Tom Has Crossed The Finish Line

Tom (Racing Name:  Documentation)

July 30, 1999 - February 16, 2014

If you attended GPA adoption events in the Willamette Valley and the Eugene Greyhound picnic from 2004-2012, there’s a good chance you’ve met Tom, who passed away the evening of February 16^th at age 14 ½.

From 2004-2012, Tom was a working pooch…my GPA adoption partner…my “wingman,” as some referred to him. Tom knew how to work a room, winning over anyone who took the time to say hello to him. He was all business…dignified, intelligent, personable and affectionate. Tom was responsible for many Greyhound placements during his time as a GPA “ambassadog.”

Tom had no Greyhound “quirks” or weirdness. He lived his long life free from any major medical issues and was mentally sharp to the very end. He still insisted on going for two walks a day, even though those walks were nothing more than a couple of blocks up and down the street.

Despite the presence of my other Greyhound, Keith, and the fact that Tom was largely bedbound his last couple of months, the house seems eerily empty without Tom.  Tom had a real positive energy about him, despite his geriatric limitations, and that energy is what is now missing from my house/life.

This short note from GPA placement representative Judy Shirek in Salem summed up Tom’s life succinctly:

“Tom was a wonderful boy! He not only gave you great joy but he was a terrific ambassador for the breed. I know he inspired many people to adopt a greyhound just by meeting him.”

Tom made the journey peacefully and with dignity. 

                                          A perfect dog.


Barry Bottger

　
　

*** CANCELLED *** Eugene and Corvallis Adoption Events

The Greyhound adoption events scheduled for Saturday, February 8th have been cancelled due to the weather.  Watch this space for re-scheduled events.

A "Tom" Update

I meant to include this post as part of the February WVGL newsletter but, for some reason, decided not to.  Now that the newsletter has been published, I, of course, reconsidered.

Soooo....

Tom, age 14 1/2

I get asked quite often, usually with looks of apprehension/trepidation, about the condition of Tom, who celebrated his 14 1/2 year "birthday" on January 30th.

Tom is doing as well as can be expected for his age.  He still has a good appetite and a sparkle in his eyes, but is moving very slowly.  It is becoming difficult for him to lay down and stand up, but he is managing to do so on his own.  He needs no assistance with his bodily functions.  He insists on going for 2 or 3 daily walks, which consist of walking around the cul-de-sac.  He can no longer travel.  He's quite thin, probably weighing in at 58 or so, down from his racing weight of 72.

We take it day-by-day, which most of you can understand....you've been there.

Barry