How eagerly you were desired, in July 2010!  You changed from a tough young male into a super sweet friend. A guardian angel for each child that entered our house.  You were present at the farewell of two of your sisters and at the arrival of your best friends Deerhounds.  But your time was up…you wanted to go.  Ralfke our “kalfke”, our “Ralferman, playful Jeanne, “Ralfieboy”, growling boy, egg thief…for 10 years we could enjoy your company…it was time…letting go is loving and having the guts… We will miss your flashy appearance, our rough white man!

God speed Ralfke, till we meet again.

 

Your pack: Nancy, Laurent, Joy, Mientje, Nalu and Shane

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Yesterday evening I had to let my dear, kindest darling sleep forever, due to a brain tumor, I am devastated. I never had such a kind, affectionate, grateful dog before. He was always on my side.  He was a real sweetheart.

Family Gysemberg Annick

 

 

 

 

Ons leven zal nooit meer hetzelfde zijn zonder jou Blues !  We missen jou enorm !  Maar je zit voor eeuwig in ons hart ! R.I.P. Blues 01/06/2010 - 26/06/2020 

Kris & Anja

 

 

 

Mevr Josee Poelmans

 

 

 

 

He was a macho, but oh what a leader he was.  He was a guardian angel for his galgo sisters.

He was a sweetheart, very handsome and he had a heart of gold.

You are now on the other side of the rainbow bridge, be well there and wait for all of us!

Rest in peace.  You are “healthy” now.  We will always remember you.

Your loving owners, Constant and Dirk

 

 

 

 

Dear James,

We have made each other’s dream come true: “later when I would grow up” I intended to give a warm home to abandoned dogs. You were one of them: skinny, frightened, “worn out” by your boss and in search of a golden basket. You doubted for a while, after 5 days you escaped out of fear.  When the police informed me that they had seen you three municipalities further running in the fields I lost my hope to ever see you again.

But in the evening, you were back! All alone you had found your way back home! What an orientation. I was not angry at all, but relieved and I thought: this dog knows that it will be good to stay here.

And so, it was. For 3 years you welcomed me merrily at the door.  When I woke up, you woke up too and stuck to my leg.  You were a shadow, and very affectionate!

From a shy dog you became a cuddly dog and a faithful friend!

Cancer is a dirty disease and even four-legged do not escape it. Between the time that we realized that you were not enthusiastic anymore and the result of your blood test, the verdict had fallen nothing could be done anymore. The only thing we could do in your last days was to spoil you so that we could let you leave your familiar environment without too much guilt.

But it always hurts…

My James, my little man, my little boy, coming home will never be the same anymore, but what wonderful memories you have left!

Family Wijns Karolien

 

 

 

 

 

You were immediately accepted by our pack.

We will certainly miss your affection and friendship.

But the memories cannot be taken away from us.

The nervous muscle pulling of your legs during your sleep,

were signs of your dream to run again in vast fields. 

This is how we will remember you.

Farewell dear Luna.

 

 

 

 

Julieta, Jul'ken,
 

Six years ago, you ended up on the street in Salamanca with a half-blooded tail. 

Merciful soldiers took care of you, and you arrived at Belén’s.  For six months she took care of you until I could welcome you in my house and my nice and safe garden.

On beautiful days you loved sunbathing in the grass. You could stalk the pigeons like a lion and then sprint to them, always in vain… You were fast and flexible. You flew over the steps from the garden into the house. You were so fast that Nina regularly reprimanded you with a gruff bark: “be quiet!”

You enjoyed when I massaged your sides. When it was enough you just walked away. You were always thoughtful.  You could look at me with a tilted head: “may I? You were a coquettish lady. Until a few months ago you even did your own manicure.  But you allowed Pinta to wash your eyes…

A few minutes after I left you and Pinta in the evening to go to bed, our little one started to bark, and you started your mooing concert.  Now Pinta is barking alone, without your voice to support her…

At the end of last year, a thickening of the intestinal wall was diagnosed. You had IBD or lymphoma, the Veterinarian told us. But IBD is not showing up that late in your life.  You were almost 14 years old then.  With cortisone you still had for several months a worthy and painless life, they assured us.  You got hypoallergenic food, exclusive horse meat and hut cheese, and now and then an egg to compensate the shortage of proteins.

