Santanna AKA Satan (TM's The Boss) ( 1997-2008 )  Santanna was put out of his pain from bone cancer and a ruptured hernia on 4/4/2008. Santi was a much beloved and cherished member of the Kadich family of Danvers. He was our first greyhound and easily our best dog ever. It always amazed me how easily Santi adapted to home life. His biography described him as calm and mannerly and he certainly maintained that behavior through out his life. He was especially gentle with his human Nana, as he seemed to sense her frailty.  He added so much to our lives, was his Mom's constant companion, and inspired so much devotion by his human brothers.  Justin would come home from college to spend time with Santi during his last days. He was extremely smart and we would joke that he was probaly considered a genius in the greyhound world due to his vast vocabulary! He understood so much. Among his favorite things were walks in Endicott Park,l ong car rides, and belly
rubs. He was also very talented with tennis balls and would almost never miss catching the ball! We were hoping he'd make it to the greyhound reunion which he seemed to enjoy each year. We will greatly miss his silly greyhound grin, incredibly soft fur and great devotion to our family.  Santanna will remain in our hearts forever.

Russell Thomas:  1995-2008.  The Boudreau family of Nashua, NH mourns the loss of their beloved Russell.  Sarah writes, "We adopted Russell from G.A.S. eight years ago.  He was our first greyhound.  Russell had a huge heart, and was a beautiful and sweet boy.  He passed away last week from osteo, at age 12.  We will miss him greatly, but thank him for sharing his life with us."

Missy (Derby Lil): 1992-2008 and Daring Distance: 1996-2008.  Kathy Pelletier of Waltham, MA mourns the double loss of her greyhounds Missy and Distance.  Kathy writes: "Missy was 15 1/2 years old and my first grey. She would light up a room as soon as she walked in it.  She was a beautiful girl, who had been adopted and returned to GAS.  My dad brought us there to see her, and Marilyn left her to show for last.  I fell in love.  She brought joy and love to my life.  She was sweet and very quiet.  She loved to come to work with me and all my co-workers loved her too.  I have had her love for 11 years.  About 8 months ago she started having problems with her hind legs.  I took care of her for all that time.  I adopted Distance to become a companion to Missy.  I saw his pic on line and fell in love.  We brought Missy up to the adoption agency and they got along great.  He was the love of my life.  He has given me years of love and laughter.  He became lame about 4 weeks ago.  The vet thought he had the same nerve deterition that Missy had.   We decided to put him on medication but that did not work.  I brought him to the vet 13 days after I had put Missy down, and the Vet informed me that he had bone cancer in his knee.  I was there when he crossed to Rainbow Bridge and met his mate Missy."

Chance (Talisman):  1996-2008 - The Kovak family of Pennington, NJ has lost their beloved Chance to cancer.  Laurie writes that they..."will never forget our sweet and loving gentleman who loved to run above all things.  He had the softest fur of any greyhound I have ever touched and I will carry the memory of his softness with me the rest of my days.  Chance loved to take off on "unauthorized" neighborhood patrols that would always leave us breathless and relieved when he was back in the safety of our home.  Chance had a little buddy, Jack the Italian Greyhound who is blind but Chance would lick his eyes for what seemed like hours at a time.  Jack will miss him, as will Joy, another greyhound house mate who ate Chance's share of dinner sometimes because Chance would let her do whatever she pleased.    But most of all, the family will miss Chance and his big goofiness, his muddy paws,  frequent misadventures,  absolute love of life and his love and devotion for us.  We will hold him in our hearts and cherish his memory and continue to hope that heaven holds many happy reunions.  Run with the wind, Chance, until we meet again!"

Bella (Ruthie K): 1996-2007.  On December 20, 2007,  the Rodriguez family of Belmont, MA lost their dearest friend and the love of their lives, Bella, to intestinal cancer.  Liz writes, "Bella was truly an angel on earth; an incredibly beautiful blue coat.  I adopted her in 1997 from Marilyn who said to me after about 20 minutes of looking at all the dogs, 'I have the perfect little girl for you.' She took her out from the back and it was truly love at first sight. Bella was a delight from the moment I brought her home.  In no time, she had the hang of the stairs and although shy in the beginning, brought so much joy to everyone.  Neighbors and friends greeted her with much affection and many treats.  People would actually stop and jump out of their cars to pet her.  She was kind and gentle – no cat would fear her and little dogs would cuddle up next to her.  During hard times, she would comfort me by wrapping her body around the backs of my legs and rubbing her face on my thigh as to say, 'Its OK Mommy, I’m still here.'  When she was 6 I enrolled her in the Caring Canines dog therapy program and she was a comfort to the elderly for many years.  She started getting sick with what we thought was inflammatory bowel disease this past March. The sicker she became, the more upset I became and then she started her wrapping/rubbing comforting behavior again.  I didn’t know how I was going to live with out her (and some days I honestly don’t know how I’m going to get through).  She comforted me until the last hour of her life.   Mike and I just finished our first Sunday of volunteering at GAS with Marilyn and another Liz volunteer.  As painful as this loss is (and it’s agonizing truly), it made us realize that there are so many more kind and beautiful souls that need and deserve so much love."

