when Sean came over at 4:00. Got home at 7:30, she wasn't in the house, but walked in while I was feeding Vegas. She wouldn't eat or take pills. Walked to the bed and I helped her up. She was snorting, breathing was tough. She gagged periodically. It became clearer that this was not pleasant nor good for her. I would seriously consider calling the vet Saturday morning to come over and put her to sleep. So, this is likely her last nite in this house and her last nite alive. But I think she is now in pain and suffering. I think she wants to go. She will simply go to sleep and not wake up. She later got off the bed and walked into the living room to see what was going on. She laid down in the office area and continued to gag. Vegas and I lay next to her. Sometime during the nite, she moved from the den to the bathroom. Saturday, March 25: Up at 7:40. Didn't hear her but went into bathroom and she was on the bathmat, barely breathing. At 8:45 I called the vet but the vet, Brian, was booked all day but they'd have him call me. They called back at 9:15, said they'd be by after 12noon. I went into the bath and told Dallas we only had 3 more hours together. Our final few hours and then she'd go to sleep forever. I cried. During those few hours, I would lay with her and thank her for being such a loyal companion, for making my life better. I told her that I loved her more than anything else in the universe. She was my beautiful baby girl. I knew I wouldn't come home and see her on the bed, she wouldn't come to the door to greet me, she wouldn't get excited about taking a walk or riding in the car. At some point during one of these talks, a tear fell from Dallas' eye onto the bathmat. At 12:10 Brian and Kim arrived with the kit of drugs and a stretcher frame for carrying the body out. We all knelt by her in the bathroom. He administered the anesthesia that would put her to sleep. Kim had me sign the consent form. I cried a bit. While we waited for Dallas to go to sleep, we talked about the house, the naborhood, etc. Then Dallas was asleep. Kim held her paw so Brian could find a vein and he administered the drug that would stop her heart. It didn't take but a minute or so. I patted and held her head. At about 12:20, my girl was dead. I went and sat on the bed with Vegas while they put her body onto the stretcher. I joined them in the living room as they went out the front door to Brian's pickup. He mentioned that there was some urine on the bathmat. Outside, I helped slide the stretcher in the bed and I straightened out Dallas' back leg that was hanging off - the last time I would ever touch her. I stared at her body laying on that stretcher in the back of the pickup, she was facing away from me - I couldn't see her face or her eyes. I said goodbye to Brian and Kim. I said thanks, Kim said they'd call (when her ashes were ready to be picked up). I waved goodbye from the porch, went inside and started bawling. She's really gone. Bummed through the weekend. A trip to Still-water helped on Monday. All better by Tuesday. Got her ashes on Saturday morning, the one week anniversary. A great dog Dallas was a great dog that kept me sane and centered; and was very loyal and protective. She had spent her entire life with me, from a small puppy that could curl up in my lap to the 80 pound solid dog. This was my baby girl and loyal companion for 14 years and 3 weeks. She was the last of my foundation roots - she knew my best friend Laird, my parents loved her, she spent time at the house in Dallas, and she mentored her sisters, Austin and Vegas. But as dog deaths go, this was about as good as it gets - she had a full long life, her body just got old, she contracted cancer that broke her down, and she died peacefully in her sleep. I certainly miss her and her cheerful energy. Dallas enriched my life. Criteria for euthanasia Because I was going to face a tough decision, I needed some criteria that would help me make the decision with logic rather than emotion. About a week before she died, I wrote this list of criteria: • Not able to take a walk. • Not able to walk to the back yard or office. • Not able to come to the kitchen for treats. • Not able to eat treats, food. • Sensitive and in pain. • Gagging and struggling to breathe. She met all the above criteria on Friday night, March 24. Saturday morning she was put to sleep. I have no regrets. She was beginning to suffer - gagging, arfritis, swollen legs and feet, tears in her eyes. She didn't eat food, treats, or her pills. It was time for her to go to sleep. She went to sleep with her head in my hand. Dallas stats and dates Breed: Mixed, mostly Black & Tan Confound Color: Black, brown nose and legs Gender: Female Born: about January 1, 1992 Adopted: Saturday, March 7, 1992, from the Oklahoma City Animal Shelter Missing: March 26-29, 1993 Cancer diagnosed: January, 2006 Died: Saturday, March 25, 2006 Age: 14 years 3 months Length of time with Jim: 14 years, 3 weeks Dallas & Austin Austin About two years after I got Dallas, 1994, I had spent a Sunday tracking the Chisholm Trail near Duncan in southwestern Oklahoma. I was driving home up the Bailey turnpike when I spotted a dog in the median near Chickasaw. Another driver stopped and we coaxed the dog off the highway (other cars had slowed down to allow the pup to cross). The woman, who was also from Edmond, asked how many dogs I had at home (she assumed I was a dog lover - who else would stop in the middle of a turnpike to rescue a dog?) I offered to take the dog home. I opened my car door and this dog jumped in, curled up in the passenger seat and went to sleep. On Tuesday I took the puppy (a year old) to the adoption agency in Norman that handled this dog. They reported that this dog had been abandoned and had been wandering for a couple of days - was hungry and sick. They nursed her back to health and tried to place it in a new home. When they couldn't, they called me back and asked if I wanted to adopt this dog. I said, 'Sure.' This was a good dog - a pure Greyhound. The other city I had lived in the next longest was Austin so this dog would be Austin. She would be an absolute joy - a beautiful dog. The last days of Austin Thursday, July 25th 2002: I had a design class over to see the house at 424 East 4th. Austin is always a hit at these open houses. That evening we went for a nightly walk. In a field about a block away I let the dogs run - unleashed. Austin jumped off slight rise, landed on leg, came to a halt, and yelped loudly. Dallas came back to stand by her and I walked to her to calm her down. She wouldn't move. Her leg looked out of shape. I coaxed her back to the street where she refused to go any further. She had stopped screaming but she was panting and maybe in shock. With the help of a friend's ramp, we guided her into his car and took her to the animal hospital. They x-rayed the leg and informed me that it was broken, but, worse, she had a large tumor on her leg. Friday: I picked her up from the hospital and took her to her vet. They checked for further spread of cancer and kept her to perform a biopsy. Saturday-Wens-day: I visited her each day. At first, she was very sedated, but later she recognized me and stood up. She tried to follow me out of her cage. She tried to follow me out - she wanted to go home. get out of there. Just go home to be with me and Dallas, but she had to stay. I would feed her out of my hand and pet her. Biopsy results returned, the vet called me at home. We decided to amputate her leg on Thursday, August 1. I had already accepted that would be the likely course of action. Vet: she'll look down and see only 3 legs, accept it, and move on. Bill: "Jim, a 3-legged dog is so you." I should be able to bring her home on Friday. I planned the weekend to spend with her while she adapted to 3 legs. It would just be good to get her home. Sunday drove by the vet on the way to interurban. Monday: got new glasses. Thursday, August 1, I decided not to go visit her since I didn't want to 'tease' her into thinking she could come home. Surgery was scheduled for about 3 that afternoon. At about 5pm, I was in my office when the vet called. "Jim, I have bad news. Austin didn't make it through the surgery." We talked a while about procedures - her body was in the freezer; it would be picked up the next day for cremation. I shut my office door but couldn't find an emotional outlet strong enough to express the sorrow. I would never see my girl again. Friday-Sunday, August 2-4: I drove, with Dallas, to spend time with my family in Dallas. A few days later, I picked up her remains. Several other people at work lost their dogs about the same time. We met at my house for a Pet Loss Support Group. It was good (some thoughts on grieving). Emotions gave way to logic. She had cancer. It weakened her leg. Her leg broke. Her heart was weakened. She didn't survive surgery. Shit happens. She died peacefully. Her only suffering was for about 20 minutes when she broke her leg and maybe some while caged at the vet. Her cancer would have likely spread aggressively. I never had to face the decision of putting her to sleep. Austin was a tremendous pal for eight and a half years. She had a great life. She was pure love and joy. She took care of me. I could not have loved her more. I will always miss her. The house was a little bit quieter. Dallas sat by the door the first night waiting for her sister to come home. She slept where Austin slept. I kept an open container of her ashes, collar, tooth, and hair in the bedroom for a while. A couple of years later I scattered her ashes around the loop she used to run in the back yard. Emails sent to friends Vet called last night. We talked a while and agreed: Austin will have her leg amputated Thursday afternoon and may be able to come home Friday afternoon. I am comfortable with the decision - it is the best option. I have gone to visit her every day. She is ready to get out of thee and come home. So, all is actually good here. I have no control over her cancer, we may have caught it before it spread too far, I have learned a lot, Austin will be home soon, and I've lost 7 pounds on the Slim-Fast Diet Plan (actual user results may vary). Bill, thank you for caring and for your phone call last weekend. "A 3-legged dog is so you" made me laugh. I have shared that comment at work and everybody gets a kick out of it. It boosted my spirits. Thanks. Jim and the 3-legged dog. Austin didn't make