~ Long May You Run ~
A Tribute to our Greyhounds
For the special place they have made in our hearts
"What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose. All that we loved deeply becomes part of us.
~ Helen Keller
"It is not just that animals make the world more scenic or picturesque. The lives of animals are woven into our very being - closer than our own breathing - and our soul will suffer when they are gone."
~Gary Kowalski, Author of The Souls of Animals
~Gary Kowalski, Author of The Souls of Animals
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... Author unknown
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... Author unknown
THE NIKKI FUND
This fund was started by MGAP member Debra King
and is for injured or sick greyhounds we bring up, or for greys that are returned and need medical attention.
Nikki was the first MGAP Grey & we owe her so much as she helped so many greyhounds...how one life can change so many...
CONTRIBUTORS
(you send your donation to MGAP c/o the Nikki fund)
Angela & Darren Jardine
Pat & Frank Good
Christina & Dany Tardif
Neil Squire Society Fredericton staff
Angela Davis
Debra King
Cherri Belyea (In memory of Chance Belyea)
Kelly and Lloyd Bliss (In memory of Ralph Carter)
Pat Good (In Memory of Jada Levasseur)
Amy & Mark Dobson
John & Paulette Bendell (In memory of Peter and Maggie Bendell)
Sara Cockburn (In memory of Itssy Ward)
This fund was started by MGAP member Debra King
and is for injured or sick greyhounds we bring up, or for greys that are returned and need medical attention.
Nikki was the first MGAP Grey & we owe her so much as she helped so many greyhounds...how one life can change so many...
CONTRIBUTORS
(you send your donation to MGAP c/o the Nikki fund)
Angela & Darren Jardine
Pat & Frank Good
Christina & Dany Tardif
Neil Squire Society Fredericton staff
Angela Davis
Debra King
Cherri Belyea (In memory of Chance Belyea)
Kelly and Lloyd Bliss (In memory of Ralph Carter)
Pat Good (In Memory of Jada Levasseur)
Amy & Mark Dobson
John & Paulette Bendell (In memory of Peter and Maggie Bendell)
Sara Cockburn (In memory of Itssy Ward)
Peter (MPS Peter) A donation to MGAP was made in Peter's name
May 25, 2001 – August 14, 2008
Our beloved Peter passed away after a battle with an undetermined illness affecting his breathing. A veteran of 100 races over 3 seasons, he won, placed or showed in 33 of them. Peter was a wonderful, kind and loving companion who is sorely missed by his adoptive parents. His quiet, gentle manner and good looks made him everyone’s friend. He got hugs and kisses from friends and strangers alike.
You are forever in our hearts. Good boy Peter.
John and Paulette Bendell
You are forever in our hearts. Good boy Peter.
John and Paulette Bendell
Chance (Adios) A donation to MGAP was made in Chance's name
May 10 2000- May 30 2008
Chance was adopted into our fur family and became a Canadian citizen on July 1 2004. Seeing him for the first time, he didn't have all those pretty markings that some greys have but it didn't take long for him to become "Our Handsome Boy". We argued all the way home on his name, my husband saying that we'd have one before we hit our driveway. "Chance" seemed to appropriate, as in "second Chance". He was perfect. So laid back and worrying about nothing except when he'd get his next walk. He was retired now and enjoying it to the max. We adopted another grey less than a year later as he was such an easy dog. His time with us was to be short lived. In May 2008 just after turning 8, he started to get ill and within 10 days was gone. We only had his company just short of 4 years. He was a trooper till the end. Cancer was his enemy but we never guessed that anything was wrong until those last days. He gave us the best 4 years he could. He was a grey't MGAP ambassador, attending Meet and Greets and going to many in home visits to interview for prospective grey homes. We miss him grey'tly everyday. Our Handsome Boy...forever in our hearts.
Cherri and Barry Belyea
Cherri and Barry Belyea
Blue Berry (Blue, Berry, Booboo, Boo, Booie) A donation to MGAP was made in Blueberry's name
July 24, 1999 – January 16, 2009
berry came to MGAP in July of 2004 with a broken toe and unsure of everything. She raced until she was 5 years old, many at the Grade A Level. We called her our little wild beast when she arrived but she quickly settled in and adjusted into the retired life. She was very smart and learned quickly and was a delight to train. She loved to cuddle and would lay her head in your lap to get a good, long neck scratch. She was like a puppy and very playful right up until the end. She participated in many MGAP events over the years such as parades, meets and fundraisers. She was very beautiful and such a sweet ambassador for our cause. She was struck down by the horrible and dreaded bone cancer. She will be dearly missed by all of us. There is a vacant place she left in our hearts that can never be filled but we will cherish her memories forever.
