Glad you and Lenny had a good 40 years together but it makes the loss so much harder if, like me, you were expecting to be together a lot longer. Your memorial day sounds good and am sure that Lenny would have been there in spirit watching over you. Turning off the phone seemed an inspired idea and the peace and quiet would have been blessed to reflect on the times you spent together.
Since our last talk I have had two cross country journeys and both times come back via the skenic route. It is getting a little easier travelling by myself and giving a running commentary of all the favourite spots and some new ones on my last trip. The weather here has been a mixed bag so I have not had so many walks as I would normally have in the park. However I did manage to leave the car at homes and walk to the supermarket to top up on fresh fruit and veg. Ok going downhill to the shop but hard going coming back uphill with the groceries weighing heavy, good exercise though.
After a good few months procrastinating I have finally applied to re home a rescue greyhound. Big decision which now will make me go out in all weathers and exercise to keep my joints active and my tummy flat. It will probably take a few weeks to clear all the paperwork and suitability checks so I will keep you informed of my progress.
Stay safe. Gordon
What a joy to hear from you Gordon. You brought a smile to my lips when you use the word “skenic“ the way my Lenny did. I think I might’ve told you how interesting it is to me that you take these cross-country trips. Lenny lived in his car. He loved driving the highways and interstates. I guess It brought him some peace and relaxation as it does for you too.
I’m happy to hear you’re becoming a new “daddy” to a Greyhound. Very cool!! Have you picked a name out yet? And yes, the exercise will do you good. Well, let me know how you and the puppy are getting along.
I suppose we should be encouraged when we decide to get on with living, even though it’s hard some days. I’m proud of us!!! Til next time.
Barbara
Hi Barb, just posted a page on my adopted greyhound but thought I would give you the longer version.
Been a long time coming since we last spoke but in the interim I had been promised a dog who’s owner had passed only to find that one of the family relatives would take ownership. This is unusual as procedure is the dog should go to a foster home and be reassessed before rehoming. However the trust thought that this would be best for the dog as she was already familiar with the relative. After that disappointment I did not feel like posting or reading anything on this site as I was a bit down.
Last Friday I got a call from the head of the trust advising that there was a dog they thought suitable for me, six year old ex racing rescue greyhound named Dennis. Talk about excited, I was like a teenager on my first date. It has been a long week until yesterday when it was agreed date for me to collect the dog. Because Dennis came with lots of accessories, beds, feeding dishes, food packs, thermal jackets, waterproof jackets and treats my car trunk was not large enough to accommodate this so my son agreed to drive and collect Dennis. I was up early and out to journey on public transport for the first time in years. Naturally caught all the wrong connections getting from my west coast to my son’s east coast but in the long run it was good as the bus was an express and both trains were short stop so I arrived at my son’s in plenty of time. After a coffee we set off and despite a few traffic hold ups, two hours later we arrived at our destination. The last hour of the journey was skenic and it had been a long time since I had travelled that part of the country. We parked up and entered the house tho be met with Dennis, such a handsome boy with loving trusting eyes. While I got aquainted with Dennis and smothered him in cuddles, my son loaded up his car with the accessories. Finally we were off home and as I was late in the day and approaching peak driving time I feared the worst for delays and tailbacks. So there I was sitting in the back seat with Dennis holding his head and stroking his ears when just relaxed and trapped my arm under his chin. That’s how it stayed for the next two hours until we were 15 minutes from my home, the exact place Elaine would waken from her driving nap to say are we nearly there yet?Suddenly Dennis stood up and looked around and no amount of persuasion would make him sit again until we arrived at my house. I took Dennis for a short walk while Phillip move all the bedding and things into my home. Once in the house I set up his food and water as Phillip located his bed and other items. After a good drink Dennis settled down and made himself at home on the sofa. When Phillip left to go home Dennis and I got some photos taken and posted online to friends and family. Later on Dennis and I went for his last night walk and we met Pat, the lady who recommended me to this rescue site. Both our greyhounds had a waggy tail competition and then off home. I had a fitful night and sneaked downstairs to see if Dennis was ok. Only to find he had abandoned his bed and was sleeping upside down on the sofa. Back to bed for me a bit more relaxed and slept well. Up early and had to waken Dennis to get out for his morning walk. Gorgeous morning sunrise, birds singing met another neighbour with her dog and after a brief hello, back home. Dennis had some breakfast food and as I write this page he is napping on the sofa. My new best pal is one cool laid back dog.
