Today was my best friend and 4-legged sister's birthday... she passed away a few years ago (wow, can't believe it's been over 5 years - seems like just yesterday!). Anyhow, happy birthday Goldie! I love you! I'll have to post some pictures of her when I get a chance. I wanted you all to meet my baby... my dad wrote this 'eulogy' following her passing... it's kind of sad, but it tells you a little about her.
To those who know Goldie: December 2000
Goldie, who was a greyhound and the only 4-leg member of our family, left us on 11/15/2000 at the age of 15. Burkon and Tammy were informed of a week later when they came home for Thanksgiving.
Goldie acted perfectly normal a night before (11/14/2000). She had a good appetite and completed her meal quickly that night. She went to the back yard for her routine business around 11:30 PM and then stayed in kitchen with Helen who was reading newspaper passing mid-night.
That night (actually early morning of 11/15/2000), Goldie passed away very peacefully while sleeping on her pillow next to the dinner table in kitchen. No sign of struggle during her last moment. In fact, Helen noticed nothing unusual in the morning and left for work quietly in attempt of not disturbing Goldie's sleep. I came down around 7:30 AM and observed Goldie showing no sign of chest movement which I had been watching closely for the past few months. I was stunned and my mind went totally blind. I shook her without response and repositioned the pillow under her head for comfort (Goldie's body was too long and most time her head and tail stretched outside of the pillow). Her body was still warm (maybe it was a shining morning and house heater was high) but a bit stiff. I moved her body into a huge transparent plastic bag and carried to the garage where the temperature was much cooler. I did not know what to do at that moment and, therefore, went to office to get my mind straight. After few phone calls with the veterinarians and animal hospitals, I went home with a dozen of yellow flowers. I carried Goldie into the van (reminding me of carrying her to upstairs for her last shower a week earlier) and drove to the Plansboro-West Windsor Animal Hospital (Goldie loved to ride in this van). A hospital technician helped me to lay Goldie on a cold metal operation table and left us alone for the final moment. I put the flowers and a big name tag in the bag to avoid any possible mix-up. I hugged Goldie gently and told her that we would miss her very much. I thanked her for being a loyal guardian angel for our children for many years and told her to enjoy herself in Heaven with no more worry since kids are now the grown-ups. I also told her that she would be cremated privately (Goldie was always nervous when with other 4-leg friends) and her ash would be returned home to be buried under her favor evergreen where she always sat or laid in the summer.
Before coming to our home 11 years ago, Goldie was an outstanding champion dog and won many trophies during her racing career. I was told that her best record was about 40 miles per hour. We rescued her from a racetrack in Boston after her retirement at which time more than 90% greyhounds were put to sleep at age of 3 or younger. She weighted 65 pounds, stood at an approximate 25 inches in height and 30 inches in length, and had a short coat of brindle (striped as tiger) color (see attached). Despite her big size, she was a gentle and affectionate companion. Goldie faithfully accompanied our two children through the elementary and high school years. She missed them terribly when they left home for college, particularly when Tammy started college last year. Maybe Goldie thought that she was on longer able to watch over the kids on earth and decided to continue looking after them from the Heaven. Recently, Helen and I were discussing how to accommodate Goldie due to our upcoming overseas trip. We considered to board Goldie in a kennel or the greyhound adoption center although she definitely would not like it (Goldie had never been in such facilities). She might overhear our conversation and decided to leave on her own without adding burden upon us. She was so thoughtful and left us with guilty feelings.
We believe that Goldie had a good life in our home and certainly enjoyed her retirement here. She was a significant part of our family. She had the best personality among all family members including myself because she always listened and never complained. She liked Chinese food, enjoyed car ride, listened to karaoke singing, and loved being with children. Although we miss her deeply, we are happy for her being in Heaven now. We will remember Goldie forever.
