Good Girl Becks 15th November 2002 to 10th January 2007

I’m glad it’s raining, windy and miserable today. Our beautiful greyhound girl is no more, and the house is cold and dark without her. Walking in to the kitchen after coming back from dropping the boys at school was the worst I’ve felt in a long time. I keep thinking about how I moaned about her to J because she kept running away, and I’d do anything to have her back now.

From the first time we met her, when she was trembly and shy, and laid her soft cheek gently against Hubby’s, we were in love with our pocket rocket. She was, in no particular order: loving, funny, incredibly intelligent, frustrating, naughty (remember when she ate all my aromatherapy candles and had lovely smelling burps?), occasionally rather destructive (especially with soft toys), entertaining and, most importantly, part of our family. Having her helped us settle here in Ireland and we made firm friends with J from Abhaile Greyhounds and her partner C and lovely son, also C, from whom we received endless support in our new role as dog owners.

In time, she blossomed into a happy, confident, slightly mad but always loveable family pet. She went from jumping every time we went near her and being terrified of the sofa, to a great big hairy couch potato, who didn’t care whether there was anyone sitting on her favourite seat or not, she’d just climb straight up on top of whoever was there first and plonk herself down on top of them.

She fell in love with our friends (remember how she adored C?) and our family (both Nanny and Grandma were followed slavishly around the house), and adored us in a way only greyhounds can.

We’ll look back at all the pictures on the blog and remember:

The first time she discovered how comfy a beanbag can be…

Walking backwards in a circle when we put on her new trap coat…

And who can forget her Oscar-worthy performance on camera for Greyhound View?

J sent me such a lovely message, thanking us for “taking a chance on the quiet, shy and unsure lady in my care. For the moment, on meeting your husband, she laid her head on his shoulder and sighed. For the photos of her cuddled up with your sons and their stolen toys. For your love for her, your patience with her and your cherished descriptions of her naughty and funny goings-on. For giving Becks that rare fate I so want for all of my greyhounds. The experience of a loving home, comfort, care, and a family who adored her as much as she clearly adored you. Good Girl Becks’ story had a happy ending and for that blessing, she and I both thank you.”

This completely set me off again and I’ve spent the day sobbing on the sofa with a box of tissues. She forgets that this was, of course, all her doing, and this whole story wouldn’t have come to life if it wasn’t for J, who tirelessly works finding homes for greyhounds who are retired, or injured, or like B, plain old not quite good enough.

We’ll always miss our little furry torpedo, and will try to be thankful for the few short months we had with her. She gave us a whirlwind, roller-coaster introduction into the world of dog ownership. So, for the first time in a while, I’ll only be making one cup of tea, B, I know you liked a brew, but I’ll raise my cup to you, sweetheart xx

No Comments »