it through the surgery. Her heart stopped at about 5pm. I am really bummed. My dog died last night at about 5pm. They were almost through with the surgery to remove her leg when her heart stopped. They couldn't revive her. As you can imagine, I am not doing too well today. I don't know if I've ever felt worse in my life. I haven't slept much. I talked with the vet last night and I went by there this morning to give them a Thank You card. I also got some clippings of her fur coat (she had very soft fur). She will be picked up today and taken to Tulsa for cremation. I will get her ashes next week and I can then, finally, bring her home, where she belongs. I may go to Dallas to be with e family. I will take Dallas, the dog, as I couldn't stand to leave her here alone. I know I'll be fine - it will take some time. Austin led a very good life. I could not have loved her more or cared for her more. I have no regrets about that. I just have this emptiness and sorrow. I have pictures of her on my website: https://www.jamesrobertwatson.com Take a look. She's a sweet dog. Thank you for caring. Jim I am moving on - going back to work today. People at work have been very supportive. A secretary lost her dog last Tuesday, another teacher's dog has been diagnosed with cancer, and another teacher lost his dog to cancer just this morning. I have invited all of them to my house tomorrow night - we are going to form a pet loss support group. We will share pictures and stories. I will provide the tissues. We are looking forward to getting together. I have accepted Austin's death: she got cancer, cancer weakened her leg, her leg broke' they tried to remove it, her heart couldn't take the stress, she died peacefully. I will always miss her but I am ready to move on. In Dallas with the family, I saw an ad in the newspaper for Pet Grief Recovery at the SPCA at 1pm. I went. It was great. I cried until I was dry. I shared pictures of Austin and listened to the others (there were 9 of us) share their stories. It was very helpful. Nice drive back to OK on Sunday. I bought a book on grief recovery that is helping. Monday, the vet called to say Austin's ashes were back. I went and got them and brought her home. That felt great - to have her back home. When I went to visit her at the vet before the surgery, she would try to follow me out - her eyes begged to go home. I have set up the ashes, some fur, a tooth, her collar and leash, and some pictures. I will always miss her. Austin stats and dates Breed: Greyhound Color: Black, white nose, paws, tail tip Gender: Female Born: about January 1, 1993 Rescued: Sunday, December 5, 1993, from the Bailey turnpike near Chickasaw. Adopted: Saturday, Febuary 5, 1994 Cancer diagnosed: July 25, 2002 Died: Thursday, August 1, 2002 Age: 9 years 7 months Length of time with Jim: 8 years, 6 months Dallas & Vegas Vegas After Austin died, I didn't think I'd get another dog for a while. I didn't want Dallas to feel jealous. After a few months, however, I was concerned about Dallas being home alone. I had become a Greyhound fan; they are great dogs. In October, a friend from school called to tell me that some Greyhounds were being shown at PetSmart. I went to look. There was one that looked just like Austin. I felt sad - I wasn't ready. I checked the website for Greyhound Pets of America. Several were shown. I noted three that appealed to me. One was a 'special needs' dog - one that was not likely to be adopted. A month later, I went back to look and talked with a rep about that very dog. She was thrilled that one of their never-likely--to-adopt dogs might find a home. I felt good about it. I didn't want a regular Greyhound - I didn't want to replace Austin, I wanted a different Greyhound, one with a challenge, one that needed me. I met the dog the next day and filled out the adoption application. The dog was delivered to my home on Friday evening, November 22, 2002 (Conor died that night, my mother was in the hospital). We let Dallas sniff her on neutral territory - next door while taking a walk. Then inside. This dog was very shy and timid. She was afraid. Her abusive childhood: no socializing, kept in kennel; probly tried to escape?; scars on legs, broken toe; more comfortable around women and men who sat or knelt (I picked up a rake in the backyard and she panicked - suggests that she was beaten by a man standing up wielding a stick). Never got over it. Always a bit shy and frightened of everything. I work with her to help her gain confidence. She gets more confident every day. Dallas was a great mentor and teacher for her. After Dallas died, Vegas would sniff around the front door as if to wonder when her sister was coming back. She has become more of a loyal companion since. She taught me to be patient, accepting. I can't recall ever hearing Vegas bark. Sometimes, very seldom, she would whine in NY when she needed to go out. She just loved being with me, greeting me from the bedroom or den door. She most loved having her head cradled in the crook of my elbow. She would lean against my leg when we stopped to talk to people while out walking. She liked going for walks with her sisters and me. Waiting while I ate. Running around the sofa units. Favorite phrases for her to hear: You have nothing to fear. No one's going to hurt you anymore. Let's go home. You girls about ready to go home? Naming Vegas The other cities I have lived in were New Orleans (Nawlins, EZ) and Edmond (Eddie, Edie) but none of those sounded right. I then played with names associated with Watson - Alexander Graham Bell (Belle) and Sherlock Holmes. Nothing, yet. Then I realized there is another city that I 'live' in quite a bit - Las Vegas. This dog is Vegas. She is a showgirl and she walks around the house topless. A story By Diana, Hounds of the Heartland, Monday, December 2, 2002 Get your Kleenex out cause I'm going to tell you a story and you may need them, but don't worry, it has a happy ending. It was sometime early in the 1990s, there was this fellow, a dog lover of course, who found a dog running loose and scared in the median of the H.E. Bailey Turnpike. He stopped and coaxed her to him, she was a young Greyhound. He tracked down the rescue organization she came from and returned her. Several weeks went by and he was called by the organization, seems no one came for the dog and would he like to adopt her? Yes, you bet! he said. He quickly fell head over heels for this new pet and named her 'Austin'. Jim and Austin, along with his shelter dog 'Dallas' became best friends and had quite a few lovely years together with Jim becoming enamored with the Greyhound breed, as we all do. Tragedy struck late this past summer when Austin broke her leg, seemingly for no reason, on a casual walk. It was all of our worst nightmares - cancer. After consulting with the vet, they opted for amputation. Unfortunately, she didn't make it through the surgery. Jim and Dallas were devastated. Some time went by, the wound was less raw, Jim heard about us (Hounds of the Heartland). Dallas was lonely, Jim missed having a Greyhound. He came to a Show and Tell at PetSmart where we had a Greyhound that looked just like Austin. Ouch, it was too soon. Jim knew better than to try and replace Austin, but wanted a Greyhound. What about a special needs dog? What about a dog that needed him? Jim contacted us with a list of our 'hard to place' dogs. Which one is the least likely to be adopted, he asked? We responded 'Tina', of course. Shy thing that she was, she did not show well, was scared of people, and would hardly come out of her crate, unless no one was around. Tina it would be then, he said. Tina was being offered at a discount adoption fee, in the hopes of sparking some interest. Jim would have none of that, and insisted on paying full price! And so begins the new life of our little Teeny-Beany, now named 'Vegas', cause she is such a showgirl, can you believe it? She no longer uses her crate, she plays with toys, uses a doggy door, and gets into mischief with her sister Dallas. You can read about and see pictures of Jim, Austin, Dallas, and now Vegas on Jim's web site and, hopefully, meet this Greyhound angel at our Christmas party this Sunday. Vegas in Manhattan, summer 2006 Vegas slowly adjusted to life in New York City during our summer visits. She was a bit anxious about all the new surroundings. She probably missed her familiar environment back in OK and she may have missed Dallas as her guide and alpha leader. She is still exploring the apartment - the balcony scared her, she was very reluctant to step outside. It took her a while to figure out the elevator. She may have been freaked by the fact that doors close and when they reopen, the room she just left is now completely different or it may be the vibrating floor when it moves. She would lay down and shiver until we reached our destination, then she would bolt out of that infernal cab. We walked twice a day. As I suspected, she was a hit. People asked about her. I stop and chat a bit - they are interested in the rescue part from an abusive breeder. Apparently there are lots of other animal lovers out walking. People cared about her - lots of empathy. Commended me for giving her a good life. There was a dog run right behind the condo building. She has learned that this is the place to go to the bathroom. That works out well because I can monitor her and there is a hose there to wash the asphalt. After taking care of business, we walk along the West Street walkway which is being redesigned with extensive landscaping (9/11 money), Battery Park with the Statue tourists and new fountain and landscaping, or the Hudson Esplanade with the many joggers and walkers. The last days of Vegas Late fall 2008: Vegas lost a lot of weight. She looked too thin. January 22, 2009: I took her to the vet. Many tests were conducted. Diagnosis: she has kidney disease, but not kidney failure. She's not processing protein well, too much of it is being excreted in her urine. She was put on a special Kidney Diet dog food and given medication supplements. The plan is to ensure that she is comfortable and pain-free. As her condition worsens, there will come a time when I will decide to end her pain and discomfort by having her go to sleep. Her abusive nightmare would finally be over. June 17, 2010: Decide to return to OK due to concerns about her health. Realized this would be her last visit in NYC - last car ride, last