I will give you updates as long as you don;t think I’m boring you with my new enthusiasm about Dennis. Gordon
Yay!! First off, congratulations on becoming a Daddy once again. That’s one lucky pooch. Secondly, “Dennis”?? I wonder what the back story on choosing that un-doggie like name was. . Anyway, “what’s in a name” they say. I’m so happy for you. You have a new positive focus now and a reason to get up in the morning. I’m also impressed that your son went the extra mile, literally, to help you bring Dennis home. Sounds like you got lucky there too. I look forward to hearing about your escapades with Dennis!
I’m doing okay. I get ambushed every so often but it usually doesn’t last too long. I’m keeping myself as busy as possible. I find it interesting how we are forced to adapt to our new circumstances, taking on situations we never dreamed would become our new normal. For instance- I’m joining all kinds of “clubs” here in my community (which is fun); I’ve started volunteering at food pantries — while physically challenging at 75 years old, it is also very rewarding. It’s a win/win. I get my exercise and we’re helping feed children. I love doing it. I’m also enjoying this gorgeous Arizona sunshine. I take long walks as often as possible. So, here we are, Gordon, about to face a new year with new responsibilities and new experiences. We made it through 2020! I look forward to continuing our new friendship and sharing stories. Hearing from you brought a big boost to my day. Until next time…….Hugs, Barbara
Just a quickie, never met you but love your outlook on life. As a 74 year old with a 12 year old brain trapped in an old man’s body I can Identify with the physicality of our bodies but sounds as though you are Tinkerbell to my Peter Pan LOL, take care stay safe. Update you later as Dennis is ready for his dinner. Gordon
Hi Babs, that’s my first week in with Dennis and I’m glad to say he has changed my lifestyle. Dennis was a racing greyhound and his name is Agile Dennis, but I think he is misnamed and should have been Docile Dennis as he is so laid back and a gentle giant. Never pulls on the lead and is always at my side. One of the restrictions is that he has to be kept on the lead until he has settled as he is so insecure at present I am finding him a bit stubborn as he is very wary of anything new and won’t move until he is sure of whatever it is that spooks him. Gets lots of re-assurance from me but I think this is a work in progress. I am trading his insecurity for my loneliness and we seem to be a good team. Still walk in the park but now very different that I have Denny for company as now when I talk with Elaine he pays attention to my voice. He has made himself quite at home an spends a lot of time sleeping. This is the nature of greyhound as their life as racers is for short bursts of fast energy running and lots of resting to recuperate.One of Denny’s biggest fears is going up or down stairs so to help re-assure him I count the steps as we go up or down and I think the sound of my voice is comforting. Once he has mastered addition and subtraction we will move on to multiplication and division LOL.
Not had any skenic trips as my son and his family are into hectic mode with both their work and school time coming to a head for the Christmas period. However my son and the grandchildren were over last weekend and Denny had an overdose of love and affection from granddaughter Maisie. Denny was so taken with her that when they left he was wandering about the house looking for her and continually coming back to the end of the sofa where she sat to have another sniff. Think he is in love with Maisie. I have not left Denny alone in the house yet to get to the shops but he is ok when I am upstairs for a while or out on the back decking, just as long as he knows that I am not too far away. Will start next week leaving him indoors while I go out the gate and up to the car for short periods so he knows that I am coming back. Well that seems to be me for now Iwill continue with Denny’s progress and you must have lots of tales to tell from meeting people in your new ventures.