In the last months, the nights were short.  You drank a lot and you had to go outside a lot.  I liked doing it! Finally, you have chosen your moment.  In the last day you deteriorated so quickly that the Veterinarian arrived too late to end your suffering.  You died in my arms.  I held your noble head till the end….

During a period of more than ten years Brisa, Nina and you gave me intense and emotional moments, moments of drama, moments of tenderness.  Nobody will take your place anymore.  The emptiness cannot, will not be filled anymore…Suddenly I realize that I will mourn all three for a long time still.

I will keep your piggy, Juliette. You loved to rest your chin on it to philosophize.

Till we meet again at the rainbow bridge, my proud, beautiful lady. Thank you for letting me take care of you…

Your Miesken (Myriam De Clercq) and Pinta

 

 

 Annemie en Alain

 

 

 

 

 

My dear Rex, my giant with the soft heart, the apple of my eye, mom’s baby.

Today you left to the dog heaven, it is unreal. You were 9 years old, much to young… We shared joys and sorrows, you were my galgo’s ambassador, always kind and a little bit timid.  I already miss you.  Feel well my beautiful boy…

Your mom Els, Boutersem, 19^th March 2020.

 

 

 

With deep regret, Noella & Rolf, Sara & Jurgen, Stef & Cindy inform you that Roxanne passed away.

Fam. GorremansWith deep regret, Noella & Rolf, Sara & Jurgen, Stef & Cindy inform you that Roxanne passed away.

Fam. Gorremans

 

 

 

 

Riva

Onze eerste hond…

Direct een schot in de roos…

Zo lief en zo mooi…

Weinig jaartjes gekregen…

Hadden er zo graag nog enkele jaren aan gebreeën…

Maar wel genoten van elk moment…

We hebben het goed gehad samen…

Het verlies weegt zwaar op ons…

Maar de herinneringen maken ons telkens terug blij…

Rust zacht lieve Riva, je zal altijd bij ons blijven.

 

 

 

 

Fam Eeckhout Piet

 

 

 

Fam. Deconynck Nathalie

 

 

 

Fam. Woico Colette

 

 

Paulette,

3 years ago, you arrived in our family together with your sister Pauline. You were so scared of everything, a bird, the wind…. But together with your sister you felt better after some time and you also started to enjoy your golden basket.  In the last months you started to deteriorate in your head. Sometimes it was difficult to know why you were whining and after a while we understood that regularity and structure were important for you.  On the 15^th January fate struck, you went to sleep and did not wake up anymore. It was a comfort for all of us that you did not suffer but passed away peacefully in your familiar sofa. We have loved you very much girl, enjoy yourself over the rainbow bridge and give our regards to Diva.

Paulette arrived in our house on the 11^th March 2017 and passed away at home on the 15^th January 2020.  She was 12 years old.

 

 

 

 

 

 

My dearest Zara, you entered our life in 2012 and we were delighted, you were 6 years old at that time.  We had the privilege to have you with us for 8 years, unfortunately fate decided that you had to leave for the rainbow bridge. Dear girl, it was an honor to be your adoption mother. Be well over the rainbow bridge, your little brother is waiting for you. I will miss you immensely dear girl. 

Big hugs from your mommy Peggy

 

 

 

 

Goedemiddag Mireille & Dirk,

De voorbije maanden had ik al dikwijls gedacht om jullie een mailtje te sturen over Dayko (oorspronkelijk Xavi).  Dit naar aanleiding van de ontelbare keren dat er alweer iemand zijn windhond dumpt van zodra het beestje ouder wordt en meer zorg vraagt. De voorbije 2 jaar is Dayko ook zo’n zorgenkindje geweest dat we op alle vlakken zo goed mogelijk hebben proberen vertroetelen, verzorgen en soms oplappen. Helaas is het lot mij te snel afgeweest en moet ik jullie vandaag melden dat we Dayko vorige vrijdag hebben laten inslapen. Hij is net geen 10 jaar lang mijn maatje geweest. 

Dayko was sinds 2 jaar een beetje op de sukkel met zijn rug. In het begin hadden we het zelfs niet eens door, want hij klaagde nooit. Maar na controle bij de dierenarts omdat hij begon urine te druppelen in huis bleek dat hij pijn aan de schouders en onderrug had. Veel pijn, zo zei de dierenarts. Met de nodige supplementen, goede voeding en beweging  was dat toen nog prima op te vangen. Hij genoot enorm van zijn snuffeltochten in het veld, uitstapjes naar de zee en het dagelijkse toertje in de buurt samen met zijn Saluki zus Yasmine. 

