It never gets easier

I had to put one of our last Italian Greyhounds to sleep last week. His name was Houston and he was one of my angel babies. He was given to us by a breeder who drove him here from Houston. he had a weird genetic "thing" that made him have a bendy tail which is not allowed in the show ring. His breeder wanted to find a good home for him and so she drove her and stayed for two days so she could see our place and make sure it was suitable for him. (GOOD FOR HER!!)

Houston at first was a very scared dog- afraid especially of new people or dogs. But when he finally got comfortable (after a few years if you can believe it) he was amazing. He was affectionate and always gently put his paws on your thighs when you were standing up to say hello. He was never sick and just an easy sweet dog. IGs often develop something called hemangiomas on their skin. Basically they are skin cancers and look like blood blisters. IGs in Florida and whippets are very prone to them. You have them removed before they get bigger than a dime. With all of our dogs, we removed and removed and after a while they began to pop up so fast we couldn't keep up. When that happens, it means that the cancer is metasticizing and has gone to the internal organs. Almost all of our IGs have died from this cancer which is called hemangiosarcoma when it is internal. When I say they have all died, let me say that I never let them suffer and die from this awful stuff. I had them all put to sleep in my arms when it became clear they were beginning to suffer. They lose their appetite and don't want to do anything and just get "sad" looking. So Houston was covered (we had removed the hemangiomas for years but it had gotten to the out of control stage) and began to have trouble breathing and I knew what was going on. Some euthanasias are hard and I cry but I feel a sense of peace, especially with my really old dogs or dogs that are in pain. Putting other dogs to sleep, younger dogs or dogs that seem to have a "senseless disease" are absolutely gut wrenching. Houston was one of these. I cried until I threw up.

Pharaoh, our very first IG

      I know for myself that I do believe our animals meet us in Heaven.  So that was one of the only things that made his passing any easier for me. This was an old post that I found and now it is January of 2014. One month ago we lost our last Iggie, Tigger.  This is the first time in 17 years we have not had an Italian Greyhound in this house and it is a bitter pill to swallow.  But I know I will see them all one day again and I am so grateful that God did not allow any of my dogs to suffer a painful or prolonged death. I love you all my little Iggies- and I will see you when I meet you at the Rainbow Bridge. These are pictures of some of our most beloved Iggies. 

Patches

Rahtu

Janie