In Memoriam Duke

•10/2/2009 +26/3/2022

With a lot of sadness, we must inform you that our faithful four-legged Duke passed away.

The emptiness is immense.  He was such a loyal and affectionate family member.

He really loved to lie down in his own little sofa. He also could enjoy people visiting and

giving him extra attention. He changed from a rather shy dog who did not like men, into a dog enjoying everyone’s attention.  We will miss him very much, but we are happy that we were able to love him for more than 10 years because he absolutely deserved it. Our darling!

Family Van der Putten

With deep regret I must inform you that our dear Tanita passed away on Friday the 24^th of September.  Tanita lost weight and I saw something strange in her vulva. The veterinarian anaesthetized her to further examine but the diagnosis was a huge tumor that could not be removed and with which she could no longer live (cancer). Apparently, this is very rare in a dog. We decided then to let her sleep and not wake her up anymore.  She was 11 years old since April and since that month she has lived with us for 9 years. She was a treasure galga, dominant, and a “chef” for which I will always be grateful to you. Now we continue our care for Nala, she is also a GINB adoption. A new adoption we do not consider right now. We will see later. I must admit that with the loss of our first dog (indeed, Tanita was our first one) we are a bit shocked.

Regards,

Michèle Portaels-Joly

Oudergem

Adèle, “ma belle”, 

Hello my sweet girl,

On the 22nd of March 2014 we met for the first time, d’Artagnan brought you to me from the Pillowrijn kennels.  You came around the bend, onto the lawn and I recognized you immediately, my soul mate. 

As my first galgo child, you made an overwhelming impression, I felt so sorry for you and at the same time I immediately fell in love with you.  You were the pioneer, you started everything, you changed my life. My heart broke when you got closer and I saw your skinny scrawny little body full of marks witnessing your horrible past.

I was afraid to embrace you, I did not want to frighten you more but the first thing that I whispered in your ear was that you were safe, that no one ever would hurt you again and that to protect you I would knock down a house if needed.

You changed… albeit with mini steps which made us intensely happy, and that shy little dog became more self-confident, she dared to speak up occasionally, sometimes you got scared by yourself, you looked at us and then we laughed… You became the queen of the house, you became more and more beautiful, more elegant, aristocracy at its best, dignified and oh so proud! Oh, how I loved you.

How we enjoyed life together, you and me. Unfortunately, we had felt it for a long time, your end was approaching, your body was exhausted.  Your paws refused now and then to carry you, eating became quite a burden due to your bad kidneys, the tastiest snacks seemed a dirty mush to you.  From one day to the next it was over, you took it in your own hands, what else did I expect…

Three days before your gotcha day, on the 19^{th of} March 2021 you left. On your seventh gotcha day you came home for the second time, what a symbolism, but that is how we knew you…

My girl,

I want to thank you for letting me love you, for still wanting to trust me after all misery and pain. I tried to chase away your bad dreams, to kiss away your many scars… I hope I succeeded.  You are there now, and I am here but we are forever one, dear.  One day we will see each other again in a place that is ours, that only we know, see, and feel.

A part of us left with you, it is empty here, quiet, and cold without you. It is forever different and never perfect again, there is nothing right for a while. To miss cannot be learned, I meet you everywhere, in my thoughts, in what I feel… 

Every day you are with us, we talk about you, we love you. Farewell sweetheart, I promised Cardif and Aude and now also you, that one day we will walk side by side again.

Thank your Mireille, for letting me take care of her.

Adèle passed away on the 19^th of March 2021 at 8:25h.

Katrien

Alvin, you were a real sweetheart. We are really proud of you, thanks for everything.

Family Thomas & Notredame

A few years ago, you came into our life, you were not that young anymore, and black…and for that reason rejected by most of the people and you had a hard life behind you. But then our roads met, and you were all I could wish for and immediately you became my princess.  You had a soft character, you were loyal, funny, and sometimes very stubborn. But you were in pain now and you were tired and that is why we decided to end your suffering and to give you a well-deserved rest.  Sleep softly my princess.

