Lacy (JNB Dream Right): 1997-2011.  Bob, Laurie, Dennis, Alex, and Megan Kovak of Pennington, NJ, are suffering the loss of Lacy after the loss of her siblings Dash (JNB Dash of Gold): 1997-2009 and Dream (JNB Dream Team): 1997-2010.  It is with a triple broken heart that Bob writes,"All three came to us in 2000, Lacy and Dream through GAS in January and April, respectively and Dash we rescued independently from Colorado in August.  All three blessed us with utter joy and happiness to the end.  All three had there own special qualities: Lacy with her mane on her neck and perfect ears, Dream who wasn't the brightest pup in the room, and Dash who didn't let anything bother her.   It was Dash who left us first in December 2009 succumbing to bone cancer; and her best buddy Dream followed one month later, January 2010 to what we believe was a bladder cancer.  It was Lacy that stayed with us the longest, (August. 2011), almost 12 years, finally falling to cancer as well.  We know that all three have crossed the Rainbow Bridge and are finally reunited together in a far much better place.  We also know that they will be waiting for us when it is our time.We miss them all terribly. We love you Dash, Dream and Lacy."

Phoebe (R and A Blue): 2001-2011.  Doug and Elaine Michaud of Haverhill, Mass., are sad to report the death of their beloved Phoebe.  Elaine writes, "During recent months, we saw that she was losing weight and strength due to lack of nourishment. Of late, she managed but one small meal a day and this past week, was unable to keep even that down.  Her medicines no longer provided her relief and though she tried to carry on like the trooper she was, we could see just how tired she had become. She was losing her fight against renal failure. We and her doctor deemed it best to end whatever suffering she might have. She never once complained about anything but we could see the trembling in her legs and the fatigue in her big brown eyes. Dougie and I held her while Dr. Grossman did what had to be done. Our Phoebe was a gentle soul all of her life and died peacefully - just the way she lived - as Doug soothed her and I kissed her beautiful fuzzy face. Our "Phebes" was assured every day of her life, that she was, by far, the sweetest, the smartest and the most beautiful girl in the whole wide world. We know what we did had to be done for her sake, but it's going to hurt for a long, long time. We are in shreds!"

Daisy (Smoos Firefly): 2002-2011.  The Ghikas family of North Andover, MA is saddened by the death of their lovely Daisy.  Olivia writes, " My mom had been talking about greyhounds and how much she loved them. So my dad talked to me and my sister about getting one. On May 10th, 2004 for my mom’s birthday and Mother’s Day my dad told my mom we were going to get a greyhound. When we went to your shelter we needed a dog good for kids and cats. There was only two. One was Frank a five year old male. The other was Smoos Firefly who was a two year old female. When me and my family met Frank he kind of sniffed at us and didn’t seem like he liked me and my sister very much. When she let out Smoos she came running up to my mom and she was loving of adults and kids. The only problem was she wasn’t good with cats, and since my grandmother had a cat it was a little bit of a problem. In the end we got her and changed her name from Smoos to Daisy. Later, when after we got her we went to visit my Grandmother and Daisy ended up not being bad with cats, we later adopted a stray cat.  I remember the first time we got home and she looked into our glass door she barked at her reflection. Then she took my sisters pillow off her bed to claim as her own. It still lies on her bed with her blanket.  Now 7 years later Daisy has been diagnosed with Leukemia. The doctor said she would live between another 2 and 4 weeks. About 4 months later,4 times longer than expected, I got off the bus and my dad met me and my sister outside our house. He told us that Daisy was very sick and he called the doctor to come and put her down. At first I didn’t understand until my dad told me that she can barely walk. When I walked in I saw her on the couch and I could see that she was having trouble breathing. When the doctor finally came I realized that I would never be able to let her give me kisses or play fetch with her again and that’s when I started to cry. My mom was in San Antonio when this happened and it broke her heart not to be there for Daisy. When we were finally done I was glad that she was out of her misery but I almost couldn’t handle her being gone. I am awaiting my parents announcement of use getting another one.   Daisy passed away on March 11, 2011. She will always have a place in my heart."

