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Goodbye Doc (Barefoot Doctor)
Clare Graham United Kingdom (Verified User) Posts 330 Dogs 0 / Races 0 19 Apr 2015 07:16
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Sadly I had to let my dear old chap go last Wednesday. I've just updated his pedigree record: CLICK HERE and thought I would like to give him a mention here as well.
He'd reached the grand old age of thirteen but his back legs had been getting weaker and weaker, and then his digestion started playing up. I could see he was beginning to go downhill fast, even though he remained his usual smiley self, and the vet agreed with me that it was much better to act now, before he began to feel miserable or we had a real emergency. So on his last day he enjoyed two very wobbly little walks, a sardine lunch, a tripe stick and some time in the sunshine on the lawn. Then the vet came and put him gently to sleep on his own bed, with his head pillowed on his favourite teddy bear and me stroking him. He went off very peacefully, even contententedly.
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Doc (Barefoot Doctor) 20 August 2001 15 April 2015
The Best Greyhound In The World
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The life that I have Is all that I have And the life that I have Is yours.
The love that I have Of the life that I have Is yours and yours and yours.
A sleep I shall have A rest I shall have Yet death will be but a pause.
For the peace of my years In the long green grass Will be yours and yours and yours.
---Leo Marks
(This poem has always made me think of Doc but seems especially appropriate just now. It is said to have been the code poem used by Violette Szabo, a brave WW2 British agent.)
Clare I think this will bring tears to many who read it. Beautifully written to portray the courage it takes to do the right thing at the right time. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Clare Graham United Kingdom (Verified User) Posts 330 Dogs 0 / Races 0 19 Apr 2015 08:59
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Yes indeed Martin's links were ones I had come across myself and found very helpful in reaching a decision :-)
As my nice vet said 'there is no need to wait until they are suffering'.
Thank you all for your kindness and understanding. The house does feel rather empty right now but it is of course a consolation to have so many happy memories of Doc, and to feel that I did the right thing by him at the end.
Emma Bowe Australia (Verified User) Posts 5 Dogs 0 / Races 0 20 Apr 2015 08:03
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Vale, Doc. He looked a handsome dog and was obviously well-loved. What a wonderful, peaceful send off you gave him.
Wayne Larson USA (Verified User) Posts 2666 Dogs 0 / Races 0 21 Apr 2015 01:56
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[Sigh] Oh the many years I've followed you and Doc from this side of the Atlantic, Clare. Yes, it's a sad time, but as we celebrate our departed human friends who have been blessed with long lives, let me celebrate Doc's long, happy life along with you.
And when another greyhound comes into your home - as it surely will - Doc's memory will be honored when you give a new dog the same kind of love and care that you gave to Doc. That dog will not be there to replace ... but to supplement and further enrich your time on this earth as a caregiver.
Be consoled and be well. Micki and I send care and best wishes.
Clare Graham United Kingdom (Verified User) Posts 330 Dogs 0 / Races 0 21 Apr 2015 06:55
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Thank you so much, Emma and Wayne, that's very nice of your both. And yes, very likely I will adopt another retired greyhound - they are such wonderful dogs - though first I need to pause a while and take stock, as it were.
Bryan Leach United Kingdom (Verified User) Posts 158 Dogs 177 / Races 2 11 May 2015 08:43
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I have had to put to sleep many pet greyhounds Clare, and it never gets any easier. The one good thing is they have left their memories which often make me smile when I think back. There is no doubt when you give a greyhound a home, you are in fact giving a home to the best dog in the world and I only wish I could live for an eternity so I could go on re-homing greyhounds forever. Doc will pop up in your memories and make you smile too. Best of luck in finding a new hound Clare. Bryan
Douglas Campbell United Kingdom (Verified User) Posts 3940 Dogs 0 / Races 0 11 May 2015 15:12
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Clare , I still recall having to take our Whippet to be pts just over three years ago and the emptiness that followed. Nine months later we let in to our home two retired Greyhounds and they soon found out what a cushy life they were in for. In time your will know if it's the right thing to let another dog in to your life , they don't ''replace '' your previous hound , they just become your new buddy.
RIP Doc , lovely tribute.
Clare Graham United Kingdom (Verified User) Posts 330 Dogs 0 / Races 0 12 May 2015 06:28
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Thank you, Bryan and Douglas, and yes, I think I will be looking to adopt another greyhound soon. Maybe next month, after I've been on holiday and got various other commitments out of the way. Watch this space!
Douglas Campbell United Kingdom (Verified User) Posts 3940 Dogs 0 / Races 0 12 May 2015 14:18
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Clare , I know of a lady who helps rehome retired racers , she is based in the London area , she looks after them and helps prepare them for a ' home ' life and also helps out until there is a gap on various charities waiting lists. If at anytime you'd like me to pass on her number to you just let me know..... PS what's a holiday ?
Kaye Power Mcgowan United Kingdom (Verified User) Posts 407 Dogs 9 / Races 0 13 May 2015 19:28
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Made me cry sounded like a wonderful dog and friend r i p
If you need help or advice about a dog you are retiring then this is the place for you.