motels. Need to get her home where she is more comfortable - house, yard, and naberhood. We were back for about 4 weeks before she passed. Tuesday, July 13: Made a vet appt for Thurs, to run tests to see if she could make it back to NYC. Worked in the yard (Manhattan got out and roamed a bit). Too tired that evening to take a walk with the girls. Wensday, July 14: She doesn't eat in the morning (or ever again.) She doesn't want to take a walk, so Manny and I go. Evening: she pants and her heartbeat is louder. I realized she was dying, her kidneys were not functioning well, and toxins were probly being released. Thursday, July 15: She has discharged and left stains on the carpet. Showered, 8:15a: took a walk to the park to clear mind and think. “My girl is dying, but I don't want her to suffer. I want a little bit more time - for her just to lay there a few hours and then she should go to sleep from her corner where she slept." Called vet to cancel the 9:20a appt. Broke down and couldn't make euthanasia appt. Called at 9:15 and spoke with the vet. We made an appt for euthanasia on Friday at 11a. Vegas and I had one more night together. Went to MacDonald's for breakfast. Terry Clark joined me and we talked; Lowe's for hardware. Worked on flat screen wall mount all day. Called/texted Greg and Strubys. Postponed Friday pm with Strubys to spend weekend with Manhattan, sadness, and moving on. Went to Scott's for Greg's birthday party. Stayed almost 2 hours. Then home. Friday, July 16: 6:30a: Vegas walked to the backyard to eat plants (to settle an upset stomach?) Hard times: waiting for the vet to arrive with the drugs - knowing that this is her last morning, last sunshine, last hearing my voice and feeling my strokes in her fur. She will soon go to sleep. Not her choice, maybe. But mine - she hasn't eaten, moves awkwardly, and her breathing and heartbeat seem abnormal. Its time for her to go to sleep. But, its still hard. Watched for their arrival. Waved them in - went back to say a final goodbye to Vegas, then back to driveway. Teared up “I suspect you've seen grown men cry." Yes. We went inside. Signed form and got ready. Had to bribe Manhattan with treats to give us an undisturbed moment. 11:08: drugs administered. Patrick in the corner, Dr. Woods at the window, I got on the bed and held and stroked her head as she fell asleep fairly quickly. Manhattan joined me on the bed and lay quietly next to me. Tried to close Vegas' eyes. She slept and her heart stopped. Vet: “She's gone." I took Manny for a brief walk while they bagged her up and put her on the stretcher. I came back and opened the door for them. We said goodbyes and hugs at the car. I went back inside and bawled. My girl is gone. My 3rd dog has left me. Spent the rest of the day resting, shopping, mounting a cable channel; evening: worked with Raymond on the side yard gravel. Saturday, July 17: Tough morning - first in over 7 years with her not here. (Slight migraine) Manhattan and I took a walk Wensday, July 21: Vet's office called - her ashes were in and ready to be picked up. I was able to bring her home. Vegas stats and dates Breed: Greyhound Color: Tan, white Gender: Female Born: about May 1, 1997 Retired from kennel: June 17, 2002 (5 years old) Saw at PetSmart: Sunday, November 17, 2002 Adoption agency: Hounds of the Heartland Adopted: Friday, November 22, 2002 Diagnosed with liver disease: January, 2009 Stopped eating: July 13, 2010 Died: Friday, July 16, 2010 Age: 9 years 7 months Length of time with Jim: 7 years, 8 months Vegas & Manhattan Manhattan Dallas had been dead for a year - I was ready to get another dog, a pal for Vegas. A dog that would enjoy summers and winters in New York City. I checked the website for the group that handles Greyhound adoptions in central Oklahoma. There were two that looked promising - criteria: about 2 years old (past the housebreaking and chewing stage), female, and very social. I was seeking a dog that would like the energy of New York, want to play with the other dogs in the dog park, look forward to walking along the Hudson esplanade and in Battery Park, enjoy riding in the car, and not be timid and introverted. I emailed and called someone who knew the dogs and the one called Squirrel was recommended. We arranged to bring her over to the house to see how she would respond to Vegas, me, and the house. She shit in the car on the way over, but, other than that, she did great. She sniffed around, jumped up on the bed, grabbed a chew toy and carried it around. It seemed she was home. Naming the new dog Okay, I guess I'm stuck with this concept of naming my dogs after cities that are significant in my life. The obvious city was New York City. But, New York City is just too long and cumbersome. Battery Park City? Big Apple? LoMa? Manhattan mite be okay - a New York connection to the dog that will spend a lot of time in Manhattan. I called her LoMa and Manhattan. For some reason, maybe a prior similar sounding name, she responded to Manhattan and not to LoMa. Okay, we'll go with that. In May of 2007, we set out to drive to NYC with Vegas. She didn't handle being in the car very well, so we turned around and I later enrolled us in an obedience class. We trained at home, on our daily walks, and short rides in the car. She is now more comfortable - we regularly drive to the dog park in Edmond and she now tolerates the 3-day trips to and from New York City. Stomach surgery Wensday June 3, 2009: Morning dog park - she was fine. She spent a day and nite vomiting bile. She didn't drink nor eat for about 30 hours. She didn't want to vomit on the bed, but she was sick. She vomited at the dog park that evening. Thursday: Not much sleep - she kept vomiting on the bed. 7:30: took her for a morning walk. 7:59a: got to the vet (it opened at 8:00), made appt for 9:30a. Then to the apt - laundered 1 bedspread. Back up to get Manhattan for the vet - she had since vomited in 4 places. I rinsed those carpet tiles and took her down to the vet. Fortunately, its not a burden to rearrange my schedule to take care of her. 9:30: took x-rays that would take 20 minutes, so, I went back to the laundry room. Then back to the vet - diagnosis: potential pancreatitis, but she needs more tests - ultrasound. They will take her to their West Village location and will call me later. I left the vet and went back to laundry. Late morning: I went to vet to see her - she was in a cage with an IV drip in her wrapped leg. She seemed distant. Vet called after the ultrasound: it was not pancreatitis. There was an obstruction in her intestine. Months before, while boarded in OKC, she chewed off her collar and apparently swallowed a few pieces. Those pieces wound up in her intestine where they bunched up and blocked it completely. They sent her to Tribeca for surgery. Vet said she hasn't vomited and is comfortable. Subbed to Union Sq: eat Chipotle, email Lon/Sean, Petco to buy dog food for Vegas. Weepy all day - so afraid of losing her (because of losing Austin in surgery) and after I had treated her so poorly, I felt bad. Evening: took long walk thru Battery Park, drizzle mist, wrote in journal. Vegas slept on the bed next to me. She would perk up every time I walked into the apt, wondering if her sister was with me. Friday: awaiting phone calls from surgeon. I stayed in the apt all day. 12:20: surgeon, Dr. Yoshita, called with reassurance - exploratory surgery would be in about an hour. Manhattan will stay in the hospital until Saturday or Sunday. I can visit anytime but not today after surgery. 2:20: Yoshita's asst called to say the surgeon was running behind, but about to go into surgery now. 4:00: call from W Village hospital - charge is $617.60. I asked for a copy of the charges before authorizing payment. Called Dr. Berks to verify charges (he had quoted $200-300 - he apologized), emailed WV and paid the bill. 5:00: Dr. Yoshita called. Manhattan is doing fine - she did well under anesthesia; her blood pressure remained steady. They found foreign objects in her stomach and small intestine that had bunched up and blocked all passage. Made 3 incisions - 1 in stomach, 2 in intestines - to get all the stuff out. Will keep and monitor her in hospital for 2 days. She'd have no food for 24 hours (just the IV drip of water and nutrients). She said I could visit her on Saturday and pick her up on Sunday about 2pm. 5:44: Took a walk; had a Chipotle beer to celebrate. She is coming home. Felt much relief - so afraid it might be another Austin phone call. Saturday: took Vegas for a walk. 11:00a: subway to hospital, check in, wait. Spent time with Manhattan and Dr. Slate in staff break room. Manhattan lethargic and calm - nausea, trauma, and drugs. But good visit. Got the bag of collar pieces, Went to Container Store to buy a lidded trash can, then to Union Square to get canned food for Vegas. Sub home. 4:15p: sub back to Tribeca for a visit, took Manhattan for walk to Canal Street. I wanted her to feel a sense of familiarity and comfort. She's better, more alert. Took her back to hospital. Sub back to Container Store to trade trash cans, got countertop version. Sunday 12:26p: call from Doctor Slate: she's doing great - took off her IV and fed her. She is ready to go home. 1:30p: sub to hospital, they brought out Manhattan, instructions, tried to show me the collar - she resisted so much they gave up, got food and pills. I was very impressed with the vet in Battery Park City, the surgeons at the hospital, and the staff in both places. Everyone was very caring, competent, and professional. A tough experience that I am glad is over. 2:00: called car service, rode to Battery Place. I held Manhattan as she stood on the back seat. 2:30: Apartment: sleep, printed post-op schedule. Next 5 days: rest, feed, watch movies and read. At the dog park, I kept the girls in the entry way to pee - she couldn't run with the other dogs yet. Then we took a short walk. By Friday, she was back to normal, no more pills and no more special diet. • Monday nite: diarrhea • Tuesday nite: vomiting; to vet on Wensday at 4:15. Got more food and antibiotic pills. They worked. I have learned these things 1. I won't worry about money spent on my dogs. 2. I will vacuum shed hair, clean up vomit, and anything else that is necessary - I love my dogs more than I love the apt or clean floors. 3. I will work at being less selfish; will be more empathetic and caring. 4. I am very dependent on my dogs as companions. 