Take care and stay safe from this covid virus. Gordon
Hi Gordon. Great to hear from you as always. Your postings always brighten my mood. It’s just so interesting to hear how Denny has changed your life since he moved in with you. He’s just what the doctor ordered. I think it’s wonderful. I’m glad that he’s a gentle giant too and well trained. How sweet that he’s smitten with Maisie. By the way, I love her name! I’m doing okay. I get ambushed every now and then, as you well know. But I’m keeping busy with the activities my development offers, as well as my volunteering work. Life is so different now. I’m discovering who I am again. Don’t have a choice. Anyhoo, enjoy your Denny and I wish us both a better, peaceful new year ahead. Til next time. Barbara
Hi Sadie I feel just like you 9 months after losing my beautiful husband, soul mate and rock of
40 years life is rubbish. I’m existing and not living. Cannot see a future ahead without him. They say time heals - not for me it makes it harder as it becomes more real and more lonely
Hi Barb,
I have to list these things as they happened because They are not random incidents and I’m not some nutcase with a weird imagination.
The weekend I adopted Denny I told you previously that I was visited by the grand children and Maisie had an immediate bond with Denny. Maisie has had learning difficulties in the past and was not always forthcoming when speaking, writing or relating a story. However now she can’t stop talking about Denny and her school diary is full of Denny stories.
The next week in the park Denny and I were ambling around without a care in the world when Denny stopped dead in his tracks as a young woman approached pushing a buggy with a young boy leaning to the side. I said hi to the woman and the little boy was looking at Denny started to laugh. We engaged in conversation as Denny and the boy stared at one another. I explained that I had just adopted Denny last week and she said that’s funny, her young boy was also adopted. She was amazed because he always shied away from dogs and was quite taken with the rapport between Denny and her son. We said cheerio and both walked our separate ways.
Later in the week we were in a different park and I saw an old lady I recognised walking towards me with a small child almost hiding behind her. I stopped to let her pass and she said that the child had been frightened by a large dog and was very wary of them. I tickled Denny’s chin and asked the girl if she would like to tickle his ears or chin. Eventually the small hand reached out and stroke Denny’s nose, then his ears and then his neck. The old lady thanked me for Denny’s patience and we went on our way.
Next day Denny and I were at the top end of the park walking along the ath at the edge of the pond when two young unaccompanied children came rushing round the corner without looking where they were going. Denny moved to the waters edge so that would force the children away from any danger and they came to an abrupt stop. I asked where their parents were and they pointed to the other side of the pond. I asked if they wanted to stroke or tickle Denny and they both agreed. I kept them occupied until their parents made their way around to where we stood and they thanked me and Denny for keeping them safe until they arrived.
So for now it’s “Denny the Shaman” watcher of small children. Probably just my imagination but the story might just amuse you and keep your mind of other things. Always good to have a superhero around. Belated Merry Christmas to you.
Christmas Day passed for Elaine’s anniversary and Denny was my saviour there as well.
Take care and stay safe from this new virus. Gordon
I have no words! Denny is truly a gift from heaven, isn’t he? How lucky you are to have found a special friend at a time when you needed him most. The effect he has on children, especially your Maisie, is heartwarming and encouraging. Perhaps a gift from Elaine? I would like to believe that.
I managed to survive another holiday. A few unavoidable tears. The void is palpable. The “silence is deafening” as they say. On a more pleasant note, the sun is always shining here, and I have friends to visit and pass the time with. And I have my new pen pal who always brightens my day with his escapades with Denny! Let’s greet the new year with hope for peace and good health.
Hugs, Barbara
Hi Barbara,
Sorry I have not posted for a month but I hate January, always have and probably always will. Never noticed it last year as I was grieving for Elaine and arranging her funeral and service of celebration of her life.
Been really down at times and it’s silly. Because I have have formed such a loving bond with Denny, I am full of guilt as I feel I am betraying Elaine as I am now having some special times with Denny either long walks when I relate stories of my life with Elaine and some of the funny things she would get up to or just sitting on the sofa and I playing with Denny’s ears and stroking his head as I used to do with Elaine.
We are growing so close that when I waken in the morning and don’t even move in my bed he knows and comes to the bottom of the stairs and cries for me to come down. When I have washed and dressed and come downstairs it is as though I have been away for weeks as he cries and bumps me and it is not easy for a greyhound to give a big front leg paw while wagging his tail so hard it might just fall off. It is now that I have time to reflect on ho many “friends” have not called me or made any attempt to get in touch when I used to be their first port of call when they needed something. Guess it’s taken me most of my life to find out that my only calling in life has been SUCKER.