Sinds het begin van dit jaar kwam er naast het “druppelen” een vervelender probleempje bij: hij begon ook stoelgang te verliezen in zijn slaap of voelde het niet meer op tijd aankomen…  Bijna dagelijks en soms zelfs meerdere keren per dag waren er accidentjes in huis. Er zijn inderdaad leukere dingen dan elke dag opstaan en – verstand op nul - alles opkuisen, wasmachine opzetten  om dan aan de dag te beginnen. Maar ik had hem ooit lang geleden beloofd dat ik altijd voor hem zou zorgen, in goede en kwade dagen. We hebben lang gezocht om hem zo goed mogelijk te ondersteunen. Tegen de pijn kreeg hij dagelijks MSM en CBD-olie en na zijn acupunctuursessie om de 1-2 weken kon hij soms terug een spurtje trekken alsof hij een paar jaar jonger was. En hij genoot nog steeds van zijn leven! Dat was belangrijk voor mij, dat ik zag dat hij blij was als hij in zijn vertrouwde akker rondliep. Er was nog steeds voldoende balans, nog genoeg dingen waar hij van genoot. 

Eind september viel Dayko 3 keer in evenveel weken tijd. Op zijn leeftijd was herstellen geen evidentie meer. Vorige week, in de nacht van donderdag op vrijdag, moet hij opnieuw gevallen zijn. Wat er precies aan de hand was zullen we nooit  weten. Ondanks zijn anti-slip sokjes is hij toch op weg naar de deur ten val gekomen. We hebben hem opgeraapt maar hij kon niet meer zelfstandig stappen, verloor zijn evenwicht, we vreesden het ergste…

Na een nacht in observatie bij de dierenarts hebben we hem nog thuis verzorgd, met de hand gevoerd en alle mogelijke steun en zorg gegeven die we konden. Maar de laatste 2 dagen was de pijn ondraaglijk geworden, pijn die we zelfs met de hoogste dosis pijnstillers niet meer onder controle kregen. Er bleef maar 1 redelijke beslissing meer over...
Met pijn in het hart hebben we onze lieve jongen laten gaan. Zijn strijd tegen de pijn en de lichamelijke aftakeling was ongelijk, oneerlijk en jammer genoeg niet meer te winnen. We zullen hem altijd herinneren als onze mooie, lieve, zachtaardige jongen die nooit geklaagd heeft. Hij was altijd blij met alles wat hem te beurt viel, genoot van zijn wandelingen en een knuffel op tijd en stond, zou zich nooit opgedrongen hebben. Ik zal nooit vergeten hoe hij vanuit zijn mand naar mij kon liggen kijken, met die liefdevolle ogen.

Rust zacht mijn jongen. Je bent nu voor altijd van de pijn verlost.

 

 

 

Fam. Butsraen - Devos

 

 

Dear Annabella, today we have let you become an angel, without fear and pain from the past, with beautiful memories of the last 8 years and without bad diseases that have worn out your body throughout the years and without worries in your beautiful head.  You were and remained a gorgeous and kind dog with your own living environment, with your funny eyes, your sweet ears, your grouch, your chattering teeth, sighs and your pushing paw when you wanted something. For a long time, you had been on the adoption list, for more than a year, until mama saw you.  All the others were wrong for not wanting to adopt you, you were a sweetheart and so beautiful. Your adoption name Hortense was very quickly changed into Annabella-Maria, worthy of a princess name and mama’s flower. I remember well your start here, you did not know what a blanket, a basket, cushion or bed was.  The cold floor was your best friend, but not for long. After 1 week you discovered what was the use of a staircase and you jumped with 4 movements up the 18 steps.  You liked to jump against my back, and you were growling like a grizzly bear, to play of course and we also played the game. Slowly you were dominated by Matea and you became quieter and quieter. But we, Duffie, Fido, Fee, Neertje and Tiny were always there for you and you loved us. We saw you revive after our Matea got wings but soon the past left its traces on your skin, in your head, in your body. You became older very fast.  To love you is to support you in your worse days, to hug you and reassure you, ease your pain and chase your nightmares. Together we could manage. Being our last greyhound child with 3 crazy Pinscher sisters, you also have known Fietje.  This was something, fortunately you could complain every now and then about the crazy mama who constantly ran around with the camera. With a dark brown snout, you turned into a wise grey old lady. Your body was exhausted and together we have chosen your wings. Until this morning when I got up, your skinny legs were jumping for joy and fun.  Mama got them all on photo and video.  You gave such a beautiful last breath before you left us and on your last photo next to the flowers you look zo beautiful (these photos are private) just like you were always lying. Be well darling, our tiny dark brown doll, sweet greyhound girl. Go now, play, rest, look for Meme, join Fido, Duffie and Matea. Enjoy heaven full of beauty, softness, colours, and rainbows, without pain and especially with us your family here in the Westhoek in your heart forever.

