Missing him
December 3rd 2011 22:07
There is a spot in a corner of the main bedroom in our house which lies between bed and window. Light streams in and warms the spot in winter, and it is at the right end of the house to be cool in summer.
In days past, a big, brindle greyhound could often be found there. In fact, the only time Scratchy greyhound was not fast asleep in this corner was when he was fast asleep on the sofa or on the back verandah checking for microscopic remainders of last night’s dinner.
Much of his life was spent in the comfortable spot in the bedroom. I call it Scratchy’s Corner.
However, a strange thing is happening. Scratchy’s Corner is being increasingly occupied by Daisy, our other greyhound.
Daisy has never expressed in words that I can understand how she felt about Scratchy’s sudden disappearance. The bosses took him to the vet one day, and came home without him.
She kept waiting for him to turn up, but he didn’t. Not even at dinner time.
I have watched Daisy settle in to Scratchy’s Corner a few times now. It’s only been a few weeks, and to a greyhound, his scent would still be there. Before she closes her eyes, there is an unmistakable moment’s pause, of reflection. She misses him too.
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Comment by Anonymous
Comment by Chris Champion
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Comment by Heidiclyde
You are allowed to write as many sentimental stories about Scratchy as you like, Daisy needs her side of the story told too you know. Clyde and I had to spend 2 weeks apart as the Boss and the Missus went across to the west coast then down to the south east, I'd have hated being in the car so long so I stayed with Amber and her Missus. I got grumpy because I missed the old fool so much and Clyde went off his food because he missed me. At least we found each other again, Daisy will never find the old Scratch now. How come we find these boy dogs such a trial to live with but can't manage without them?
I realise that it is a vain hope but is there a slim chance that you've found an intelligent male as Scratchy's successor? The Missus swears that the two most intelligent hounds she's fostered are males (Nitro who's just gone to his forever home is one of them and I must admit he had some potential) but honestly what would a mere Hooman know about it? The words "boy dogs" and "intelligent" can rarely if ever be seen in the same sentence I'm sure.
Your loving friend,
Heidi.
P.S. I am glad you think my name a highlight of our blog but can you really believe a hooman's name is more attractive than mine? A pretty name I agree, but surely the elegance of Heidi stands out?
Licks,
H.
Comment by Chris Champion
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You're absolutely right. Silly of me to think there won't be plenty of moments in the future when I'll remember something about Scratchy and feel like writing about it. There are plenty of Scratchy Corners in my mind's eye
As for the new boy, I'm building the anticipation nicely, aren't I? But I'm not teasing, at least not deliberately. It's just a combination of those two great influenceas - being busy and being lazy - that together create a universal force.
I'll introduce him soon, I promise.
Hugs and ear rubs,
Chris
Comment by INDIOSDAD
It is with a very heavy heart that I must report that our HAPPY boy joined the Great Scratch at the Rainbow Bridge. At 9:14 this morning California time he was out to sleep by our vet and my friend Dr Bart.
HAPPY (Hollywood Happy track name) came to us after his former family had abandonded him after he blew 3 discs in his back due to their not having a suitable place for him and he got out and got hurt.
He became a wonderful part of our home along with our other GREYS and always had love and kisses for all. We knew that someday things would go bad. Last night he had a hard time getting up I had to help him. By this morning he could not get up without help and could not walk and lost control of his bladder. At the vet Dr Bart determined that one of the discs had compressed compleetly and HAPPY was now helpless. Bart is also my friend and advises me based on what he would do if it were his dog. So we sent our boy on his way. He has joined our INDIO FURY LUCKY SUZIE HONDA and RUSTY at the bridge. They are all chasin bunnies they can never catch feeling great and rolling in the grass.
I just had forgot how much it hurts when you have to say goodbye to one of these wonderful pups.
Jerry
Comment by Chris Champion
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I've told many people about Happy, and the dog who brushed aside some pretty major obstacles to be, well, happy. But we all share your sadness now, Jerry. He was an amazing dog.
I wish you and all the wide greyhound community a restful, healthy and happy festive season.
Personally, I'm cooking for 18 people on Christmas Day, and two days later Little Boss and I are getting married (I'm not cooking for that one) before heading off to the wilds of Tasmania for a honeymoon.
See you all next year.