5. I will appreciate my friends more. She broke her toe Friday, July 17, 2015, 9:00. While running with another dog at the dog park, she must have twisted or turned her outer toe (no one saw it happen). But later, she was limping and favoring her back left foot. I thought it was just a burr so I lifted her paw to check. I saw the weirdly shaped toe that was at an angle to the others. Decided to not wait until morning but took her and Brooklyn right over to the Emergency Hospital. We were there for about 2 hours - she was x-rayed, toe was reset, and the foot was wrapped in a cast. I have to restrict her activities for a couple of weeks and give her some pain meds. Medical term: Luxated 5th digit at first joint, left rear leg, no fracture. Throat tumor and surgery Tonsillar Squamous Cell Carcinoma September 2016 - January 2017 September/October 2016: She seemed to have less energy. Morning walks were tough - she walked more slowly and tired more quickly. Some mornings, she wouldn't join us - she just lay on the bed or the futon. I didn't push it. We went to the dog park almost every day. There, each dog could wander/run at her own pace. September 2, 2016: Took her to the vet. Maybe some acid reflux. Gave her Zantac and Pepcid, after a while, her hacking got less frequent. I supplemented dry food with canned thinking it would be easier for her to swallow. I began to mentally prepare. • October 13, 2016: Took her to vet with Brooklyn - vet weighed her - she lost 5 pounds. • Week of October 10: Started feeding her canned dog food. She liked that so I upped it to 2 a day. I read how much she should be getting so upped it to 3 a day. She ate all 3 cans morning afternoon and evening, gained some weight, and had more energy. Went to Mitch Park, walked Frisbee course. Thought she would recover and live another year. • Friday or Saturday 21/22: We went to the dog park and she was doing great. • Sunday, October 23: she didn't eat much at all. After friends left, I went to Target and bought different brand - the one she ate as a youngster. She ate those that afternoon and evening. (During this time, I was dealing with grad students and prepping to go to NYC and close on apt). • Monday 24: not eating. New plan: only wet - if Brooklyn eats it fine, add more. Drove 66, Arcadia trail; decided to cancel NYC trip. • Tuesday 25: Manny walked with us and ate breakfast, afternoon car ride and dog park, bank. Evening car drive: Target and PO to vote/mail election ballot. • Wensday 26: she joined us for a short walk, ate 3 meals. Friday, October 28, 9a: made appt at vet for 9:40; vet - opened her mouth, saw a growth in her throat. I left her, they will sedate her to remove some and do a biopsy to see if it is benign and to see how extensive it is in her throat. Drove home and took Brooklyn for a long walk. 11:50a: vet call: tonsil tumor. Will send bit off for biopsy, X-ray chest and check lymph node to see if it has spread. Got Brooklyn, gas, vet pickup; Drove to OSU. 1:30: dropped off tumorette. Drove by Art Bldg, tailgate tents, Walkaround house decs, snax, drive. 3:00: Edmond, pick up Manhattan, She had late lunch and dinner. The tumor was painful and prevented her from eating. She was on medication for pain and inflammation and an appetite stimulant. That helped ease pain so she could eat again. • Saturday 29: She ate breakfast, dog park visit, lunch, somewhat normal - removing part of tumor may help her eat and drink more comfortably. • Sunday 30 am: gurgles, no breakfast; eat a bit about 11:30a, brief dog park. • Monday 31: walk/sit in park, ate at 1:00, ate again, car ride, 5:00: vet call, aggressive cancer on her right tonsil, discuss options; call oncologist: sked appt. She ate twice; Kamps; dogs walked naborhood: costumed kids. • Tuesday November 1, 9:45: pain shot at vet, ate in afternoon, dog park: gang support, talked, hugged, Brooklyn played; fro yog to home - they loved it. • Wensday 2: no eat, no yogurt (Brooklyn ate both); class; quick drive, eat overnite? Thursday November 3: watch TV together; Oncologist appt 11a: Prognosis: Tonsillar Squamous Cell Carcinoma, metastasizes early in 98% of cases. She'd have a few more weeks if we did nothing, 6 months if we fight back. We're fighting back. We discussed options, left her for tests, assessment; got lunch, drove Brooklyn home. 4:30p Oncology: discussed options. Decided on new medicine and sked surgery for Tuesday. Took girls home, Manny ate right away. Rested. • Friday 4: ate okay; took drive, store. • Saturday 5: Pain med arrived: gave her partial dose, she ate okay, good dog park visit: saw people, shared news. • Sunday 6: ate okay, Gail & Cindy Lou, Renee & Lucy played in yard, walks; drive. • Monday 7: ate okay, walks. Tuesday, November 8: Little sleep, drive around; Surgery to remove the tumor, ask for tumor, home, eat, call 12:30: The tumor was bigger and more deeply attached than they thought, so it was quite a struggle but they think they got it out. They also removed a lymph node in her cheek. Called back at 4: all agreed she spends the night at the hospital so they can monitor her, feed her, and check her pain level. Brooklyn to dog park, lots of running, visiting. Tumor from surgery, about the size of a ping pong ball. I wanted to torture it for what it did to my girl. • Wensday 9: call, get Manny 10a, rest, pills; class; pills, rest. She's got stitches in her cheek and in her throat but she's home resting and eating okay; taking three different medications. We're just gonna take it easy for a couple of weeks for her to heal up. • Thurs-Fri 10-11: pills & rest. • Saturday 12: took her to Hospital for pills - two techs struggled, not just me. Drive Lake Arcadia. • Sunday 13: easier am pills, drive Mitch Pk, pm pills in her food (she ate some, not much). Monday 14: best day, yet: no pills, walked to park on leash - she had more energy, ate well, drank water; evening walk. • Tuesday 15: vomit, no eat, very skinny; did go on short walks. • Wensday 16 - Monday 21: better, eat little - okay, some pills; brief dog park on Fri evening. Tuesday, November 22: Meeting with the oncologist to discuss further treatment options. Decided to not do chemo or radiation - the trauma and ordeal would not be worth gaining a few more weeks or months. • 10 Days: calmer, no pill trauma. Return to 'normal': brief dog park, car rides, walks. Friday, December 2: Tumor on lymph node grew noticeably. She ate okay and went on evening walk. • Tuesday 6 - Wensday 7: liquid sac under chin. Thursday, December 8: checkup cancer doctor: heat to growth and sac, keep comfortable, feed grilled chicken. • Friday: Dog park: longer visit, eating okay - grilled chik-fil-a. Saturday, December 10: large scar on neck, with oozing liquid, tumor bigger. • Sunday 11 - Thursday 15: wound better, eating okay, walks; larger neck bubble. Friday, December 16: hospital, drain bubble, antibiotic shot. Positive assessment: tumor smaller, less fluid. Saturday 17 - Tuesday 27: Draining, shrinking bubble; eating okay, short walks; antibiotic flavored syringe. Above: 12-20. Below: Christmas 2016. Above left: 12-26. Above right: 12-27. Tried a diaper around the wound to keep it clean so we could go to the dog park: Later, I would put on a diaper each morning and each evening. It worked well to absorb the 'cancer juice'. Wensday, December 28: not eat chicken; cleaned her neck; dog park: no walk, short visit; ate burger in evening. Thursday 29: hospital appt: tumors in neck nodes, tumor regrowing in throat - eat small; ate egg sausage well; Feed her bits of protein, keep comfortable. No more hope. Friday 30 - Sunday 1: Draining; eating okay, short walks. Monday January 2 2017: Towel bath, dog park: longer visit - see Pat & Gail, eating okay - burgers and bkfst. • Tuesday 3 - Thursday 12: 4 meals a day: burgers, breakfast sandwich, sausage; neck tumors decrease; still dripping. Fotos from 1-10: • Friday: Final visit to dog park. Renee, Joanie, Gail, Pat, Andrew and pets. No energy, lots of petting and goodbyes. Saturday 14: hacking overnight, weak standing. Decide to call vet. Could have them come by that morning or we wait until Tues (Mon holiday?) But, I had enough food, medicine, and diapers. She enjoyed being with us. We can just take it easy (no commitments) for 3 days. If it gets worse, I can take her to the 24/7 hospital. Below left: Saturday night she joined me on the bed and nestled next to my face. What did she suspect was happening? • Sunday: raining, I drove to the mall to buy a Lego set. Above right: Sunday night (her last), she nestled again and slept on my arm: Monday January 16: Morning, I called the vet to request an euthanasia. They would call the vet and call me back. I went into the hot tub and, to be near me, she came outside and lay in the grass and kept an eye on me: The vet's office called me back at about 8:45 - we set an appt for 10:45. I had 2 more hours with my baby girl. I talked with her - Bye baby, I love you more than anything in the world. You were a great dog. It's time to go to sleep and rest with no pain, no embarrassment, no suffering. Brooklyn and I will be fine, we will miss you very very much. Bye my baby. Then we all went on a farewell drive to Hafer Park and 2nd Street; I cut it short - she had laid down in the back and I wanted to be with her at home for our last 30 minutes together. The waiting was tense - I tried my best to steel up and think logically - how this was the best for her, no more drooling, dripping, painful eating. When the vet and a tech showed up, logic was overtaken by emotion. I signed the form and gave them all her pills and syringes. We all went in the bedroom and sat on the bed: me behind her head and back, the vet in front, tech to the left of her head, and Brooklyn. She finally found a vein in her back leg and administered the heart-stopping drug. Brooklyn was laying in the middle of the bed. She got up and came over to me and licked the tears off my face. Then whined a bit and lay back down. I kept petting Manhattan's head and body. We all watched the heart beat until it got still. I took Brooklyn outside, they loaded her body onto a stretcher, took her outside, and loaded her into the back of a hatchback. Brooklyn tried to jump in the car - the vet pulled her out. Then, when the vet opened her car door, Brooklyn tried to jump in again. We pulled her back and I turned to go inside. Brooklyn refused. She stood motionless, staring at the car as it backed out of the driveway. Finally, we went inside. Deep moans. My baby was gone forever. I could never stroke her soft fur again. She had a good, long, and full life. She had a good playmate, walks, 13 road trips: 2 to Illinois, 2 to Dallas, 1 trip to LA, running in the Pacific Ocean, and the Grand Canyon, and 8 trips to NYC, walking downtown and along the Hudson River. I gave her a great home and much love. I have no guilt, just appreciation, joy, and some sadness. She got an aggressive cancer. We fought it for a while. It won. Sometimes life's a bitch. 