On the brighter side Denny and I have made lots of new aquaintances, wouldn’t call them friends as they only meet us in the parks, but they always have time to talk to me and give Denny a cuddle. Your last posting said the sun always shines where you live, must be nice but again there may be a down side as water may be in short supply at times . I life in the west of Scotland and we have a predominantly mild climate with and excess of rain at times but the plus side is that it is always a dear green place with abundant grassy parks with ample tall tree cover in many areas. Well it is almost midnight and just come in from our last walk, beautiful cold night with very little cloud and no moon so the stars we shining brightly and am sure one of them was Elaine watching us as we wandered along the avenues and back home. Good night Barbara, stay safe.
Gordon
Hi Gordon. As always, it’s great to hear from you. I look forward to your posts to me… Makes me feel a little special. I have a pen pal! Kids today wouldn’t have a clue what a pen pal is. . I must say your post had a tinge of sadness. I’m sorry about the downtimes….especially the “absent” friends. Perhaps they just don’t know what to say. I’ve just passed 15 months since my Lenny left. I celebrated a birthday January 25, and, of course, it was difficult, I’ve saved his birthday cards to me over the years, so I took the latest one out and read it , pretending he just gave it to me that morning. So you see, Gordon, you’re not alone in your sadness. We have a long road ahead… Day by day, hour by hour. I keep busy as best I can. I’ve found that volunteering at a local Foodbank has brought me inner peace. I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to the loneliness though. I just miss his presence so much. I hope someday we’ll all be together in the great beyond. Let’s keep the faith! Lenny and Elaine would want us to, wouldn’t they? Give a hug to Denny for me.
Peace my friend. Barbara
Hello Nodrog.
Just wanted to say how touched I am by your close bond with Denny. Often our dog companion’s know us better than we know ourselves.
Sending kindness
Hi Penpal Barbara, (Ha ha Spellchecker nearly changed that to Paypal Barbara)
Just a quickie reply. I was finally putting the Christmas tree up into the loft and I accidentally fell onto an old storage box and it burst open. Hadn’t remembered putting it up there, but when I tried to gather the papers together the top one was my birthday card to Elaine on her 21st birthday. That was the day I proposed and we got engaged. I hadn’t seen it since that day so there were quite a few tears for the memories it brought back to life. Fate sure is a funny thing as I didn’t know that Elaine had kept it all those years ago and quite a few house moves and I didn’t see it once.
Take care dear friend. Gordon
Hi Tina,
Denny is giving me love and I am trying to rebuild his confidence. When we are in the park for his walk he will just stop and lean against my thigh and won’t budge until he gets a good 5 minute cuddle. Gets us some funny looks until I tell them Denny is a rescue ex racing dog and has lots of love to catch up on. Yes Denny knows me better than I do in the 8 weeks we have been together.
Stay safe. Gordon
Hi Barbara,
Both Elaine and her older sister had a wicked sense of humour, so I imaging both of these angels had a part in this just to remind me of my loss. As if I would ever need that prompting.
Just back from our early morning walk in the park and we still have the remains of the last few storms with strong gusty winds. Lots of branches lying about in the paths but the sky is blue, the birds are singing and all is well in God’s world today.
Your penpal from across the pond. Gordon
. Anyway, “what’s in a name” they say. I’m so happy for you. You have a new positive focus now and a reason to get up in the morning. I’m also impressed that your son went the extra mile, literally, to help you bring Dennis home. Sounds like you got lucky there too. I look forward to hearing about your escapades with Dennis!
. I must say your post had a tinge of sadness. I’m sorry about the downtimes….especially the “absent” friends. Perhaps they just don’t know what to say. I’ve just passed 15 months since my Lenny left. I celebrated a birthday January 25, and, of course, it was difficult, I’ve saved his birthday cards to me over the years, so I took the latest one out and read it , pretending he just gave it to me that morning. So you see, Gordon, you’re not alone in your sadness. We have a long road ahead… Day by day, hour by hour. I keep busy as best I can. I’ve found that volunteering at a local Foodbank has brought me inner peace. I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to the loneliness though. I just miss his presence so much. I hope someday we’ll all be together in the great beyond. Let’s keep the faith! Lenny and Elaine would want us to, wouldn’t they? Give a hug to Denny for me.
Barbara