Sunday, December 1

STELLA!!!

STELLA!!! as yelled by Stanley. Kowalski that is. We let Stella go this past weekend. I sure miss that girl. 
She was not only in pain, but she lost control of both back legs. She couldn’t go potty by herself, and she refused to go with our help. She was too dignified for that.
She licked the tears off my face as we waited in the car at the vet, waiting for them to get prepared. I’d like to think she was telling me that it was ok, and that she understood. I held her head and looked into her eyes as the vet let her go. I wanted to be the last thing she saw as she went to the Bridge. For her to know I was doing this out of Love.
Our present Mini-Me mantle is down to 4 pups (Parker, Stanley, Jenny, Kelli), and our past Mini-Me shelf is at 4 pups (Stella, Jaime, Beth, Lucas). 
Can a house feel empty with 4 dogs? It sure can. Stella was such a big presence in our house.
She was our first greyhound, and my Heart Dog. She was a Daddy’s Girl. The end of an era for us. I did not grow up with any pets. But Stella started a trend. Even Kris only grew up with one dog at a time. Now, our house is more like a greyhound way-station. 
She was so much darker when she first came up. She quickly greyed, and took on a mature look.
One of the first pics I have of Stella and Parker. He quickly learned he could not out run the Stella.
When she first came, she wasn’t a touchy-feely dog at all. Jaime finally wore her down.
She was always excited to go for a ride. To fun places, like the Easter parade.
Or Halloween.
Or the Christmas parade.
She also turned out to be a gracious host. Willing to throw grand parties.
Stella could also Roo with the best of ‘em.
Greyhounds can sit. Even in snow.
I won't miss the chemo treatments. Or having to carry her out to the yard, so she could take care of business. Or trying to get her to eat after any medication. But I would do it everyday, if it meant she could be with us for another day. 
She was the Fun Police, a chatterer, a roo'er, and a roacher. She didn’t let a missing leg stop her from roaching.
Stella has been in the CG calendar every year since she's been with us. I think it was her personality shining through that got her in every time.
She will have many friends greeting her at the Bridge. She can again share a bed with Dante.
Or the couch with her brother, Lucas.
Or snuggle up with Jaime.
Or Stella can chase Jaime chasing Lucas again.

Run free Stella. You have all your legs back.

32 comments:

  1. We are so sorry for your loss, and are sending our thoughts and prayers. Thank you so much for sharing Stella and your memories of her with us.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Crying my eyes out. I'm so sorry. This is one of the most beautiful tributes I've ever read and such sweet and precious pictures. There are no words. Just want to extend my sympathy to you and Kris and all who loved Stella. What a gal!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I am so sorry. I am in tears. Your tribute was BEAUTIFUL! Run-free Stella!!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Even when it's the right time for them, it's never the right time for us. I'm so sorry. I hear that Rainbow Qantas flies direct from VA to Qld. Have her look up Tamale. She's crude, but that's my Aussie girl. Stella can play "Finishing School" with her.

    I'm sorry.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Wow. There could be nothing to add. Lucky Stella. Lucky you. My heart goes out to you all.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Run free beautiful Stella. I know my Song will be playing with her and she'll be well taken care of until you go and fetch her.

    Sending hugs.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I am at a loss for words here...even if I had any I know they would not take the pain and hurt away of loosing Stella.
    Stella was incredibly gorgeous and such a strong girl in more ways than one. Thank you for sharing her and her journey with us all. Please know that we are thinking of you all during this time and we send you all our love and thoughts.
    What beautiful fotos of Stella!

    Puddles

    ReplyDelete
  8. Reading about them on the blog you feel like you knew them personally. I am typing this through tears. Maybe partly because I know how it feels to be the last thing your heart dog sees before she leaves you. We will miss Stella's presence on the blog and we're so sorry that she's gone.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I'm so terribly sorry for your loss. I've loved reading your blog and hearing about your greyhounds and their personalities. I'll miss hearing about Stella.