Lily (Optimum Gal): 1993-2007.  The O'Halloran family of N. Billerica, MA is saddened to report the death on September 25th of their beloved Lily.  They write, "  Lily joined our family as a young 2 1/2 yr old. We spotted her in one of the back kennels peering around the corner at us. She was a dark brindle with the chocolate brown eyes and a black gumdrop nose.  We were hooked. Lily loved everything in her life. She especially loved her greyhound housemates,the cats and our grandchildren. Lily was able in her long life to take 7 special vacations with us, plus enjoyed going to Maine every weekend in the summer. We were blessed with her good health and unconditional love. She did indeed live up to her given racing name. She will live in our hearts. There is a great emptiness in the house..... We are dogless..."

Salty Dog: 1997-2007.   Linda and John Di Fazio report the death of their beloved Salty Dog who passed away on July 7th.  Linda  writes, "He was the best.  Words cannot express how we miss Salty Dog.  He loved my grandchildren.  You would always know when they were getting in trouble.   He would  let out a bark and you knew you would have to come running (cause God knows what they were doing).  He protected and loved our family. Salty Dog saved my husband from seriously getting hurt last Winter.  My husband slipped on ice and Salty Dog put himself between my husband and a metal wagon wheel in our yard.  Thank God for our Salty Dog.  I could go on and on about him.  He was one in a million, always there to greet us with his loving ways when we came home.  We miss him more than words can say. I know that he is beside God in heaven for he was truly an angel.   Rest Salty and thanks for being a great companion,  friend, babysitter and most of all for being part of our family.  We love you."

Otto (KB's Auto King): 1998-2007.  David, Lisa, Logan and Sydney Glista of Durham, NH are sad to report that Otto fought a brief but losing battle with osteosarcoma.  They wrote, "During his five years with us, Otto brought joy to our lives by all of the simple things he did - laying in the sun, motivating us to take him for walks, climbing in the back of the van just to hang out with us, etc.  Otto was our gentle giant and will be truly missed by those who loved  him."                      

Zoe (Florida Lisa): 1997-2007.  The Doucette family of Westford, MA mourns the lost of their beutiful Zoe.  Ellen writes, "A few weeks ago, we found out that Zoe had bone cancer which had spread to her lungs.  She was only 9 1/2.  We thought she'd be with us a while longer, but she fell on her leg and the pain was just too much for her.  The house is so empty but I feel her presence everywhere.  She was one of those rare greyhounds that barked, and bark she did, always thinking she was protecting her family and her house from intruders.  No one got in the house without being thoroughly inspected by Zoe.  She knew which garage door was mine and would bark and race down the hall as soon as she heard it go up.  She always met me at the garage door.  Who will help me steal the kids McDonald fries, and who will finish the pizza crust?  We miss her deeply."

Lilah (Juggernaut Lady): 1998-2007.  The Kessler family of Gloucester, MA are saddened by the death of their beautiful Lilah.  Alicia writes, "My dear, sweet, best little girl crossed to the Bridge on 6/14/07. She lived 2 months post osteosarcoma diagnosis. She is finally pain free, but she leaves a tremendous hole in our hearts and lives.  We adopted Lilah in May of 2000. She picked us out - she ran up to DH and gave him a big kiss on the lips.  Lilah was wonderful with children and elderly, she worked as a therapy dog for 3 years. She very quietly spread the Lilah-love and brought smiles to the hearts of many.  She made me laugh and smile everyday. She was my first greyhound and feel so grateful for the 7 years we got to spend with her.  Goodbye my Doodlebug, my Noodle, my Lala, my Princess Pooh Bear. I love you and miss you and hope to see you again. In the meantime, find a comfy cloud and watch over us. You are our angel now."

Doug: 1997-2007.  The Wright family  of West Springfield, MA. adopted 'Doug' seven years ago from GAS.  Sadly, we've lost him to bone cancer. He was fun loving, easy going, and truely a part of our family. Our hearts and home feel so empty.

Daisy: 1999-2007.  Fun-loving Daisy brought great joy to the Reynolds / Drew families of North Andover, MA.  Big sister Daisy was very happy to spend each day with her beloved greyhound sister Robin, her poodle brother Benji and her Gordon Setter siblings Wallace and Skye.  Daisy was a great athlete, always ascending the stairs by leaping five steps at a time.  She always traveled with a toy in her mouth.  Daisy had a special bond with her truest friend Walter.  She spent every afternoon standing next to Walter as he made his phone calls.  Daisy passed suddenly and unexpectedly when she had powerful seizures which could not be stopped.  Daisy taught us to live each day with passion, zest and style!

