greying-fast Posted November 10, 2010 Share Posted November 10, 2010 It's been nearly 4 weeks since I gave our beloved Archie his wings. Life hadn't been kind to Archie, blind with retinal atrophy by the time he was 2, diagnosed with chronic kidney disease shortly after that and given 6 months to 2 years to live. That was over 3 years ago. Archie died in my arms at home on my bed. We gave him a good death, even if we couldn't give him a longer better life. But he reached the age of 5, which was longer than we dared hope for when we got him three years ago. Still, he wasn't ready to go, in his mind though not his body he had so much more life to live. He still loved his food (intermittently towards the end with his failing kidneys), loved to play and more than anything loved a cuddle. With his lack of vision he couldn't play catch but he would jump up and expect you to 'catch' him :D No matter how much we brushed him, he was always shedding, unlike any other greyhound I've had. He had a gorgeous thick pale brindle coat and the sweetest little face. He was only a small boy and had the nicest disposition. He didn't like playing with the other dogs because he couldn't see where they were and got bumped about when they were rough, but any time the opportunity presented he would take advantage of any long legs overhanging the couch and treat himself to a back rub from the others' feet. You would think with all the crap life delivered him he would be a grumpy dog, but once he settled in with us he was always cheerful. Even towards the end he would wriggle into the blankets, stretch his legs out and sigh. I like to think it was a sigh of contentment. Julie and Annie of Greyhound Safety Net rescued Archie knowing he was blind. They didn't abandon him when they got the awful diagnosis on his kidneys. I know some people think that rescue should only take on able bodied and healthy dogs, but I believe Archie deserved his small shot at happiness and he grasped life between his paws and gave it all he'd got. Intellectually I always told myself that Archie came to us for a good time, not for a long time and any time we had with him was a bonus, but my heart still hurts and I miss him terribly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toofarnorth Posted November 10, 2010 Share Posted November 10, 2010 That was a lovely little tribute to Archie, he sounds like a very sweet grey taken way too soon. RIP special boy. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HollyMilo Posted November 10, 2010 Share Posted November 10, 2010 Archie died in my arms at home on my bed. It sounds like he slipped away peacefully. RIP Archie :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ons Posted November 10, 2010 Share Posted November 10, 2010 a loving tribute for a loving dog RIP Archie, run free at Rainbow Bridge Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
julzjc Posted November 10, 2010 Share Posted November 10, 2010 Rest In peace sweet boy, so sorry for your loss. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mollie10 Posted November 11, 2010 Share Posted November 11, 2010 Dear Archie, I loved your mum's tribute to you. It sounds like you were a very, very special boy. I hope you are running and playing and enjoying special back rubs at the Bridge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anniek Posted November 11, 2010 Share Posted November 11, 2010 What a lovely tribute to a gorgeous boy. Even though he was blind, Archie "loved" with his eyes to the very end. A pic taken early October this year. RIP sweet boy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Her Majesty Dogmad Posted November 11, 2010 Share Posted November 11, 2010 (edited) What a magnificent boy, he sounds so very special. Thank you for loving him in spite of his disabilities, I know he would have appreciated it so much. I believe he certainly deserved it. I am a rescuer who believes in taking on the old and/or special cases and filling whatever time they have left with love and comfort but it hurts so very much that we can't have them with us for a lot longer. Hugs to you. Edited November 11, 2010 by dogmad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misha&milo Posted November 11, 2010 Share Posted November 11, 2010 R.I.P Archie He was a lucky dog to have found you He will thank you when he see's you in years to come when he meets you at the bridge Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anniek Posted November 11, 2010 Share Posted November 11, 2010 G-F has asked me to post these two pics of "Indoor Archie". Mmmmm I was sure G-F had some kind of rule about dogs not being allowed ON her bed, but I guess he was IN it so that's ok. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MelodysMum Posted November 12, 2010 Share Posted November 12, 2010 What a truly special boy Archie was! I am so sorry for your loss. Take comfort in knowing what a wonderful life you gave him. RIP beautiful boy Archie! ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CBL Posted November 12, 2010 Share Posted November 12, 2010 GF I am so sorry for your loss. Archie was obviously a very special boy who lived his short and challenging life to the fullest. What an amazing dog ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poochmad Posted November 12, 2010 Share Posted November 12, 2010 So sorry for your loss. R.I.P Archie. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greying-fast Posted November 14, 2010 Author Share Posted November 14, 2010 Mmmmm I was sure G-F had some kind of rule about dogs not being allowed ON her bed, but I guess he was IN it so that's ok. Thanks Annie for posting the pics and yes you are right about the rule, but it's made to be broken when the dogs are unwell and Archie spent the last days of his life snuggled up with me, barring toilet and food breaks and trips to the vet. And we did buy the 19 year old a HUGE bed so that all the dogs could share with him ... Thank you all for your very kind thoughts. It's a great comfort knowing that others understand what a special boy Archie was. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daisy Posted November 14, 2010 Share Posted November 14, 2010 Sorry to hear about your loss greying-fast. Run free sweet Archie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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