Ibe Malvarosa O'Rourke: 2002-2011. The Malvarosa-O'Rourke family of Swamscott, MA are devastated by the loss of their beloved Ibe.  Julieann writes "We adopted Ibe at 8 wks old, one of a litter of 8 pups. Gorgeous, fawn, big brown eyes, spoiled King of the house. At about 3 yrs old, he survived and episode of bloat, resulting in surgery, 4 days in hospital. Big boy came home and recovered great. In 2006, he was diagnosed with diabetes. In and out of hospital several times. Insulin shots at 6am and 6pm. He actually trained us how to give him his shots and take his blood.  In the summer, he loved his pool and the ocean, which kept him cool (heat can cause a seizure). He loved to play, walk and slept on all beds, depending  on his mood. On my days off, he looked forward to riding in my truck with his older sis, Toni, Lab and KiKi, younger greyhound, from a different litter. Everyday walks consisted of poop bags, glucose gel tubes (in case of seizure) and cellphone. Last year, he suffered a toe amputation due to his diabetes but he knew Mama would take care of him, carrying all 85 lbs of him during   inclement weather, to keep his cast dry. He was worth it, never stopped kissing.  Kissed everyone he met, touched everyone's heart.  Neighbors came over, just to sit with Ibe during the days he did not feel too well. Luckily our neighbor, Jen, is a diabetes specialist, and Ibe loved her. Seizures eventually got out of control. Back in the hospital, was put on an anti-seizure drug. Was able to bring him home, after a few days, but our beautiful little Ibe's system could not take the strong drug. He suffered a stroke at home on Jan 12, 2011. Back to hospital - deep down I knew it was time by the look he gave me. I held him when the doctor came in, and that is when he was still able to give me that last kiss, during that last needle, on the night of the snowstorm. I will never forget that night. I have to tell myself, I did everything possible for him. Bought a new Honda Pilot because of size of hatch, comfy for him to put his head out window. Yes, I brought him with me to dealership to see if he liked it. Yes, the yard was built for his liking, with a special water fountain, just for him. Yes, the garage was heated and AC, for when he wanted his alone time. Yes, my schedule as a Police Officer revolved around his medical issues.  I could never work overtime or ever dared take a vacation.  I would not be able to enjoy myself, too worried. And yes, to prevent seizures, I would have held an umbrella over him during summer walks, like Michael Jackson, because he was our little celebrity. WE LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU, IBE.   MOM, EI, KIKI, TONI, JEN AND CATS  XOXOXOXOXOXOXO"

Pal: 1996 - 2011.  Wendy, Treigh & Bevan Worell of Gloucester, MA are saddened by the loss their beloved Pal.  Wendy writes,  "Pal came to us in 2002 from Marilyn's crew and has been the sweetest, gentlest, most playful, loyal dog ever.  My two kids grew up with Pal. He was so much a part of our lives in so many ways.  We are saddened beyond words that he is not here with us still and we will love and miss him forever."

Andrea Monahan:1996-2010.  Brian Monahan of Lowell, MA is saddened to report the passing from bone cancer of his beloved Andrea. Brian writes, "Andrea lived to be 14 years old and was my pride and joy for 12 unforgettable years. She adopted me when I went to Salisbury looking for a male Greyhound. As I knelt to pat a golden pup, Andrea came up to me and placed her head on my shoulder. Her beautiful brown eyes met mine and it was instant love. I scratched behind her ear and she turned her head, closed her eyes and smiled. I had to take her home. Andrea ran the house even when we adopted a mutt two years later. Together they were like sisters.  Andrea the princess and Sabrina (The mutt) the tomboy. Andrea loved to play 'Catch me.'  She would tease Sabrina and tire her out as they played in the fenced in backyard. When the bone cancer was diagnosed I cried and cried every day as she slowly lost the strength in her legs and became reliant upon us to carry her around. Andrea is in heaven today and probably running and teasing her sister all over again. Someday we will all be together again playing 'Catch me.'  Thank You for the joy and love that Andrea brought into our lives."