3 months of vet visits, messes, special diets, laundry. Within a few minutes, Brooklyn and I went for a walk. Brooklyn looked back at the front door, waiting on her sister, wondering why she wasn't going with us? The next few days, she seemed to have some expectation that Manhattan would be coming home soon. Thursday January 19: Picked up her ashes. Took them in the car to Santa Fe the next morning and set them in the hotel room. Symbolically, she went on the road trip with us. Since January 2017, her bag of ashes has sat on the living room coffee table. Some memories • Loving the dog park, sniffing all over. • Frolicking in the Pacific at Venice. • Driving back from LA and the water pump goes out and we ride in the tow truck to Pampa. She was so well-behaved. • Dog park friends & support. • Wiping off drool and she looks up at me with eyes that say she's sorry and she's embarrassed and ashamed a little bit for putting me through this. • Brooklyn letting her eat. • Med syringe each morning • Burgers and egg mcmuffins 4 x day • Lying with me on the bed, on the sofa units watching TV, on the futon when I ate, on the pad in the office, in the grass if I'm outside. • When Brooklyn and I would take a walk, she would move to the bed so she could look out the window and watch for us. • Travels: Dallas; New York City, Illinois and Pennsylvania; Santa Rosa, Albuquerque, Needles, Disneyland, Venice Beach, Santa Monica, Williams, Grand Canyon, Tucumcari, Pampa. Manhattan stats and dates Breed: Greyhound Color: Brown brindle Gender: Female Born: August 11, 2005 Saw online: Friday, March 23, 2007 Adopted: Saturday, March 31, 2007 Surgery on stomach: Friday, June 5, 2009 8 Trips to NYC: 2008-16 Trip to California: 2010 Surgery on toe: Friday, July 17, 2015 Stomach hacking: September 2016 Vet saw a growth in her throat, biopsy, October 28 Surgery to remove tumor: Tuesday, November 8 Tumor regrowing in throat: Thursday, December 29 Last breath: Monday, January 16, 2017, 11:10a Age: 11 years, 5+ months Length of time with Jim: 9 years, 9.5 months The day before her tonsil tumor removal surgery: Manhattan & Brooklyn Below: the girls at Pawparazzi. It was so great to be able to check in on the girls while out of town. Brooklyn I had finally decided: I am not going to get another dog. I am home more and Manhattan has adjusted to being the only dog in the house (its been a year since Vegas died). We have driven to both coasts and taken drives to Starbucks, fast food drive-thrus, and the dog park. A second dog would double all my pet expenses and make it more of a hassle to drive to NY and stay in motels along the way (most of the motels have a pet policy of one pet, although they have all accommodated my two dogs in the past). But, about 2 weeks later, on a Thursday afternoon, after a good class at UCO, I took Manhattan to the dog park. I was feeling real good about how well the class went and how much I was enjoying teaching again. Then I saw a couple, Mike and Greta, with 3 Greyhounds, their own two tan ones and this other darker one. I walked up to them and declared: T h a t   i s   a   b e a u t i f u l   d o g . They agreed and shared that she had just been turned in to the rescue/adoption agency and they were just 'fostering' her until she could be placed in a home. I expressed interest and asked to be considered when it was put up for adoption in a week. Greta texted the chief adopter and got approval for me to adopt. I knew the upcoming Monday and Tuesday would be busy so I asked about taking possession on Thursday or Friday. But the next day, Saturday, I called and asked them to bring her on over. Why wait a few more days. I had made up my mind. This would be our new dog. Life lesson: Sometimes we just do shit and then figure it out later. This was one of those times. Adopting another dog defied my earlier rational conclusion not to. But, I am so glad I did. She is a great pal for Manhattan. They romp and play in the backyard. Vegas was so shy and reserved that Manhattan never really had a playmate. Now she does. I was very nervous when I had to take her to the vet for her spay surgery. Austin, my first Greyhound, died while in surgery and I get very uncomfortable whenever another dog has to go in to surgery. Of course, it all went just fine, a bit of extra bleeding, but nothing serious. Because she is still a pup - I have had to puppy-proof the house (move shoes and chewables out of reach, strew toys and chew treats around, and have cleanser and towels ready). She learned how to use the doggy door in about 4 minutes, was housebroken in a few days, and we are taking walks on a short leash so she can learn commands, to stay by me, and that lunging for squirrels and cats does no good - it just hurts her neck a bit. She is very smart and a fast learner. Once, I threw her toy into the living room. She ran from the carpeted bedroom to the hardwood floor; her legs slid out from under her and she landed on her side. She got up and brought me the retrieved toy. I threw it again, but this time, when she got the edge of the carpet, she slowed down and gingerly walked on the slick wood to the toy. She remembered, and learned. Email excerpts re adoption • Friday, October 7, 2011, 12:46p saw a Greyhound at the dog park yesterday with Mike and Greta. I am very interested in adopting this dog. This would be my 4th Greyhound. I adopted Vegas and Manhattan and have always had a pair of dogs. Vegas died of kidney disease and Manhattan is alone now (well, other than with me.) I'll provide an ideal home environment - walks every day, dog park several times a week, toys and treats, doggie door for freedom in the house and yard, and plenty of love and caring. • Friday, October 7, 2011, 1:30p I talked to Greta last night and hoped you would contact me! She will go to the vet next week - Monday probably, and will be spayed and fully vetted and they can take a look at her leg and see if it's just bruised or what. She was hit by a car (that's how we got her, the poor thing) but in a very minor way and she didn't show a limp until at the dog park, so I'm thinking it may just be bruising but we'll find out for sure and make sure we take care of her. The girl who hit her had slammed on her brakes and barely nudged her, but it may have caused some soreness. The girl then immediately called us and we were able to go get her. There have been no lost Greyhound ads posted and nobody has called us about her. She wasn't wearing the appropriate type of collar, either, so we know she was not owned by someone who knows Greyhounds well. Think about her over the weekend and let me know your thoughts. It might be beneficial for her to come home with you after her vet visit so she doesn't have to keep changing environments - but if that's too soon for you I'm sorry to hear about Vegas. • Saturday, October 08, 2011 The transfer with Greta and Mike went very smooth. Grey's new name: Brooklyn. Greta's idea - Manhattan and Brooklyn. The connecting leash is the Brooklyn Bridge. The evening went well. Brooklyn explored the house and yard and learned how to use the doggie door. Then the 2 dogs played in the yard and tuckered themselves out. Naming the new dog This one was quite easy for me - I didn't name her. People at the dog park saw her with Manhattan and simply referred to the new one as Brooklyn. We all chuckled. I couldn't think of anything better than Brooklyn - I've been there many times and it is a part of New York City, where I have lived. So, Brooklyn it is. I refer to the connecting leash as the Brooklyn Bridge. Both girls have been to NYC where the locals got a real kick out of their names. This is the new toy that Brooklyn brought me and set gingerly on the sofa. I picked it up and put it outside the fence (so Brooklyn couldn't get it again). I saw no puncture marks but the little guy seemed to be in shock. I hope it is ok. Update: When I went to check on the possum later, it was gone. Hoping it crawled off to it's den or mama came and got it. I think Brooklyn is pretty gentle with her catches. She's just so proud - she wants to show them to me. After I saw the possum on the sofa I went to look for Brooklyn and she was on the bed looking out the window like everything was normal. Breed Since Brooklyn had been abandoned, we couldn't trace her history through vet records. She did not have an ear tattoo (like on racing Greyhounds), so we couldn't trace her through the registry. A dog parker said she looked like a Pharaoh hound (foto below). In November/December, 2020, I sent a swab from her mouth to a DNA lab. Mixed Breed genetics • 73.0% Greyhound • 13.5% Borzoi • 13.5% Supermutt: small amounts of DNA from Saluki Bouvier des Flandres and Beauceron Health Summary • Bald Thigh Syndrome: Brooklyn inherited one variant. • Breed-Relevant Genetic Conditions: Variant not detected. • Additional Genetic Conditions: Variant not detected. • Clinical Tools: Variant not detected. Leg pain October 29, 2011, 4:30p I went to Petco and bought her some new toys. One was her favorite - she was hyper with that silly thing. Later, she and Manhattan were playing in the back yard when I heard a brief yelp. I called them inside to go take a walk to burn off some of their energy. Went in to the bedroom. Manhattan was jumping up, eager to go. But, when I looked down, Brooklyn was just sitting still. When she got up I could see the rear leg just hanging. She wouldn't let it touch the ground. She sat back down. I turned off the OSU/Baylor game, picked her up, and carried her to the car. We went to the weekend emergency hospital where she bled on the waiting room floor. After examination, the vet found no broken or sprained bones, just a deep puncture wound that hit the muscle, causing pain so that she favored that leg by not putting any weight on it. We spent a few days resting and doing drugs together. I had to monitor her activity - she has taken on the role of protecting the house from squirrels. But not now - that is too stressful on the hurt leg. Knee surgery While the dogs were boarded and I was in NYC, the vet x-rayed her leg and discovered that her kneecap had been fractured and would likely not heal on its own. We decided she would undergo surgery to place a pin and wire in her knee. Uh oh, another Greyhound undergoing leg surgery. Last time was with Austin and she died while in surgery. I get nervous whenever one of the girls is under anesthesia. I explained my nervousness to the surgeon who understood and promised to call me right after the surgery. The surgery went well. November 9, 2011 Picked her up on Monday after returning from NYC, but it turned out to be very uncomfortable: diarrhea with blood, shits, and whining - kept her for just 3 nights. It seemed so cruel for her to be in the house, but not able to run in the yard, sleep on the bed, play with Manhattan, and roam free. So, Thursday morning, I checked her in to the vet for post-op ICU boarding. It turned out to be a smart move for her and me. I brought her back home two weeks later - her sutures were out, she was using her leg more, and she was off the pain medications. The next 4 weeks were pretty tough, monitoring her constantly and trying to keep her still and quiet. She was still a puppy, after all, and wanted to run and play. The night before the rehab was to end, she sat down during our evening walk. We slowly made it home where her rear legs just went limp. She couldn't stand at all - just scooted around and dragged her back legs. I picked her up and took her to the vet and then to the emergency hospital. They kept her overnight. I got a call the next morning saying that she was up and walking around. It seems to be that she has fibrocartilaginous embolism, a spinal nerve condition, but fortunately, it was only a minor episode. December 30, 2011 The surgery had failed - the wire came loose and the two sections of the kneecap never came together to fuse. I spent thousands of dollars and weeks of hassle only to have her no better off than had we done nothing. A friend pointed out that, sometimes, we need to listen to the animal and not worry about her being perfect. After almost 2 months of keeping her restricted, I decided on a new tactic - let her be herself. So, I went home from the final surgeon visit (in which he said she needs another 2-3 months of limited activity to allow more scar tissue to form) and opened up the doggie door, put the mattress back up on the bed, and let Brooklyn run in the back yard and play with Manhattan. She loved it. She is much happier as she is free to run and play, jump on the bed, and act like a dog. Dew claw tear July 13, 2019 She probly tore off the outer covering while jumping through the dog door to get to a squirrel or cat on the other side of the fence. Vet tore off the remaining claw residue and bandaged it up. Flank wound October 1, 2019 While boarding, a puppy nipped her skin at the back left side. A friend took her to the vet and they cleaned and put staples in to close the wound. When I got home from NYC and picked her up, the staples were out. I took her back to the vet the next morning and they repeated the procedure. At home, I watched her closely and trained her to go against her instincts of licking her wound. I stayed and monitored her Saturday Sunday and Monday. On Monday morning it was looking better - healing up. But, Monday afternoon it pulled apart and I didn't want to have it re-stapled. I'm just gonna let it be a big scar. I can marker it dark and it won't show much. We both returned to normal routines. I fed her some collagan protein bars - the same logic as for my healing - wanting to feed the body from the inside. Osteoarthritis Fall 2020 She was favoring the broken patella leg and she stood and sat with the leg out from her body a bit and the paw turned out about 15 degrees. The patella appears larger (from calcium deposits and cartilage) and it has moved up the front of her leg. She is now taking glucosamine and living with it. We are taking shorter walks and fewer long car trips. X-ray: December 30, 2020 Medications Arthritis Glucosamine, Chondroitin. Carprofen Gabapentin Adequan injections: Dec 2022 - Jan 2023 Heart disease Summer 2021 - 2022 • June/July: symptoms: out of breath, not want to walk far. • Friday, July 11: vet check up, send blood to lab. • Monday, July 12: vet call - blood work shows a heart issue; call Betty. • Tuesday, July 13: make ECG appointment, start meds; call Joanie. • Thursday, July 29: Cardiac ultrasound, new med sked, new diet     • Mitral and tricuspid valves are thickened, abnormal flow in each.     • Left ventricular wall is exaggerated.     • Left atrium is enlarged.     • Right atrium is moderately enlarged.     • High blood pressure of the tricuspid valve.     • Higher heart rate - 142bpm.     • Abnormal beats were not seen.     • Lungs are dry - no heart failure at this time. • August 13 Lab work: kidney values & electrolyte concentrations • Monday, August 22, 2022: Cardiac ultrasound     • Weight: 57.6 pounds, increased significantly from previous visit.     • Cardiac ultrasound: left ventricular wall motion remains exaggerated, both atria are size stable.     • Heart rate: 222 bpm, and no abnormal beats     • Lungs: remain dry in all quadrants.     • Chemistry profile: no significant abnormalities.     • Heart disease: remains stable. Medications Heart Vetmedin Enalaprit Sildenafil Royal Canin Early Cardiac Heart Healthy Senior Stopped all heart meds by December 2022. Diarrhea Summer - October 2023 Aggressive: stopped all meds, feed broth, chicken, rice. Restarted 2 arthritis meds. Osteoarthritis Fall 2020-Winter 2024 Brooklyn stats and dates Color: dark brindle Gender: Female 2011 Born: about January 1 Hit by car: week of October 2 Saw at dog park: Thursday, October 6 Emails about adoption: Friday, October 7 Delivered to house: Saturday, October 8 Leg puncture wound, hospital: Saturday, October 29 Boarding: Tuesday, November 8-14 Surgery: broken kneecap: Thursday, November 10 Nurse her at home: Monday - Thursday, November 14-17 Post-op boarding at vet: Thursday, Nov 17 - Thursday, Dec 1 Sutures removed: Monday, November 21 Brought home from boarding, closed dog door: Thursday, December 1 Removed crate, put mattress on floor: Friday, December 2 Check-up and x-ray: Friday, December 16 Surgery: remove pin and wires: Wensday, December 21 Fibrocartilaginous embolism, rear legs collapsed: 4:45p, Fri, Dec 30 Vet and hospital: 5:15-8:45p, Friday, December 30 Call re 'walking around': 7:45a, Saturday, December 31 2012 Sutures removed: January 3 Bed restored to normal, dog door reopened: January 3 Eye exam: Thursday, Febuary 16 Eye surgery OKC: Thursday, Febuary 23 Start anti-anxiety pills and behavior modification training: Tuesday Sept 11 Monday Nov 7-13: Return to normalcy: new bedspread, new blinds, sofa pillows, hot tub towel, closet shelves 2013 Eye checkup Dallas: Thursday, July 11 2019 Dew claw tear left: July 13 Flank wound, boarding puppy bite: October 1 2020 Dew claw tear right: June 23-27 Submitted swab for DNA test: Nov 27 X-ray of leg: osteoarthritis/discomfort from broken knee cap: December 30 2021 April: osteoarthritis/limp escalates a bit. Vet check-up: winded, fatigue, hacking: July 11 Vet call - blood work shows a heart issue: July 12 Start heart med: July 13 ECG ultrasound: Valves insufficiency & pulmonary hypertension: July 29 Meds and diet start July 30 2022 Spring: heart is better. Osteoarthritis pain & stiff walk legs escalate. Meds start Febuary & April Joanie's Lola gets bloat, dies: July 19 ECG ultrasound: Stable, stay on meds & diet, August 22 Betty died, age 91: Monday, October 17 Adequan Canine injections: December 15 2022 - January 9 2023 2023 Adequan Canine injections: December 15 2022 - January 9 2023 Vet check-up: hacking; good blood work, back on heart meds: May 25 Diarrhea: off all meds, broth, chicken, rice. Diarrhea improved: October Slow and stuff: November 2024 • Weak back legs: January 4.4 earthquakes: Friday pm 1-12 & Saturday am 1-13 • Between the Corbusier and the Noguchi, her legs went out from under. her I moved the lounge out of the way and helped her up. We stayed in for about a day and a half so she could heal. Then we were able to go for short walks. • Sweeping off porch, Brooklyn slipped and fell onto the big rock: • She was climbing up the steps from a walk when they were icy. When I turned and saw her, her butt was on the step with each leg out to opposite sides. I helped her up and she slipped a little bit, but we got inside. • Trouble jumping up onto the bed. I picked her up and put her on the bed. • Jumping up on the bed - her back legs couldn’t quite make it, and she fell back with her butt on the floor. Again I picked her up and we rested a couple days; cold weather and short walks. Sunday • She had trouble jumping up on the bed. I pulled the mattress off and put it on the floor next to her bed in the living room. Cold weekend. We watch TV football Saturday and Sunday. Chilled on Monday. Text: Brooklyn had a couple nasty spills Wednesday night so Thursday just rested so she could heal. Stretched tendons or muscles in her legs. Pulled the mattress off the bed to the floor by her bed so she wouldn’t have to jump up. Took a walk yesterday evening and today and she did just great. I’ll probably leave the bed on the floor through the weekend and then I’ll try it back on the bed and see if she can make the jump. • She slipped inside the dog door. I lifted her up. Monday 1-22 About 5:30, she was shivering, gasp panting, more rapid heart rate. and heavy breathing. 