Run free Booboo – you were a special girl and were loved very much!
Deb, Charles, Justin & Tera Levasseur
Run free Booboo – you were a special girl and were loved very much!
Deb, Charles, Justin & Tera Levasseur
Joe (Aljo Battleaxe)
February 11, 2001- May 26, 2009
Our dear sweet Joe came into our lives in May of 2003 a frightened but gentle spirit. We had to earn his love and trust but through that we learned the true meaning of unconditional love. We loved him truly and deeply for the 6 years he was with us; he was our wild child. He welcomed his new human sister into our home 2 years ago and protected her like she belonged to him; such a sweet, loving boy. He went to Rainbow Bridge on May 26th, 2009, a victim of cancer, and left us all (human and fur family) with a deep hole in our hearts. We love you Joe for everything you taught us and for all the love you shared with us over your too short life. You were a true blessing and we'll never forget you. Denise, Peter, Keely and Kaz
Ramses (Zumwhat)
July 22, 1999-June 3, 2009
My Ramses came to me on June 18, 2006 as an emergency foster. He had many issues which with a little bit of pushing and shoving we managed to work out together. In September of the same year I determined he was not going any were and was staying right by my side. Ramses was not a very good racer; at 23 races he was retired. He much preferred a nice lazy day in the sun lavishing as much attention as he could possibly get. He loved long walks in the park, chasing other greys, and diving head first into the water on a warm summer's day. He was a very large participant in mgap events, doing parades, interviews, meet and greets and fundraisers, happily pulling many hrs to help the cause. He was taken away from me on June 3 2009 due to health issues. He made every day I had with him very special, the time may have been short lived but I feel blessed to have had the time. He is very sorely missed, and will never be forgotten. Run free and strong daddies boy….. Ashley Firlotte
Nikki (Victory Now) A donation to MGAP was made in Nikki's name
May 1 1999 - January 11 2010
We lost our precious Nikki to bone cancer. Nikki was our first Greyhound as many of you know and without Nikki there wouldn't be an MGAP - so I think we all owed a lot to her. She did all the meets and the interviews in the beginning. Our children were only 5 and nearly 7 years old when we adopted Nikki so they have had her most of their lives. She taught me a lot about fear issues and how to build trust - lessons I will never forget - thank you Nikki for everything!! Run pain free with Booboo and Tasha - Blue will look after you…..till me meet again. ...
Deb, Charles, Justin & Tera Levasseur
Deb, Charles, Justin & Tera Levasseur
Maggie (BetchaByGollyWow) A donation to MGAP was made in Maggies's name
November 9, 2002 - January 20, 2010
Our little Princess, our precious girl Maggie, has gone to join her pal Peter. She passed away suddenly at home of an apparent heart attack – just fell to the floor and was gone in seconds. We are grateful that she didn’t suffer. She was a quiet, gentle little girl with a delicate yet regal bearing - loving at times and aloof at others with a streak of independence. She could look at you with her big brown eyes and melt your heart so that you could forgive her for anything. She was a great hunter – always on the lookout for a squirrel or chipmunk – and a dedicated digger. She loved to excavate a nest in the cool soil to escape the summer’s heat. Everybody loved her but none as much as her adoptive parents.
We miss you little girl. John and Paulette Bendell
We miss you little girl. John and Paulette Bendell
Asher (Asheroo - Race Name -kelsos Bitter) A donation to MGAP was made in Asher's name
Mar. 22, 2001 - Feb. 02, 2010
Our big dog Asher had to leave us, he was diagnosed with bone cancer in January. Our house is not the same without him in it. We love Asher so much and will miss all the sweet things he did. One of the funniest was when he would lay on his bed across the room from us, stare at us and then snap at the air and kick his legs in a playful way as if to say "if I wasn't so comfortable I'd come over there and play with you". Asher was our only "baby" until our daughter arrived three years ago. After some adjustment Asher and Amelia became best friends. She was so proud of her big dog "Asheroo". He especially loved to dance in the living room with us, play hide and seek and crawl into her Dora tent. We will never stop loving you and will never forget you Asher. Run like the wind big dog!
Christina, Dany & Amelia Tardif
Christina, Dany & Amelia Tardif
Colby (COLD B Hi Ground)
April 1 2004 - May 26 2010
Colby was our first greyhound and he stole our hearts from the very first day we brought him home. We affectionately referred to him as our big goofball. He was so loving and smart, he was the first to greet everyone at the door. We tragically lost him to a brief illness after only two years of retirement. We know you are running free and loving every minute of it.Our entire family is better for having had such a great dog. We miss you and love you Colby-dog.