Big kiss, we are so happy that you made our life so much nicer with your presence.

Thank you, Annabella, “Atje”, So long!

 

 

After having been our princess for 11 years and after six months of sickness, we had to let our first greyhound put to sleep forever. Nacha you were 2 years old when we picked you up at the Pillowrijn in November 2008.  You were so enthusiastic when you met us that we were the only ones with mud on our coats.  After the photo with Mireille was made and the necessary administration done you installed yourself in the car without problems. At that moment we already discovered your aristocratic behavior, you crossed elegantly your front legs for which you quickly got your nickname “princess”. A role that you played seriously during the 11 years with us.  Already after one day we knew that we could not leave food not even a frozen meat ball on the table or the countertop.  We travelled a lot together almost every month for a week with the camper where you had your permanent place which lead sometimes to a quarrel when a year later your sister Kianga (whom passed away a year ago) arrived in our family.  In short many years with ups and downs where you have given us a lot of support and happiness.  The house and the camper will be empty now, but you will be forever in our heart.  We will miss you.

 

 

 

 

 

Hello kind people,

With a lot of regret and tears we inform you that Fons (our Black Beauty) passed away on Friday afternoon. Fons fought a battle that he could never win, but we have made the best of the last 2 months. Fons has always been a problem dog but he endured like a real gentleman. He had a chronic infection on the jaw muscles which could be treated with cortisone. Quite by accident it was determined that he had severe heart rhythm disorders together with DCM.  For this problem he already received the necessary medication for 17 months and did not suffer. His heart was checked every 3 months and in September the veterinarian saw that his belly was swollen. After examination the diagnosis was liver cancer.  We knew we could not overcome this disease, when possible, we induced his appetite with cortisone (it was important that he continued eating).  Until the last day he kept eating but suddenly, in a few hours’ time, his body was completely weak. He could not stand on his legs anymore. The veterinarian said that the tumour has eaten his muscles and that Fons would not make it to the end of the weekend.  Together with the veterinarian we made the decision to let him sleep forever. Nona (the other Black Beauty) is having a hard time now.  She lost her mate and we think she is angry at us, but she gets extra attention.  We must let it rest now, a family member is gone, and we must get used to it. Another Black Beauty may be welcome soon, but we will wait a while, the greatest grief must be alleviated first.

Fons was our pearl and it was a pleasure to have him in our family!

Bruno – Ann – Jens - Kaat

 

 

 

 

Fam Van Den Bussche - Hennequin Alain & Jackie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mvg  Familie Herreman – Lefevere

 

 

 

In Memoriam Lub-Azor

 

My dear Lub-Azor, my blue Angel passed away

Our hearts are torn

I hope there is someone

Who will take care of me?

When I die, will I go then?

Hope there is someone

Who will let my heart free?

To hold it when I am tired

There is a spirit at the horizon

When I go to bed

How can I fall asleep at night?

How can I lay my head down to rest?

I am afraid  of the middle place

Between light and nowhere

I do not want to be the one that I want to be

Left in here, left in there

There is a man at the horizon

I wish I would go to bed

When tonight I fall at his feet

Will I lay my head down to rest?

And hope here that I will not drown

Or be paralyzed in the light

And for God’s sake I will not go

To the watershed of the seal

Hope there is someone

Who will take care of me?

When I die, will I go then?

Hope there is someone 

Who will let my heart free?