Peggy Detrixhe

Our Santo.

Where to start the story, my wife and I wanted a dog.

I preferred a Danish dog because they are rather large and so I went to look for a breeder of this breed.  A real pedigree dog was expensive. Then I went to a bread breeder to have a look there and the price was reasonable. (Meanwhile I know that I should not have done that but like many people we did not know better).

I asked many questions about how much food they need, their medical background et… and finally I decided not to do it. One day my wife came home and told me that she has seen a car with a “Greyhounds in Nood” sticker, I checked the website, but I was not impressed. A large strong dog was still haunting my thoughts and these skinny dogs is not what I had in mind, I always said.  I thought I was going to hurt that dog when I played with him.  I looked at the website once more and there he was, Trueno, considerably larger than the others on the site. I said to my wife if we choose this breed than we go for the large one and we entered an adoption request for him.

Els our regional manager contacted us for a home visit in our future house where everything was fine for Trueno.  She told us that he was rather big for a galgo.  I was excited and this way my wife had her what she wanted and so did I.  Everything was fine and we started counting down to the adoption day, men, men, men how long it can take before you can finally meet them. Finally, the day had arrived, both of us were rather nervous. We were very well received there, we met people who already had a galgo and we had nice conversations.

When the moment was there to bring Trueno to us, our hearts were pounding with excitement.  And finally, he was there, and he was the biggest of the group.  When I think back to it now, I still remember his steps in our house, he has always been confident, and he was not afraid of anyone.

We have given him a new name, Santo which means Saint”, we did not know better at that time (haha). Once at home the sofa was everything for him and that never changed.  He has stolen cauliflower and steak in fact everything he liked.  We had to make a small adjustment in our habits and not to leave food anywhere or it was gone.

One day we returned home from work and mister had found nothing better than to push over the bucket with chunks, to tear the bag and eat it.  We went to the veterinarian to check if it would not harm him, we had to give oil to promote digestion.  He was better for a while, but we had to return to the veterinarian where he had to stay for an operation, the result was a ruptured spleen.  Afterwards he was fine again, and we thought he had learned now not to eat that much, but he did not.

Santo, the years passed by and you lived a comfortable live.  Eating, walking and attention on time. Until about a month ago when you started to get bad and wheezed in pain which you never did before. The veterinarian could not immediately find what was wrong until the day when a swelling in the chest was visible.  All kinds of examinations were done like a scan, an ultrasound etc... your blood values were not good anymore.  The swelling appeared to be a tumor which was already rather big, and an operation was not possible because of the bad blood values. We have done everything possible to give you the best possible life.

Then the day had come to let him go, it was a painful day. We knew that this was the best for him, but it was a heartbreaking moment.  Santo, you left an immense emptiness, no more pattering anymore, no barking at people at the window, no more cuddling together.

You are now united with your sisters Mela and Luna in heaven.

We have been checking the website for maybe a new adoption, but we will first take our time to mourn.

Santo 14/02/2010 – 26/10/2020

With pain in our heart we had to let our dear Darcelle go last Wednesday (21^st 0ctober2020).  She was 14 years old. In the last year she slowly deteriorated, X-rays and medical examinations diagnosed that her heart was enlarged.  With medication it was under control, until last week. (In the meantime, she got several tumors which started to bother her also).  In the last year she happily enjoyed our home life, begging for hugs and treats… but last Tuesday she collapsed and after examination and consultation with the veterinarian I took the painful decision.

Darcelle was a great Galgo with a special place in my heart, she was my mate!

An anecdote that I always used to quote was that despite the info on the website that these dogs seldom bark our Darcelle defended “her yard” like a real Doberman. She was so grateful, and we got so much love from her in return. Therefore, it is so painful… I let her put to sleep at home, in the presence of Esprit and the other (adopted) dogs.

Esprit (Venus – 8 months old in 2010) who arrived in our home together with her and was never separated from her “stepmom” is doing well, despite my inquietude. We pamper her even more and that helps.

