Gus, aka Gus Grisum
August 7, 1997 - May 31, 2009

Gus Grisum was born on August 7^th, 1997.  My wife rescued Gus in 2001 and took care of him until his passing on May 31^st, 2009.

My first memories are of him in my wife’s small apartment before we were married – he once got into some red food coloring and it looked like a scene from CSI.  I remember the “happy tail” events – Gus was very happy to meet you at the door and brighten your day. My wife and Gus eventually moved in to my home where I had a nicely manicured lawn that quickly turned into a greyhound race-track. Gus also found ways out of the yard as he was determined to mark his territory in other neighborhoods. I remember him bringing us his dinner in our living room while he ate. I remember the velvety ears that he loved to have rubbed. No other dog loved being tucked in more than Gus. He would also position his body to maximize sun exposure.

We rescued another grey – enter Pat C Betsy (aka Patti). Gus and Patti turned into the best of friends.  She followed him around like any little sister would a big brother.  Patti would try to get Gusman to run and play with her in the yard, but he never really wanted to and let her know that – but she still persisted. The best memories of Patti and Gusman together are of their howling sessions. You never heard a peep out of Gus until Patti got him to howl – to this day when Patti howls I can still hear Gusman in background.

As time went on Gus had a harder time and it seemed he had a lost a step. We knew he was getting older and we feared we were getting close to the time where we would have to say goodbye.  We moved to a bigger house in March 2009 and the new place rejuvenated him. It took him a few weeks to figure out which turns to take, but Gus’ love of lying in the sun meant that the sun porch was “his room”.  He would run to the porch when he realized that the door was open. The memory of the joy in is trot still brings a big smile to my face.  He also had to sprint up his hill while walking around the yard.

My most vivid memory of Gusman is not one but all of my memories of his graceful gait. I cannot say I have seen a more regal or graceful dog in my life. He had something about him that exuded a kingly stature - for this I had absolute respect for him.

We will miss him for the rest of our lives and we promise to hold onto the memories that we shared with one very regal, graceful, and retired greyhound – our irreplaceable Gus “Gusman” Grisum…we love you Gus!

Ajax, aka Rancho Picopop
November 16, 1995 - August 23, 2009


Ajax, formerly known as 'Rancho Picopop", has died just short of age 14 - he died on Sunday August 23, 2009 at 5:30 in the morning. He was born in November of 1995, and adopted in June of 1998. When I went to the kennel to adopt him, the ever wonderful Paul was dealing with an outbreak of dogs with kennel sickness, and Ajax was the only dog cleared for adoption - he came racing out of Paul's kennel, a giant vital red dog compared to the 3 lovely fey girls I had adopted previously, and ran right up and nuzzled me, jumping off the ground a foot into the air with excitement. It was instant love and affection between us, although we did discuss who was REALLY the Alpha dog from that moment on - but he was always a gentleman and elegant in his attitude. He was a wonderful pet living with me for almost 11 years, the fourth in a line of Greyhounds that stretches back for 25 years in my same little house. Always very strong, with age his sight had dimmed, his step had slowed, and his hearing had diminished, but his capacity for love and affection had only grown through the years. The burden of daily life had grown too heavy for him, and he died very quietly, paw in my hand, just slipping away as dawn was breaking. He had numerous friends and was a constant presence on my street - everyone who met him loved him, even non-dog people - he had numerous dog friends as well. He was a tremendous public ambassador for Greyhound rescue, and was responsible for 3 adoptions (that I know of - perhaps more) from WAG. He was active in the Winsted CT pet parade until last year, often marching alongside other adopted Greyhounds and at least one Italian Greyhound and a Whippet. He was a friend to the now departed Noel the Cat, who died in March of this year at the age of 24 - Noel had been witness to, and friend of, all 4 of my Greyhounds, and each of them treated him with respect, and at times, grudging affection. He will be missed, but I know he is romping at the bridge with the girls and Noel (who left early to introduce them all to each other I think). A great dog, with a fantastic attitude who was always there for me - I am happy that I was able to be there for him too - being unemployed since mid March, I was able to provide almost everything he needed in his final months, when he needed companionship and help the most. He was a wonderful dog, a friend and boon companion till the end.

David Hoover - proud owner and friend to Susan, Zelda, Blanche, and Ajax the Greyhounds, friends in life, and always with me in my heart, until we all meet again.
 

Jesse, aka "Txs Bodiddley"
April 16, 1997 - September 3, 2009

He was a good friend and faithful companion. He especially loved his puppy (as shown) which he loved to use as a pillow and toss in the air when he was feeling playful. Jesse was very calm and placid except during thunder storms when he would shake and quiver and his nose would dribble all round the house. There are a few places where the metal baseboard heating has nearly rusted through! Jesse enjoyed traveling in the car and would love to go hiking. He once climbed up a high ridge with me where there was a lovely view at the top. He couldn't believe his eyes that the world came with a view and was quite startled when he looked at the valley with houses below him. Jesse was wonderful with Ian, our baby boy and was gentle and tolerant and seemed to know that Ian was a "puppy".
 

Rico, aka "Willywonka"
June 6, 2001 - May 22, 2010

Our beloved greyhound, Rico (a.k.a. WillyWonka, born 06/06/01), passed over the Rainbow Bridge on 05/22/10, where he joined our first greyhound, Mac (a.k.a. S.R. Nekko 03/09/98-08/06/04). Rico (white greyhound at top of picture) is greatly missed and will forever be remembered as the great lover of people. Rico was always looking for a pet or hug from anyone. He loved playing with his toys and playing with his "brother", Riley (a.k.a. Fanatic Error, born 04/25/02), the brindled greyhound at the bottom of the picture. Riley is lost without his favorite buddy and playmate. Rico loved to chase Riley in the backyard, loved to go for walks and didn't even mind rides in the car.

Rico was a very shy little dog when we adopted him and Riley in December of 2004. It truly did not take long for him to come into his own. He was so lovable and playful. He hated thunderstorms, but
we always made a comfortable spot for him in the bathroom where he hid during thunderstorms. Rico was always as close to Riley as he could be...many times basically sleeping on top of each other. Rico was an amazingly strong greyhound, bravely dealing with the loss of part of his foot due to a cancer cyst in January of 2007. Later, though, the cancer was back and ultimately took over his life. Through it all, he was still the happiest greyhound and pet!

He, happily, is no longer suffering...playing with all the other pets over Rainbow Bridge.

My husband and I, along with Riley, miss him dearly, but know that one day we will all be together again. We love you, Rico!