To hold it when I am tired

We do not know how to go on…

Henri and Inez

 

 

 

 

 

Rest in peace dear friend. You have fought and won. But the struggle started again, to win it two times was not possible anymore.  You were strong, very strong. The disease was suppressed after a heavy treatment, then it relapsed but you stayed cheerful. Eating became difficult, your body started to deteriorate, your kidneys failed, you lost weight, almost 5 kg in one week, and kennel cough started… We did not want you to suffer, and we decided to give you a worthy end of life.  Felix, we will never forget you, you were a greyhound with a great character.  You made us laugh many times with your hilarious behavior!  Bisquit, our old girl, learned a lot from you and thanks to you she became very social in her old days.  And now…you are gone…  We will never forget you and we will remember you as a beautiful and passionate boy! Be well up there…

Sophie, the 13th September 2019

 

 

 

 

Herewith I want to inform you that on the 4th September 2019 I had to let Vino (his Spanish name was Sorti) put to sleep.  I thank you for letting me adopt this magnificent dog and for all the others that received a golden basket. The photo in the midst was his arrival in Aalter. Kind regards, Ingrid.

 

 

 

 

 

Caroline Van Damme

 

 

 

Today we had to say farewell to our dear Rubio.

He was having health problems for some time, nevertheless it is always unexpected when the time has come, and it is hard to let him go.

Be well over the rainbow.  Your loving Maria and Patrick.

 

 

 

Lieve Mireille,
Ik wil je bedanken voor de prachtige galgo Althea die via jou naar mij is toegekomen !
Althea is 17 jaar geworden! 
Een grote kindervriend,zij heeft mij en zoveel anderen liefde en affectie gegeven !
Een betere hond had ik niet kunnen hebben!
De beslissing nemen om euthanasie was vreselijk !
Althea wat gaan wij je allemaal enorm missen 
Ik zal met jou nog veel afspreken op de regenboog  beloofd !
Je vrouwtje .

 

 

 

Cari heeft onze kindjes geleerd dat als je met liefde en zorg met dieren omgaat, je er eens zoveel liefde van terug krijgt. Cari heeft ons alleen maar gegeven en we zijn haar daar zo dankbaar voor.

Sofie

 

 

He was a kind and proud friend.

A friend gives you a hug.

A loved one gives you a kiss.

An animal gives you his whole heart.

Regards, Jean, Ingrid and Marie

  

 

 

 

 

I would have liked so much to postpone this mail until later in the future, but unfortunately, I could not. Today we had to say farewell to Mira (Violetta).  She was our first Galgo. From the first moment on she stole our heart. She arrived in our family at the age of 2 and she stayed with us for 8 years. Our two poodles welcomed her and taught her to play.  She felt immediately at home and it seemed as if she had always been with us. Mira was a quiet one but, on the street, when we met other four-legged animals she reacted with a growling that seemed to come out of the deepest part of her belly so that the others on the street knew that they could not mess with her. Nevertheless, she had a good character. Later, we also adopted a pup and it was okay for her.  She loved to accompany us to our vacation home in Limburg where there was a lot to discover and where she could run freely. Yet she has had setbacks, first she had eye problems that made here blind for the last 3 years. But she managed and we kept everything in place, and it seemed if she could count her steps. So many steps and then a little bit to the right or left and then so many steps to the sofa. And since the beginning of this year she had recurrent diarrhea. Special food together with medication helped but today she suddenly got worse and had a lot of pain.  The veterinarian and we have tried everything but in vain. With a lot of pain in our heart we had to let her go.  I have no words to tell how much I miss her already now. We do not realize yet that she is gone forever.  But she will always have a warm place in our heart and in the heart of all our family members, she was loved by everyone.

My husband and I are grateful to you and the organization for making it possible for us to take care of this treasure, and for having given us the chance. THANK YOU !!!

Mampaey-Van der Kinderen

 

 

 

 

Mira, you were a crazy dog…. always super enthusiastic. You could enjoy the hugs so much; you were a real cuddly girl. You will be missed immensely by your sisters Maya, Muñeca and little Iza.

A big kiss, Caroline

 

 

 

 

My dear, dear Vienna.  You were unique, literally and figuratively. You were our first long-awaited dog.  You arrived in our family in 2009 and unfortunately you left us yesterday. But you are still in our heart forever.

