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WITH ANGELS THEY PLAY
They haven't really been taken away.
They have only gone with the Angels to play.
They have been given
wings with which to fly.
All their troubles have passed them by.
Their life in heaven now must start.
But we'll hold their memory in our hearts.
Nothing about them will
be forgotten.
But now they sleep on billowy clouds of cotton.
Author Unknown
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In the Spring of 2002, Erin stumbled upon a Borzoi in need. She had always fancied Borzoi, and talked to Russ
about adding a forth sighthound to the Last Lap Pack to even things out. He agreed, but by the time they decided to investigate
his adoption, another family beat them to the chance. Still the idea was planted, and Erin, with the help of some internet
savvy, sighthound-owning friends, found a special 5 year old Borzoi looking for a new home. Problem was... that he was in
St. Louis! So, she used the internet again to organize a relay of 4 volunteers to get "Razz," short for Razzputin, to West Virginia, where Russ and Erin would pick him up. Soon after Razz got settled in, he tested positive for heartworms.
Without intervention, he would die. So, despite tight funds, Erin and Russ put him through treatment, and he is forever grateful,
and shows his thanks daily. He too, is quite an affectionate fellow, and would love nothing more than to lay on your lap,
and have you stroke his long muzzle.
Razzputin Ives 1996-2004
On July 26, 2004, dear Razzy died. We think it was congestive heart failure. He is missed terribly. We know
that he's in Heaven snuggling with the Angels, as he much preferred the company of people. Because he was our most enthusiastic
hiking companion, we plan to take one last hike with Razzy and spread his ashes along the trail.
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Hayride
July 1991 - August 2006
Hayride passed at 15 years old. She was a "Red Brindle," and was always very
maternal and subdued. She was the omega girl, but will remain first in the hearts of Erin and Russ. Her racing
name was "Go Run Hayride," and she was adopted through the National Greyhound Adoption Program (NGAP) in October of 1996,
when when was 6 years old.
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| Dakota sits pretty 12/23/05 |
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Dakota
1993 - August 2006
Dakota passed at 13 years old. Dakota was a "Black and White Tuxedo," and was always our little
sprite. She was truly a Daddy's Girl, and proved she could be the little cutie when she needed to be. She
was always a snuggle girl, despite her lanky legs, and was known to be quite the drama queen when she needed attention. Her
racing name was "Ping Decoder," and she was adopted through a private liaison in November of 1997.
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| Dakota & Hayride 08-06 |
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| A Rare Snuggle |
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08-28-2006 I had a dream last night, and as dreams go, it doesn't have all its parts, but - as some dreams go -
I think it had a message.
We were on one side of a fence. I think we were up at the farm in PA. We were up near the pond. We
were standing outside the fence, and within the fence on the other side was a big barn, a huge field with tall, golden grasses,
and a pond off to the right, that really looked more like the ocean.
For some reason, we needed get on the other side of the fence, so we could get to the barn. We were delayed, so
we shoved the dogs - just Hayride and Dakota - under the fence before us. I worried that they'd get lost.
I hoped they'd find their way to the barn because I didn't want them to be too hot or too cold.
Finally, we were inside the fence, and I was running towards the barn. My heart pounded. I hollered, "Hayride,
Dakota!" and hoped they'd appear. As I neared the barn, I saw Dakota peeking out from behind the dilapdated boards.
Then, to my relief, I saw Hayride too. I walked inside the barn, and though it wasn't posh and polished, it was a cozy
as an old barn could provide. It was cool, but not cold, and the hay was clean and soft. They had found their
way, and they were both okay.
The dream went on in the crazy way dreams do. The pond had some choppy waves, and the field turned into more like
the cliffs near a sea. The farm house was nearby, and more people entered. The barn was filled, and we were all
eating dinner within it along a long long table. One end of the barn was totally open and the field with the golden
grasses waved beyond it. I don't remember seeing Hayride and Dakota anymore in the dream, but I remember having a fleeting
moment of panic, seeing that wide open space, worrying the the dogs were out there with no clear boundaries.
Then I woke up. I had the feeling that the ol' girls were running out there in that golden field, but I had no
worry, because they'd proved to me in the dream that they were... okay.
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