    ReplyDelete
  10. There are no words to tell you how sorry I am. Stella was a lucky girl indeed to be loved so deeply.
    Your photos of her are beautiful, thank you for sharing her journey with us all.
    We will miss you darling Stella.
    Lynne and the Chewies xxx

    ReplyDelete
  11. So sorry you lost her, but you did do the right thing. We're thinking of you!

    ReplyDelete
  12. So sorry for your loss. It is never easy letting go. She will always be in your heart.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Such a beautiful spirit. She touched many that's for sure.

    ReplyDelete
  14. So very sorry for your loss. Buck is gonna miss Miss Stella, he would always let me know that she was his favorite. Hugs to you, Kris, Parker, Jenni, Stanley and Kelli.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Can't stop crying. What a good life Stella had with you, Kris, all the pups and kitties.It was love at it's purest. So sorry for your loss....

    ReplyDelete
  16. i am so sorry for your loss. that is going to be a big, big hole that needs filling.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I am so sorry for the loss of your heart girl. This was a beautiful tribute and she will be missed by so many. It's always nice to think about all of the connections we've each made throughout life that can be linked back to a single greyhound that changed everything!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Beautiful tribute to Stella and great photos. When animals die, what is helpful? Just to remember that you did your best and it shows in all the posts and photos on this blog. They touch our lives, open us up, teach us how to love. As hard as it is, we'd do it all over again. I think of our hounds as spirits of our world, coming and going as we need them. So sorry.

    ReplyDelete
  19. We are so very sorry to hear about dear Miss Stella. We send you our best purrs and all of love.

    ReplyDelete
  20. We came over from Dip Dip and The Bridge to offer our heartfelt condolences for your loss! Sending purrs to you xox

    ReplyDelete
  21. Heard about your dear Stella at Dip Dip and the Bridge. What a beautiful tribute, we can tell how much she was loved. We are so sorry for the loss of this special girl.
    The Idaho PugRanch kids
    Mr Bailey, Hazel & Greta

    ReplyDelete
  22. I'm a mess. Stella was larger than life, even in pictures and words, and there are a lot of people who will really miss her. I am so sorry for your loss. I know that seems like small words, but I am. Please know that we are thinking about you guys!

    ReplyDelete
  23. So sorry that sweet Stella had to leave for the Bridge. Thinking of you...

    Pat
    Critter Alley

    ReplyDelete
  24. A wonderful tribute for such a special girl. Written with so much love. I really wish I could meet all the Greyhounds I read about and feel like I know. And their owners of course! Stella really was a star, I'm sure she's shining brightly now where ever she is.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Stella sounds like a very special dog with an amazing spirit. I am so sorry for your loss. Run free, Stella ...

    ReplyDelete
  26. I am so, so sorry for your loss...a grand lady for sure.

    ReplyDelete
  27. So sorry to hear about Stella. Take comfort in knowing no one could have given her a better life. Dec xx

    ReplyDelete
  28. I'm so sorry for your loss. Stella was a great girl and so very special. She touched the lives of everyone who had the pleasure of meeting her, even those of us who only knew her here. Such a beautiful and loving tribute to your sweet fur baby. Hugs to all of you.

    ReplyDelete
  29. I am so very very sorry to read of Stellas passing. As I write tears full down my face knowing how you feel the utter sadness that fills every part of you and leavs such a void. Stell was a gorgeous girl and obviously had a wonderful life with you, I'm sure she knew just how much she was loved. When you have many dogs and one leaves people are surprised when we say how empty it feels but until you've shared your life and heart with a greyhound you can't possbly know how empty it feels without them. Sending you all my love as would your darling Stella if she could xxxx

    ReplyDelete
  30. Awwww .... heartfelt condolences. Beautiful tribute to a beautiful girl. (((hugs))) Letting go is so hard, at best. Much love.

    ReplyDelete
  31. I know it's been awhile, but I'm so sorry you lost Stella. She was sweet and I always enjoyed seeing and reading about her.

    ReplyDelete