Kim, Brent, Zach & Zoe
Kim, Brent, Zach & Zoe
Colby (Racing Name: Confidence) A donation to MGAP was made in Colby's name
August 30, 2003 - June 16, 2010
It's safe to say that Colby chose us. In October of 2006, he was an on the spot adoption on Load Day. We had no intent to add a 4th hound, but Colby stuck close to Neal that day, & made it clear that his mind had been made up. We were the family for him. From that point on, he was the glue that kept our pack together. Colby was always happy. Our playful love-bug. His tail constantly wagged. Mornings were his thing, & he felt that it was a mortal sin to sleep in 2 minutes passed dawn. The official greyhound alarm clock of the family. We would always wake up to him chasing a ball or playing with a squeaky. No speck of the day was wasted by him. I truly believe that he loved life & being part of our pack. Whether its a memory of him tunneling through the snow in the backyard, playing fetch, chastising us for getting up late, or snuggling on the couch, we will always remember our "Colblerone" with a smile on our faces :) Colby is loved & missed by Erin, Neal, & hounds Sophie, Cruce, & Tutu.
Taj (Racing name Ifield)
July 25 2006-May 10 2010
On September 5th, 2009 will be a day I remember always - that's when I met Taj for the very first time. I remember being very nervous, it was my first greyhound, my first adult dog adoption, and I wasn't sure what would happen; but was prepared for anything. Little did I know as soon as I was handed his leash it was love at first sight, I was no longer nervous and I knew he was the furry friend for me. Taj was a mellow fellow, very quiet, laid back and loved his naps. I remember his first snow fall here - he did a "snow dance" all over the place. I thought he would hate the snow but NO, he loved it, that's probably the one thing we didn't share! Taj left me somewhat suddenly from liver failure in May 2010. Although his retirement was short, I know he enjoyed it and I wouldn't give back a minute of the time I had with him. You were the best dog, companion and company Taj, momma misses you everyday. Jill Melvin
Ben (Racing name: Mesca Flashback)A donation to MGAP was made in Ben's name.
January 13 2001 August 13 2010
Ben came up from the States in 2004 at 3 year old - and for Charles and Ben - it was love at first sight on the drive up. His call name at the track was "Woody" but when we decided he had found his forever home with our family, we just thought the name didn't quite suit him. He was named after Deb's Dad (Ralph Benjamin, who also passed in this year). Everyone who met Ben loved him, he was just that sort of a guy. He was a wise and gentle soul who will be dearly and forever missed. He bravely battled a serious illness for a few months. He went from 93lbs in February to 73 lbs in August. But will always be remembered as the strong gentle giant that he was. "But shall the angels call for him, Much sooner than we've planned, We'll brave the bitter grief that comes, And try to understand." The Levasseurs - Deb, Charles, Justin & Tera
Blitzen (AKA Shannon Art) A donation to MGAP was made in Blitzen's name.
1998-2010
Blitzen joined our family in 2002 and he had a way of making us laugh everyday! He LOVED everyone and even won over many people who didn't like dogs. He was so easy going and so gentle and such a great "brother" to Jewel who came to us in 2003. He was a great ambassador for MGAP by his participation in Meet and Greets, fundraisers ,picnics, TV, In home interviews and more… He loved his walks, carrying around his toys and chewing on tartar busters. He had such an expressive face, you knew what he was thinking. Blitzen died suddenly on Wednesday evening, September 8th at 8:15pm of heart failure. He was 11 years old. The name Blitzen means "lightning " in German! GO FOR THE GOLD Blitzen …Run like lightning and be at Peace! You will live forever in our hearts! With Love and Gratitude for ALL you gave us, Jim & Judy Lounder, and Jewel
Hobbes (Sheroot)
Nov. 30 2004 - Nov. 13 2010
Hobbes was introduced to our family in October 2007. He became apart of our family instantly with his big brown eyes and the wonderful hugs he gave. He was such a leaner! Hobbes love to go for long walks even though he was pretty tired at the end of them! With his striking features and Mohawk on the back of his neck, he once had a little boy call him a werewolf! We couldn't of asked for a more well mannered boy around our new baby girl Isabelle. They got along like two pees in a pod. Hobbes gave Isabelle a wet nose kiss every morning while she was sitting in her highchair. Hobbes became ill with a rare form of skin cancer in September 2010. Unfortunately for him and for us, there was no treatment or surgery that was going to help him. He passed on November 13, 2010. Although his time with us was very short lived, it was amazing and he taught us so much about him, and his breed. He helped me conduct in-home interviews, participated in Meet & Greets, and the Santa Claus Parades. Hobbes, I know we are far apart, but you will always be in our hearts. We love you always and forever, Rest in peace buddy. Danielle, Dave, & Isabelle Wells.