Dottie: 1999-2007.  Rita Blais and Michelle Metivier mourn the loss of Dottie aka 'the Dotster.'  The family writes, "She was our first greyhound and the gentlest of souls.  Her 'smile' would light up the room and 'tag' was her favorite game.  She mothered all dogs who came and went and loved all of our cats.  After breaking her leg in January, she never quite fully recovered. When we came home from work, she was limping again but this time in a dfferent leg.  A rushed trip to the vet, confirmed our worst fears:  bone cancer.  It spread quickly and when the pain medication failed to work, we aided her in her journey over Rainbow Bridge.  Our Dear Dottie - you've been our girl for 7 years. Wait for us.  We will meet you someday on Rainbow Bridge.  Until then, you will be greatly missedby all."

Sealy:1997-2007.  Jen and Joe Carton of Milton, NH are sad to report the death of their sweet Sealy.  They write," We adopted Sealy from GAS eight years ago. She quickly got over her initial shyness and became the boss of the house. Always sweet, she was an excellent big sister to our daughter, who is now almost five. Sealy went to the vet on March 8 for a teeth cleaning and never came out of the anesthesia. What an unexpected and tragic loss. We feel it every minute of the day. Although losing Sealy hurts more than I could ever have imagined, we take comfort in knowing that we gave her a good life. She, in turn, gave us much happiness. Sealy will never be forgotten."

Patti: 1997-2007.  Sheryl Smith and Paul Kelly of Tewksbury, MA are saddened by the death of his wonderful Patti.  Sheryl writes," I adopted Patti 8 years ago after a long conversation with Marilyn telling me all about greyhounds, and I knew these dogs would fit well with my lifestyle. I had Patti for 8 wonderful years. She was a happy and playful greyhound, white with beautiful brindle markings. One marking on her side was shaped like a heart, and what a heart of gold she had. Patti made everyone happy. Outside, she would spin round and round on her leash, or inside on the rug to show us how happy she was. She would greet me with her perked up ears, beautiful brown eyes, and her smile. The best thing I ever did was to adopt Patti.  Patti died suddenly with no time for me to prepare. After reading the other obits, I realize we were lucky she never had any kind of illness. She was my Patti right to the day she died. I will treasure my memories and thank Marilyn once again for the wonderful work she does. I look forward to someday adopting from GAS again."

Zachary (LR's Platium): 1997-2007.  Precious forever friend to Doug and Elaine Michaud of Haverhill, Mass., Zach died of renal failure on 2/28/07.   Elaine writes, "Zach was a kind, gentle and sometimes mischievous hound who was quite famous in his little world and will long be remembered by all the neighborhood kids.  A retired racer and lifelong "sun puppy," Zach enjoyed a mid-life career change as a therapy dog. For several years, he magically brightened the days of folks confined to nursing homes. We can never forget the thrill of watching him put a smile on faces of elderly patients with little reason to smile. He will be sorely missed by them.  Our big blue was truly an angel dog. He earned his wings every day of his life. We are devastated and proud to have known and loved him."

Storm (My T Fast): 1998-2007.  It is with great sadness that the Eisenhauer family of Lexington, MA mourn the passing of their beloved Storm. The family writes, "When we adopted Storm he was the biggest, most timid one in the kennel. He was pronounced "Cat safe" and heimmediately made his peace with our old Siamese, She-Ra, and they became fast friends - though she was clearly in charge! He had no desire to chase rabbits, squirrels, birds or other cats and, I think he was such a loving soul that hejust believed that all animals should be his friends. He was a true "couch potato" but he was always the first to greet anyone coming into the house and he loved us all. Storm had a special love for Pat who was able to hold and comfort him as he lost his battle with cancer on February 3, 2007. We have so many good memories of him and he will remain in our hearts always.  Thank you for giving us the opportunity to have him with us!"

Timber: 1994-2006.  Timber, adored member of the Schildkraut family of Cerrillos, New Mexico, died from cancer on January 4, 2006.  Timber is the greyhound on the right in the Passages photo above.  He was adopted from GAS when he was 19 months old.  Loving remembrances of this sweet and gentle boy may be found at http://www.greycanine.com/greycanine/Timber.htm

To honor the wonderful greyhounds who have graced the lives of GAS adopters, this special page is now available to carry brief notes on the passing of GAS adoptees.  Listings will be posted on Passages for at least one month.  If your greyhound has passed on , you may send to Deborah your dog's name along with your family's name, your town and state and, if you wish, a brief memorial.  Email to Deborah at webmaster@greycanine.com.  Items are published in the order in which they are received.  No photos, please.