Beau (Pat C's Dare Win): 2005-2010. It is with the greatest regret and sadness that Jim and Marlene O'Halloran of Billerica, MA report the passing of their beloved Beau.  Jim writes, "He was named Pat C's Dare Win and called Darwin by Marilyn and friends. We knew him as Beau.  Only five years old, emphysema and lung cancer shortened his time with us. All of us who have had to make the final decision know how painful it is. Our vet said it was a release for him as he could no longer breath or sleep well. He brightened the life of this fellow retiree and he will be remembered as a good dog and a good friend."        

Sassy: 1998-2010.  The Cullen family of Lowell, MA is sad to report the death of their beloved Sassy.  Katelyn writes,  "It has been 8 months since the passing of our Sassy Girl, and it still hurts terribly to write about her. Sassy lost her challenging battle to bone cancer at 12 years old. She was taken into god's hands as she shared her doggy bed with me, on our vet's floor. We adopted Sassy from GAS at just 18 months old, with knowing she was an ex-racer and a very timid girl. Sassy was our first ever dog to become such a big part of our family. Sassy grew to understand, and became the most excited when hearing the words "walk, outside, and ride". She adored her long walks, shot up out of her bed when she heard "outside", and ran to the front door when she heard "ride". It made her day extra special just sitting in the back seat, sticking her head out the window, and drooling all over. When people came into our house they wouldn't even know we had a dog, because Sassy would just stay in her bed, and wait until they greeted her. She was a shy girl, but once she knew you she stole the show, and you couldn't resist falling in love with her. We now have Sassy's collar hanging up in our living room over where her bed was, and have all of our precious memories to remember our 10 1/2 years together. Thank you GAS for helping us give Sassy a loving, long-living life. We love and miss you tons Sassy Girl!"

Froggie (Fast Froggie): 1997-2010.  Deb, Vin and Christine Bosco of Methuen, MA are deeply saddened to report that Froggie passed away peacefully on June 2 from a heart attack at the end of her afternoon walk. Vin writes, "We are comforted in that she left us while enjoying one of her favorite pastimes.  Froggie came to us from GAS 9 years ago as a bounce from another home. I can't believe another family would have let her go.  She quickly became the "queen" of the family and enjoyed the run of the house with beds and resting spots on all three floors.  She was a perfect, gentle soul in our home and provided us with 9 years of uncompromising love, joy and loyalty. Froggie was perfect for us and was a well known celebrity in the neighborhood known for her frequent walks and stylish apparel.  We had a wonderful 9 years with Froggie and miss her presence, personality and love dearly. "

Lake (Aaron Stampler "Stampy"): 2001-2010.  The Crowe family of Danbury, CT is saddened by the death of their handsome boy, Lake.  Christina writes,  "Lake (Aaron Stampler "Stampy") was a noble, beautiful, faithful friend and loving member of our family.  He was my constant companion and protector.  He was my husband's playmate and fellow outdoorsman.  He was my daughter's best friend, and now he is her guardian angel.  All who met him, up to his final hours, would say how handsome and well-mannered he was.  When my daughter, who is 4 years old, was asked what kind of dog he was, she would say, 'Lake is a greathound.'  He certainly was.  We miss him and remember him every day."

Missy (Moonlight Missile): 1997-2010.  Susan and Kevin O'Hara of Boxford, Ma are saddened to report the death of their beloved Missy.  Susan writes, "Missy died peacefully  March 9th, 2010, a few short weeks from her 13th birthday, lying in the sun on her blanket, with the help of our wonderful vet Amy Richardson who helped Missy through her congestive heart failure.We first met Moonlight Missile when we were looking for a companion for our first Greyhound Iowa Birkie. We were then inexperienced Greyhound owners but when Missy came out of her cage all she wanted to do was snuggle against us and be petted. It was love at first sight for all of us. Even Birkie. We always said if Birkie and Missy were people, he would be a fine quiet gentleman dressed in a tuxedo and Missy would have on a red dress with high heels. She was very out going and loved everyone of all ages. We had a 3 year old neighbor girl who loved dogs and wanted one very badly. She would call us and ask if Missy could come over to her house to play. So Missy would go on her play dates with Caroline. Caroline eventually got her own dog when she was older, but I know that Missy will always be special to her.  She had a great life with us and outlived Birkie and also our next male Decker (Dealer at GAS). When Decker passed from liver cancer Missy seemed lost and depressed so we adopted Pound who became in time, a nice companion for her in her last years. We all miss Missy very much but know she led a full and happy life."