Greyce (Imagretl)
September 28, 2002 - November 17, 2010
October 15, 2006 was one of the most exciting days I can remember, that's the day I met my sweet girl Greyce. I went to Moncton not knowing what to expect and when I saw her it was love at first sight. She was the most beautiful dark brindle girl and her fur was so soft, just like a cozy sweater. She was so good right from the first night. So gentle and loved to be petted. She quickly adapted to her retirement after her 54 race career ended. Greyce loved to go with me on many of our in home interviews all over PEI and we hardly ever missed a chance to be at a Meet and Greet. She really knew how to work a crowd and everyone fell in love with her. She was a grey't MGAP ambassador. In August of this year she was diagnosed with kidney disease, after many trips to the vet and a lot of medication she finally gave up her fight. She will be sorely missed by her adoptive family and especially her grey't brother "Will". You will be forever in our hearts and thoughts, Greyce Girl. "Run Free Momma's Beautiful Girl!" Nancy, Arthur and "Will" Flynn
Jada (BB's Rumba)A donation to MGAP was made in Jada's name
January 2, 2000 - December 21 2010
Jada was the most loving and best dog anyone could ever ask for….We had Jada in our lives for close to 9 years and life will not be the same without her…..She was so smart and fun to work with! I trained her through level 3 obedience and she helped me pass my dog training certification. Jades was our official door greeter as she loved everyone who came here for their training, or to pick up dogs etc...she would lap up the attention from all- both human and canine!
A very gentle and loving little girl who will be forever missed
The Levasseurs - Deb, Charles, Justin & Tera
A very gentle and loving little girl who will be forever missed
The Levasseurs - Deb, Charles, Justin & Tera
Rhazz (Valid Slamo)
August 13 2000 – August 29 2011
Rhazz’s 11th birthday @ the MGAP Picnic
There is so much that we can say about the memories that our sweet boy, Rhazz, gave us we could go on and on for page after page. Rhazz picked us for his forever home on one sunny Saturday morning in May of 2009. He quickly nuzzled his way into our hearts. We believe that Rhazz had a “paw” in changing people’s lives. Rhazz loved to do Meet & Greats and fundraisers. His gentle, sweet nature made people fall in love with him. After each meet and great we would tell him how many Greys he saved that day. Rhazz loved his walks and drives in the car. No matter what the weather; sunny, rainy or even a blinding snowstorm when 7:30 came around he would be standing, dancing by the back door giving us a little bark saying “ come on, come on its 7:30 time for your walk mama & papa”. Just the mention of the word car and he would get so excited. Dancing, hopping and barking. Rhazz never asked for very much but gave us so much, even in his last moments all he wanted from us was one more rub on his belly and a scratch under his chin. Rhazz is gone now but has a very special place in our hearts. We will never forget your big beautiful eyes, little buck teeth and the way you loved us so much. We love you and miss you Rhazz, you were our best friend ever.
Brian, Carol and Mackenzie
There is so much that we can say about the memories that our sweet boy, Rhazz, gave us we could go on and on for page after page. Rhazz picked us for his forever home on one sunny Saturday morning in May of 2009. He quickly nuzzled his way into our hearts. We believe that Rhazz had a “paw” in changing people’s lives. Rhazz loved to do Meet & Greats and fundraisers. His gentle, sweet nature made people fall in love with him. After each meet and great we would tell him how many Greys he saved that day. Rhazz loved his walks and drives in the car. No matter what the weather; sunny, rainy or even a blinding snowstorm when 7:30 came around he would be standing, dancing by the back door giving us a little bark saying “ come on, come on its 7:30 time for your walk mama & papa”. Just the mention of the word car and he would get so excited. Dancing, hopping and barking. Rhazz never asked for very much but gave us so much, even in his last moments all he wanted from us was one more rub on his belly and a scratch under his chin. Rhazz is gone now but has a very special place in our hearts. We will never forget your big beautiful eyes, little buck teeth and the way you loved us so much. We love you and miss you Rhazz, you were our best friend ever.
Brian, Carol and Mackenzie
If you would like to have your Grey's memorial posted here, please contact us and we will be happy to place it for you. Donations are not required
Music for this page by Neil Young - "Long may your run" 1976 Album by The Stills-Young Band