6:15: decided to take her to the 24hour pet hospital. From the garage I unleashed her to see if she would take a short walk. She took a few steps. She seemed much better; I didn’t take her to the hospital. Back inside, she rested and may be back to normal. • Tuesday, January 23. She slept a few hours overnight okay, but she never got up to go to the bathroom or to eat. After we awoke, she just lay in bed and did not respond to wanting to take a walk. I lifted her up onto her legs, the back legs just collapsed and she lay back down, no strength to stay up. 10a: called Vet, made an appointment at vet for check-up. Spent the day lying with her playing games and watching tv. Got the bright idea to have her go to sleep in the back of the car rather than then inside the sterile clinic. All the other dogs were put to sleep on the bed or the floor in their house. The car was the next best thing. Prepped the car: backed up, opened the hatch, and put her bed in the back; so we could go through the garage. Picked her up from the bed. I lost my balance on the second step, and we both fell. I picked her up again and laid on her bed. 5:20: at the vet, I asked about administering to her in the car. He said, okay. I sat on the back bumper, like I used to while she was in the back, and she laid there with her head on my leg as I stroked her and told her beautiful she was and that she was a good girl. 5:30: her eyes closed and she went to sleep. No more pain, awkwardness, or suffering. When hey took her in for the fatal shot, I left and came home. I put the mattress back on the bed and put the furniture back. DP shake and Patty melt at Whataburger. Sorta numb. The house was missing something. • Wednesday 1-24 morning fine although I realized it was the first time in almost 32 years that there was no dog in the house when I woke up. I started putting her things away. Gym. Dinner with Michael was very good to get out. Night good. Text: Monday, Brooklyn could no longer stand up and she had a rough Monday night. Yesterday I decided to let her go to sleep and end her suffering. This morning was the first time in 31 years that I woke up without a dog in the house. I know I did the right thing and I know I gave her a great life,but dang, it still hurts. • Thursday 1-25 morning. Up and down sadness and acceptance as I continued to put away Brooklyn’s things - that was a symptom of the finality. • Saturday: accepted better that she was gone. Not on the bed, not looking at me at the table. • Wensday 1-31: Picked up Brooklyn's ashes. • She and Manhattan ride with me to Austin. Age: 12 years Length of time with Jim: 11 years Text to friends Monday, Brooklyn could no longer stand up and she had a rough Monday night. Yesterday I decided to let her go to sleep and end her suffering. This morning was the first time in 31 years that I woke up without a dog in the house. I know I did the right thing and I know I gave her a great life,but dang, it still hurts. Highlights I fed her. I gave her water I gave her treats. I gave her a warm, comfortable bed. I loved her. I played with her. I bought her toys. I got the better end of the deal. These have been the best times of her life. And she does not know how long she is supposed to live or even that she's going. I did my job: to make the time with her the best it can be until the day she goes. I will honor all of my greyhounds by rescuing one or two more. I’m pretty sure that’s what they would want me to do. I’m so glad we had 11 years together. She enriched my life and, like the others, will have a special place in my heart. She was so chill, so gentle. She loved seeing people on our walks. She looked for them, and would run to them. Brooklyn knew I was hurting. She tried to comfort me. She was old with arthritis, in pain. Her legs gave out, No matter what I did, she still loved me completely. She knew I loved her, and I did. She knew I would take care of her, and I did. I cherish our time together. Memories Dog park introduction "That is a beautiful dog" Parks: Hafer: shaded summer, Mitch: run in creek and forest, Arcadia: overlook Manhattan chapter: inseparable pair Solo travels: NYC, Santa Fe, Betty chapter: Covid, porch, puzzles, table. Heart prognosis Arthritis limitation Chewing up ugly stuff: speakers, remote, Kneecap surgery. “Keep her claim and still.” Boarded her for a week. Tried kennel - she got out. All of us on floor mattress. Day of back to normal: open dog door, put mattress back on bed. Took walks. Close bond with Manhattan. Sleeping intertwined. Supporting us both through cancer. Went to all her appointments. NYC: Battery Park Dog park, Battery Park, river walk, Marina Drives: Ted Drewes, Ardmore Walking the Austin bridge and library/river trail. Austin condo, bridge, creek/river walks, drives Brooklyn and Betty porch, lanai She stayed in the back of the car while I had dinner with Tom, baptism of Benjamin, and Christmas at Jimmy’s. Hide and seek at Stephenson tennis and basketball Running up the Fink trail to rejoin me on the sidewalk Walking through the bluffs at Fink. Walks: park, round the block, Lenae and Bob, Hayden and boys, Staring up at me with loving eyes. Won’t miss Anal gland gunk and odor, breath odor. Lip/mouth smacking Obligation to walk each morning and evening Picking up gooey poop from sidewalks No separation while in hotels or condo. You're the most beautiful of all beautiful things. You ready to go home, pretty girl? I'll be right back. You be a good girl. (Almost Every time I left the house.) From a vet in Virginia: I was so sorry to hear of Brooklyn's passing. She was amazing to have done so well so long with her heart disease. Dogs add so much to our lives. While dogs might not be our whole lives, our lives are not whole without having shared time with a dog. Brooklyn brought joy to you, and she will leave joy in your heart. The sadness now will remind of how important she was to you. And, the happy memories of her time with you will slowly fill the empty places. Brooklyn being delivered to our street. Rehab from surgery At Joanie's with Lola: Above left: October 2023. Above right: January 3, 2024. Below: January 9, 2024 Below: January 22, her last day Going to sleep in the car at the vet: Above: card from a friend that sat on the table for 8 months. Dogs just know when they are loved... even at the end, when their pain becomes too much to bear and we help them to find rest. No pet could have had a more loving home than the one you gave yours. Nola The morning after Brooklyn died, I woke up with no dog in the house for the first time in 31 years. Took some time to grieve, travel, and chill from the obligations of walking a dog. It was okay, but I realized I needed something to love and something to love me. Naming the new girl Options: Eddie, Edie (Edmond), Nawlins, NOLA, Big Easy, Crescent, Gentilly, Baccich; Nelly, Nellie. Nola advantages: short and easy to say, is an established abbreviation for New Orleans Louisiana, consistent with theme of my dog's names: places I've lived or visited many times, and homage to my city of birth. NOLA is the acronym for New Orleans, Lousiana, known for its music, nightlife, and Cajun food. In English, Nola means famous or noble, and connects to Celtic roots. Nola can also be a shortened form of Magnolia, a tree known for its gorgeous flowers. In the Andes and Central America, Nola is an informal vulgar term for excrement, and an informal term for an ulcer or sore. Casino, New South Wales, Australia Racing began in 1861 on a track at the Old Casino Railway Station, and on the present location in approximately 1881. Nola Stats and dates Racing name: Tranquil Lindy Racing stats Parents: Sulzanti & Tranquil Sasha Trainer: Garnet Robertson Owner: Cynthia Robertson Address: Casino, New South Wales, Australia Racing Record: 67 Starts, 7 Wins, (10%), 15 2nds, 13 3rds Prizemoney: $22,435AU Flight: Sydney - Canada - DFW Born: November 22, 2019 Color: Red Fawn Gender: Female Microchip number: 956 000 007 842 189 Ear number: NIFDD Origin: Australia Weight: 55 pounds (September 2024) Submit adoption application: Tuesday, September 24, 2024 Site visit: Saturday Sept 29 Text of arrival soon, landed in Canada: Wensday October 2 NOLA arrives, foster: Thursday October 3, 6:30 Bonding, walks, and training: October 4-13 Check-up, flu shot, ear antibiotic: October 10 Adopt NOLA: Monday October 21 Pit bull attack: October 25 Eddie The morning Pal for Nola, looked bored, eager to see people. Names: Grey6, Edie Eddie Stats and dates Racing name: Extreme Dream Owner: Wayne Foster Address: Casino, New South Wales, Australia Flight: Sydney - DFW Born: August 26 2022 Color: Blue Fawn Gender: Female Microchip: 959 000 014 944 500 Ear number: NLDXJ Weight: 56 pounds (Febuary 2025) Text/pix from rescue; arrange foster: Friday Feb 7 Foster: Febuary 23, 2025 Adopt: March 2025 The traveling dogs 1992-2002, Numerous trips to Dallas: Dallas & Austin 2006, May - August, NYC: Vegas 1 2006-07, December - January, NYC: Vegas 2 2007, May - June, NYC: Vegas 3 (without Manhattan) 2008, May - July, NYC: Vegas 4 & Manhattan 1 2009, May - July, NYC: Vegas 5 & Manhattan 2, The Surgery 2009, December: Illinois: Vegas & Manhattan 2010, April - June, NYC: Vegas 6 & Manhattan 3 2010, August, NYC: Manhattan 4 2010, October, Los Angeles, Grand Canyon: Manhattan 2010-11, December - January, NYC: Manhattan 5, The Blizzard 2011, May - June, NYC: Manhattan 6 2013, April: Illinois: Manhattan & Brooklyn 2015, April - May, NYC: Manhattan 7 & Brooklyn 1 2016, April, NYC: Manhattan 8 & Brooklyn 2 2017, January: Santa Fe: Brooklyn 2017-23, Trips to Denton 3, Dallas 3, & Austin 15: Brooklyn Total NYC trips with dogs: 12 • Vegas: 6 • Manhattan: 8 • Brooklyn: 2 May 2006 at a rest area on the first drive with Vegas, she wouldn't get out of the driver's side floorboard. I yanked her out - wish I hadn't done that. She's my girl. She's not Dallas, whom I miss very much. Dallas would have embraced New York and explored on our walks. First few trips, Vegas seemed uncomfortable. She had gotten used to a routine at 424 with Dallas as a guide. I pulled her from that, no Dallas (well, I didn't do that), no 424; and took her to a strange environment - pooping on asphalt, noises, lots of people, and no yard to run around in. Am I being selfish by bringing her here and keeping her here? Yes, maybe. But its part of a dream I had - to walk my dog along the Hudson Esplanade. I'm hoping time will help her adjust and she will feel better. She does show signs of improvement - greeting me at the door, sniffing other dogs. The plan was to get a new dog that would be more social than Vegas and then to take both dogs to the big city for the summer 2007. After spring break, I adopted Manhattan, a great greyhound - very social and gregarious. We set out on Monday after spring commencement. Oops, Manhattan was so anxious she pissed in the bedroom right before we were to leave. Then she shit in the car and, a few minutes later, threw up. We were about an hour away from home. I turned around and went back. I got sedative drugs for the dogs and a crate for Manhattan and tried again two days later. The night before, Manhattan pissed again, this time on the bed. I