Cutie (Aerobic Judy): 1998-2009.  The Audette family of Ayer, MA are filled with sadness at the loss of their adored Cutie.  Becky writes, "We adopted Cutie before we had kids, in spring 2001.  She was so easy and gentle, she impacted the lives of everyone she came in contact with.  At almost 12 years old, she began to show her age and had 2 major injuries within a few months of each other.  In her last days with us we went camping, and took her with us, for the first time.  She had a ball.  Enjoyed laying on her bed next to the camp fire, and sat in the back of the car with the trunk open and enjoyed watching the kids play with their friends, and going for walks with them through the campground.  The day after the camping trip, she broke her jaw and would require a tremendous amount of repair and surgery, and be muzzled for over 2 months to recover, in pain. With all of us by her side we said our goodbyes and sent her over the bridge to be with our Angel Nephew on his 10th birthday.  She had a great life with
us and we were so honored to have such a gentle loving pet in our presence each and every day.  We have wonderful memories of her, stealing bread off the counter, table surfing under my son's chair at dinner, sneaking into their bedrooms during the day to lay in the sunny windows, escaping from the house to run through the yard to visit the neighbor's pug.   Cutie was 3 when we adopted her, and nearly 12 when we let her go.  It was a wonderful 8 1/2 years, and our house is not the same without her."

Calvin Bleu (Colleen My Buddy): 1998-2009.  It is with great sadness that the Mitchell family of Ipswich, MA announce the loss of their handsome boy, Calvin Bleu.  Catherine writes, "Silly and goofy in youth, sweet and docile in old age, Calvin was a gentle soul, ever respectful of the children and a consummate diplomat with all creatures great and small.
His happy & joyful presence will reside in our hearts, always."

Peanut (Badger Tracy): 2000-2009. Sophie Rapaport of Worcester, MA is sadden by the loss of her beautiful Peanut. Sophie writes, " My beloved Peanut died of acute leukemia this month. I had only 7 years of her company. She was the gentlest, sweetest dog imaginable and  the  best friend to my elderly Vizsla  and to my cat . Just recently her picture showing her sharing the bowl of water with the cat was published in the NEADY Cats shelter bulletin. She was somewhat of the escape artist in her youth, but in her her mature years she just loved going for the walks, being petted and sleeping on my bed. I miss her terribly."

Wonder: 2002 - 2009.   Wendy, Treigh, and Bevan Worell of Gloucester, MA were devastated by the loss of their beloved Wonder.  They write, "We lost Wonder today and we really miss her alot already.  Our hearts and home are very sad.  She had a very tough life for such a young dog, and cancer ravaged her body at only 7 years old.  We treasure  the love  my two boys and I gave her, and the love that she gave us in the short year and a half that we had her.   We love you Wonder.."

Mikey (Okie Michael): 1997 - 2009.  Elaine Barriss of Saugus, MA is filled with great sadness at the loss of her beloved Mikey.  "Mikey aka Mikey Moo, My Moo, my fourth greyhound and my heart, I helped him cross  over the bridge with his head in my lap, my heart broken as I said goodbye to this beautiful, gentle giant of a greyhound. He was regal and warm and trusting, my companion through two hip replacement surgeries and months of home confinement.  He started with a swollen left right paw which we hoped was an infection and treated with antibiotics, then a stronger one.  Unfortunately a needle biopsy revealed a malignant tumor, and he quickly went downhill from there until it was clear the  time  had come to say goodbye; I miss him terribly."