I did want to inform you, despite this sad news, and wish you still a lot of success with the organization.

Kind regards.

Suzy Bussé

A paw from Esprit and Co. and a grateful look from Darcelle from the other side.

Mevr. Walgrave Stephanie

Dear Capri,

On the 24^th March 2019 you arrived in our family.

Your previous owner had to go to a retirement home, and you arrived at Christel’s place.  When we saw you there, I immediately fell in love with you. Your look, your hug conquered my heart. On the 25th September 2020 you fell fatally. It was your third cerebral infarction. We did everything possible to help you, but the paralysis was fatal to you! Dear girl, we miss you very much.  Even if you were with us for a short time, the grief is immense. Dear girl, I hope you will be well up there.  I will never forget you. 

Big hug.

Family De Poorter-Timmermans

With much regret and immense sadness, I must inform you that today we had to let Motas put to sleep forever.  She was almost 14 years old (1/11 2006-8/9/2020)

Mrs. Lilliane Veys

“Romy”, you were the scared girl, nevertheless you gave us so much love. 

We could share our love with you, caress you, hug you.

But your fear remained.  Now, you have no more pain, no more fear.

You are united with our brother Quinto and your sister Maluk’h, be well up there and wait with them until the day we get there too.  We will always love you. Love you!!!

Constant and Dirk

Fam. Everaert - Laebens

Farewell dear Ana, you have given us a lot of love through your addiction to hugs, your paw on our legs and the thousand licks.  You were a cheerful dog who played in the garden together with Vega and opened the garbage bins etc… you did everything for an extra snack.  But then for you old age problems with epileptic attacks started, you could not get up anymore and we gladly helped you stand up. Finally, we decided together with the veterinarian to let you put to sleep with dignity. Rest in peace dear mouse. Vega is mourning with us, wait for us in heaven.

She came to us on the 12^th September 2015, deceased on the 17^th July 2020.

Ingeborg and Ingried Zufang

Dear Argos,

Peacefully and ignorant your life ended.

Slowly your eyes closed.

One last embrace.

One last look.

We miss you already,

but you will live forever in our heart.

Christel, Yngwie and Tjörven

Farewell Beau, you were a faithful, gentle darling who never left my side. The epilepsy has gotten you down, you were combative, but it was enough, and you gave up. 

You were a worthy big brother for Butch, our youngest sprig of 8 weeks old, whom you educated together with us, you were not playful, but you were the watchful eye for his funny games… I hope we have been able to give you still 5 beautiful years sweetheart, sleep in peace, we will miss you immensely… give our sweet kisses to Dolcé. XXX

Doris & Luc

Dear Arco,

In 2010, after 3 not so nice years in Spain, we had the chance to offer you a golden basket via Greyhounds in Nood.  You were like a child to us and as from the first day we were incredibly happy with you. During the years with us you never complained, or you did, when we returned home on a day that you could not accompany us with the car. Most of the time you joined us even to a restaurant.  In our house we NEVER had to clean up something, you were very neat.  Unfortunately, after 10 years with us, you were 13 years old then, you suddenly got heart and arthrosis problems.

Medication was the only remedy, you could not heal, we could only ease the pain.

You could not join us in the car anymore and even short walks were too painful for you.

Now at the age of 13 we had to let you go after a diagnosis of lung cancer.

Dear Arco, your Mom and I will NEVER forget you and we will miss you immensely.

Thank you for the many years together and we are sure that in the dog heaven you will also be loved.

Mommy and Daddy

My dear Louise,

Yesterday evening I had to let you go unexpectedly, your body gave up.