realized she was just not ready for the anxiety of car travel and living in an apartment (I found out later that she had been in a car wreck on the same turnpike where she threw up). I arranged for the adoption people to foster her for a month, shortened the trip to 4 weeks, and set out a week later with just Vegas. This time, all went well. I drugged Vegas with a sedative - she just buried her head in the blanket in the back and slept until we stopped for the night. This was about an hour past Indianapolis, in Richmond, on the old National Road (later US 40) that ran from coast to coast. I drove a bit of it after walking Vegas and eating dinner. The next morning we drove on into Manhattan. My butt was sore - two days in the car, one for 13 hours and one for 11 hours. On the return trip back to Oklahoma, I took 3 days - I stopped in Columbus Ohio and St. Robert Missouri. There, I drove on Route 66 thru part of the Ozarks and toured the historic town of Waynesville with its stagecoach inn, Union fort site, and overnight stop along the Trail of Tears - the Cherokee's march to resettlement in Oklahoma. After 6 weeks back in Oklahoma, I was itching to return to Manhattan so I flew back for a week in July/August before the semester began. Summer of 2008, I wanted to take both dogs. So we set out to make it work. Manhattan and I took dog obedience classes, we drove to the dog park in Edmond, we took practice trips on the freeway and even on the turnpike towards New York. She did fine. She wasn't too comfortable - she would pace in the back - but she didn't throw up or poop in the car. So, we tried again. She paced at first but finally settled down (or the Valium kicked in). Within a couple of hours, she laid down in the back of the car and seemed to be comfortable with that for the next 3 days of driving. I put the bedspread in the back so it smelled like home. We checked into Motel 6. They have a good pet policy and I called each manager to get permission for a second dog. Once checked in, they both enjoyed walking around a bit, but then they just wanted to nap since they didn't get much sleep in the car. On the third day, we drove on into Manhattan and to the Battery Park City naberhood. The girls are always a big hit when we go for walks. They are so exotic looking that people pet them and take pictures. I enjoy the opportunity to talk about them and the city. Vegas waiting while I get dinner at some Italian place. With the Cobbs on the Esplanade. Looking up from the dog run - the lone building in the far distance is the Art Deco style Verizon building, right in front of it would have been the North Tower of the Trade Center. The building to the right of it is the new World Trade Center 7 building. The tall building in the middle used to be the Downtown Athletic Club, home of the Heisman Trophy, now its luxury condominiums. The dogs with their new friends in the dog park by the condo, Vegas on the far left, Manhattan in the foreground right. The photo shoot. One morning, it was quite cool out so we went for a longer walk than usual. Greyhounds tire easily and so we don't take long walks when its hot, but this morning was actually chilly. As we walked past the marina, I noticed a photo shoot down on the pier. I thought, they need to put these beautiful dogs in their photo. But they didn't notice us so we walked on. We came back the same way, but this time, they were shooting up on the esplanade and the photographer stopped us and asked if he could put my dogs in the photo. I said, Sure. It was for a lingerie catalog in Chile. There was the photographer from Colombia, a make-up person, a hairdresser, two dressers, two production assistants, a video documenter, a producer and 2 client reps from Chile. The model would change clothes (as skimpy as they were) right there on the esplanade. The dressers would wrap a large towel around her and she changed inside the towel as they handed her the next items to wear. The crew was nice and we chatted about dogs, Chile, models, and the shoot. It was quite a crowd showstopper - a sexy model in lingerie and 2 sexy Greyhounds. A real hoot. Above: In the car in Ohio. Below: motels in Illinois and Pennsylvania. Like any first-time tourist, Brooklyn hangs her head out the window and gawks at the tall buildings. Above left: At a rest area. Manhattan in the hotel bed. Below left: Stopping for coffee in BPC. At the Hudson River, 5:30a. Eddie (Edmond Watson IV) One fall afternoon, I looked out the front window and there was a black puppy playing in the yard across the street. I was concerned about this puppy getting run over so I went outside to catch him. Expecting it to run away, I stood back and whistled, but he looked up at me and immediately came running right up to me. I brought him inside. Yeeow - he stunk. I bathed, fed, and bathed him again. He was very skinny and his coat was a mess. The next day I took him to the vet for boarding with Vegas and Manhattan while I went on a planned trip to NYC. The vet gave him his shots and gave him another bath (he still stunk a bit, despite 2 baths already). He gained some weight. When I returned from NY, I picked up the dogs and brought Eddie home. The girls at the vet counter were a bit baffled when I told them his name was Eddie - Wait a minute, all your dogs (4 so far) have been named after cities. What's up with this one? I explained that Eddie was short for Edmond. That satisfied them and they felt all was okay again in the universe. I once caught a mouse in the kitchen - I named it Eddie, short for Edmond. But I only kept it for a few days. I released him in the field near the park. The name Eddie was available again. It fit this dog. His full name is Edmond Watson IV (the 4th because it sounds more distinguished and because 4 is my lucky number). But Eddie was just too much - I didn't have enough time to raise another puppy - the messes, the chewing, and the need for attention. I was at OSU for 3-4 full days of the week. I reluctantly decided to take him to the shelter. He whined. It was hard to leave him there. For the next few months, I checked the newspaper and the shelter website to see if he was still available for adoption, hoping he would find a good home. Sometime in January, he was adopted. I hope and assume he is in a good home. Eddie stats and dates Breed: Mixed - Labrador Retriever with possible Doberman Color: Black Gender: Male Born: May, 2008 Saw in naberhood: Monday, September 15, 2008 Took to shelter: Monday, September 26, 2008 Adopted (but not by me): January, 2009 Length of time with Jim: 11 days Childhood pets Three boys and their dog, Blackie, 1956. Smokey the cat, 1961. Blackie the dog, Smokey the cat, and Tigre the kitten, 1961. Blackie the dog and Tigre the kitten, 1961. Tigre, 1967. Chica the Christmas puppy and, later, her pups with mom and dad. Chica: family dog, Christmas present, 1960s Hamsters In junior high and early high school, I had several hamsters as pets. I had my parents drive me to the dime store in Preston Forest - maybe Ben Franklin or TG&Y. I had been watching the small rodents play in their aquarium cages. I was enthralled, I bought a male and female, named the guy Gus and can't remember what I named the female. My best recollection is that I just referred to both of them as Gus. One really doesn't ever call out a hamster name as they don't respond, don't fetch sticks, and don't come when called. I designed and built a custom two-story habitat with ramps, caves, hinged access doors, and a screen front. It was a fun project and served as quite an elaborate home for the furry rodents. What I learned later was that hamster urine soaks into wood and provides a less-than-delightful aroma throughout the bedroom. I kept the cage as clean as I could, but the aroma won. Well, these two Guses got along well and the female Gus gained weight and plopped out some of the tiniest, most helpless marbles of rodent. I watched them grow into fine young things and then gathered them up and took them back to the dime store and sold them for 50 cents each (the store turned around and sold them for a dollar.) This happened several times. I guess I was in the hamster breeding business. Later, much later, about 20 years later, I bought another pair of hamsters. I was more enthralled with the new plastic Habitrail sets that had come out. I built tunnels, rooms, lookout boxes, and enjoyed the ball that allowed them to run around the apartment floor. Other childhood pets For some reason, I was intrigued by the chameleons that were sold at the Texas State Fair. They had little string leashes that were pinned to a bulletin board along the Midway. So, I bought one. Chameleons don't make great pets. During the Easter season, stores in Preston Royal offered baby chicks as giveaways. I got two of them. Chicks don't make great pets, either. These died within a few days. probly good, what would I have done with a chicken? Also at the dime store, they sold miniature turtles. The cute kind. I think I was more interested in getting the plastic environment that was circular with a donut-shaped pool, a ramp up to a beach for sunning, and that great plastic colored palm tree to stick into a hole up on the beach. Turtles, like chameleons and chicks are pretty silly as pets. At the University of Texas, I lived in an apartment in the Riverside Drive area. I thought it would be fun to have a dog. I had fond memories of dogs as a kid (I later realized that my selective memory had overlooked the fact that my parents did all the dirty work of training and cleaning up). I checked the newspaper and drove out to a home of a dog that had puppies. I saw this beautiful golden tan pup and adopted her. I named her JB. I was an advertising major and the brand new Department of Advertising was in the Journalism Building, that we often called the JB. It sounded like a good dog name. A few days after I got her, I left town for almost a week to go to a fraternity workshop. While I was gone, JB bonded with my roommate (who was also going to get a dog so they would each have a playmate - but he changed his mind right after I got JB) and preferred to sleep with him, and not me. It went downhill from there. Reluctantly, I took JB back to the family that offered her and they took her back. A beautiful dog but at the wrong time in my life. College is just not a good time to invest in training and spending time with a dog. www.jamesrobertwatson.com/dogs.html