Stella: 1997-2009.  Stella "adopted us" in 1999. We had come to the rescue kennel to look at specific greyhound, but the handlers suggested we go for a walk with (what was her original name) Sneaky. Well, that was all it took and she decided we were the people for her.
Her name was changed to Stella, though Sneaky was a good middle name! She was a brindle ex-racer. We had read up on challenges to overcome: stairs, potty training, etc. and Stella learned quickly. She was deemed "cat friendly" and bonded extremely closely with our white cat, ZuZu. They became best friends, known to play and sleep together. It wouldn't be unusual to find them spooning on Stella's bed! In early July, 2009, Stella slipped on the kitchen floor and broke her back leg. Unfortunately, other complications set in along what the vets thought was Alabama Rot. After a week in intensive care, and a valiant effort on Stella's part, we had to make the difficult decision to end her suffering. My husband and I continue to mourn.
The house is too quiet and we all miss Our Girl. She was a loving dog...mischievious at times, but a cuddler and a real favorite in the neighborhood. One little girl would call out, "Tall dog!" when she saw Stella. Despite our heartache at losing such a wonderful dog, we are comforted by thinking of all the fun and goofy times we had together. She was a one-of-a-kind. Stella was 12 years old.  (Anonymous.)

Sierra (JNB’s Poinsettia): 1997-2009.  Charlotte Brahm of Melbourne Beach grieves the loss of her beloved Sierra who was euthanized on June 8, 2009.  Charlotte writes, "Sierra suffered a stroke during the night and although she could stand she couldn’t walk.  Sierra went peacefully with me at her side.  Putting Sierra down was the hardest thing I have ever done.  She was a warm, loving, perfect companion since I adopted her July 8, 2000.  Sierra died in Melbourne Beach, Florida, where she lived the past 2 years.  I didn’t drive north this summer since I recognized that she was aging and I thought the trip would have been too much for her.  Apparently I was right.  Thank you to GAS for the service you perform to help these kindly animals find homes.  It’s difficult work but you persist.  I wish you well."

Matty (Daring Grandlass): 1999 - 2009.  Carol Yurgalevitch and Ryan Moore of Roseville, CA (formerly of MA) had to say goodbye to their beautiful brindle girl, Matty, who was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in April.  Carol writes, "Matty never slowed down until the end, and that's how we knew it was time.  Ryan and I will forever miss her bunny soft fur, her happy Matty dance when the leashes would come out for walks and when she would meet her many fans on those walks, and her "all bark no bite" attitude around the other hounds.  We'll miss her determined whining each morning to wake us up and force us to face each day with the energy she faced each of her days.  We'll miss her love of life and play and of us. I thought I'd have so many years with her, we ended up with less than 7, and I miss her every day."

Maggie Mac: 1997-2009.   Gina Rogers of Vernon, CT mourns the loss of her beautiful Maggie who died on April 8. Gina writes, "Maggie loved to run, even running in her sleep, and anything furry was fair game, even that last day she ran in the morning, we think that was the final straw, her back simply couldn't withstand it and broke. We never realized how much our lives revolved around her till she was no longer here, even her cat sisters look around for her. She was a beautiful and gentle soul who is greatly missed. Our begining was a bumpy one, it took her a couple of years to train her human, but she truely was a life saver, a friend and a comfort. She gained attention wherever we went with her beautiful fawn brindle coat, curiousity and gentle nature. Small dogs especially liked her. People always stopped to ask about her history and how they could rescue one as well. Rest peacefully Maggie Bones, you'll always be a piece of our hearts."

Ernie (Twilight Omar): 1998-2009.   It is with a heavy heart that Judi and Bob Rocheleau of Bradford, MA grieve the loss of their beloved Ernie.  Judi writes, "For the 10 years we had him,  he was, without a doubt, the most loving and gentle dog we have known.  He was the greatest ambassador for greyhounds always friendly and gentle with everyone.  Wherever he went, he represented the breed well and with class.  Every walk we went on with him, he always carried a stick/plastic bottles/log/branches dragging on the ground to our home.  He was quite well known in the Salem Street area of Bradford.  He adored our grandchildren and loved eating cheese puffs with them.   He loved to smell the flowers and always threw a body block into you so you could pat him. He had a regenerative spine issue and arthritis mostly in his hind quarter - he had gotten to the point that his back legs were quite weak and he was on daily medication for the arthritis.  He ended up getting a neurological disorder that would take several weeks in the hospital to possibly get over.  So knowing that - we decided that it was better for him to end it.   He went peacefully with Bob and I patting him and  telling him want a wonderful boy he was.   Rosie (Reiki) our other greyhound misses him - still searching for him, but seems so be getting better.  Ernie will always be forever in our hearts."