When I adopted you at the age of 10, after a life of 8 years abuse in Spain as a breading female and thereafter the neglect in an adoption family, there was no other alternative for me than to give you a warm home. You looked so much like my Estelle and I hoped that I could still give you at least a year of love so that you could forget your previous life.  Together we spent more than 4 beautiful years in which you gradually gained confidence. You followed me everywhere, I was your guardian together with your sisters. You were the softness itself, always modest and grateful for each kind word and caresses over your frail body. You conquered everyone’s heart with your long hair and soft eyes.  It was terrible to let you go but it was the only thing I could still do for you. But I was close to you and held you when you softly left to the dog heaven.  I miss you, my sweet girl, your noble heart will forever be connected to mine.  Rest in peace now, you deserved it.

Your mom Marie-Thérèse and your sisters Hélène and Rosy

Dear Donna,

Our kind grandma.  You just became 15 years old. You arrived in our home on the 17^th November 2012. You have always been such a sweetheart and a mother for all your sisters. You were always protective of everything and everyone.  We were able to give you beautiful years, and that is why we are doing it.  Dear Donna, we enjoyed having you with us.  You knew that your end was near and that was even more painful. Your body was worn out…darling, we miss you immensely.  You are now united with your 4 sisters up there, three of which you have known.  Together with our Pieter you all can make a rainbow walk now. Till we meet again dear.

Your owners Xavier and Myriam

Your sisters Morena, Lara, Morita and Lisa 

My little darling Fleur, sweet and kind, you left me too soon, you were my sunshine. 

See you soon beyond the rainbow bridge. 

I love you, your mommy Vonny, Benjy and the hen Melodie.

A big thank you to Mrs. Broeders for entrusting her to me.

12 years ago, we saw Eski’s picture on the website. She was 2 years old at that time. We really could not resist those beautiful eyes. She could make funny faces, and we had to laugh with her crazy tricks.

In the last years she had arthrosis problems and her heart had to be supported. During the past weeks her condition got worse and after 2 strokes we had to let her go.  We are incredibly grateful that she could stay with us for 12 years. Be well dear Eski. You are now united with your friends Floke, Zohra, Bouchke, Tigra and Moppytje.

We will never forget you.

Myrianne Dero

To our regret and with much sorrow, we must inform you that on Friday the 24^th April 2020 we had to let our dearest friend Carlos put to sleep forever.

We miss our walk mate immensely.  He was a sweet and gentle dog, there was no anger in him.  Also, his brother Jullay misses him very much.  He does not eat well; he wakes up crying in the morning and he is tearing up his pillowcase.  Hopefully, he gets used to the new situation quickly. They were best friends forever.

Carlos was cremated on Saturday, but we certainly will never forget him.

Kind regards.

Marie-Thérèse and Patrick Vlaeminck and Jullay

Fam. Herman Dominiek.

Mme Potier G.

De hemel heeft er sinds vandaag 19/03/20 een sterretje bij.

Nevada heeft om 10,45 u haar vleugeltjes aangetrokken en is over de regenboogbrug gegaan.

Ze was al heel lang ziek en ik wist dat het er aan zat te komen maar ik ben er echt kapot van.

Op 21 maart 2015 hebben we elkaars hart verovert want die klik was enorm 

en nu na exact 5 jaar moest ik haar laten gaan, op haar nu, 14 jaar.

Vijf jaar hebben we van elkaar mogen genieten. Schat ik ga je zoooo erg missen.

Rust zacht mijn klein poezenhatertje, mijn klein Keetje tippel wat ga ik je missen

Ben kapot

Je mama Angèle en je zusjes Amaliya en Atlanta

Een dag als zovelen sinds gisteren is er weer één bij.
Het kan mij niks meer schelen, want jij bent niet meer bij mij.
Nooit zal ik je vacht meer voelen, nooit sta jij nog aan mijn zij.
Nooit meer samen knuffelen, nooit is het nog "wij".

I wanted to inform you that Keira unexpectedly passed away on the 24^th February 2020 due to a thrombosis.  For 10 years she has been a perfect partner, intelligent, tender, dynamic and kind.  I will miss her for a long time.

Kind regards.

Bernard Righenzi

Koksijdev

Fam. Steenhoudt

Fam Degrande Lieselot