On the 1^stof May you became 14 years old.  For two years you were living with a malignant tumour in your nose.  Thanks to adequate medication it was under control all this time. But yesterday it became worse and we did not want you to suffer, we loved you too much to let this happen. You are now united with your friend Feliz, our second adopted galgo. Run free girls! Yin and yang are again united. You could still “educate” Capri and Loulou, the two of them are again yin and yang.

We will never forget you, my dearest, and best girlfriend forever!

Love,

Annemie, Frank, Cato and Ewout, Capri and Loulou

 

 

 

 

In Memoriam Chula

Chula, you entered our life on the 23rd June 2013 as our first greyhound.  We were looking forward to you.  You immediately conquered our heart. You had so much love to give which surprised us knowing what you endured in your life before GINB found you. Coming home the whole neighbourhood heard that we had been away. With your joyful howling you let us know that you were happy that we were home again. But we will miss that now, as well as your insistence to get the wanted hugs. You never gave up.  But you were too sick to ask for it.  Be happy with all your brothers and sisters who left before you.  Zoë also misses you. 

Family Rutsaert-Verstraeten.

 

 

 

 

Fam. Goris - Van Gauwbergen.

 

 

Dear Mister Django,

You were with us for far too short a time, but every second that we have known you was wonderful. You will be in our heart forever, and each time we look up to the sky you are our most beautiful and biggest star.

Rest in peace darling. ❤️

 

 

In Memoriam SOL

2006-2019

Farewell to the sun in our house.

On the 7th May 2013 the blind Sol arrives in Casa Belgica after an agony in small shelters that could not give the best care for a blind galgo.  At that time, he was 7 years old, born in April 2006.  Under the loving care of Mireille and Dirk he could spend beautiful summer months in Casa Belgica.  When I received the Spain update for translation and when I read his sad story, I immediately called Mireille to inform her that I could give him a golden basket. And that’s how he arrived in our home in September 2013 where he had the time of his life with our two galgo girls Mara and Tilia, and later with Mira, Donna and Jupiter.

Six months ago, the veterinarian diagnosed two leaking heart valves but with the right medication he could further comfortably enjoy our walks and the sun terrace. Already with the first sun rays he wanted to go outside, he could not see the sun, but he could feel it even more.  He honoured his name; he was the sun in our house.  In the past days his heart beats and respiration became worse and walking became more difficult.  In consultation with the veterinarian it was decided that we would give him a worthy and peaceful end of life to spare him worse complications. He fell asleep quietly on the 12^thApril 2019.  He was 13 years old and during almost 6 years he was my dearest galgo boy.

 

It hurts but there is now a “warm sun” in my heart forever.

Ria De Smedt, his sisters Mira and Donna and his brother Jupiter.

 

 

 

 

 Nala, our dear, funny and crazy black pearl, we never expected that you should leave us so soon. 

 

 

 

On the 14^thMarch 2019 we had to make the very difficult decision to let you put to sleep at home.  It is unbelievable how deep you were in our hearts already after such a short period of 5 months. We would have loved to have had you longer with us, but we are happy anyway that we could make these precious months for you as beautiful as possible.  My advice is to enjoy each day, to enjoy the people and animals that are dear to you so that when you have to say farewell you will not regret anything, and the sorrow will be less painful.

Chris and Freddy, adopters of Pablo and Loewie

 

 

 

Dear Lucifer,

It is very difficult for me to write this text. I did not expect to say farewell to you already now.  You went as unexpected as you came, barely 5 years old.

I saw you for the first time that Friday morning when you arrived in Belgium from Spain. You had a long trip behind you. Nobody knows where you came from. But one morning, you were found, hiding at a bus stop nearby Casa Belgica where Mimi and Dirk took care of you before going to your new home.  I entered your kennel to read your chip and you made it clear to me that you wanted to come along with me: you put your legs on my shoulder and your head against mine… and I could not resist.

Since that day you were a part of our family and amaDeus became your best friend forever.  Both of you were inseparable and where one went, the other followed. I could enjoy watching you run through the garden and the one that was running first, looked quickly over his shoulder to be sure that the other one was following.  At the end of 2017 it became clear that something was wrong: the leishmania parasite seemed to be active again despite the medication.  You endured courageously and patiently all examinations and the heavy Milteforan cure.  It was a desperate attempt because your bone marrow and kidneys were badly affected, but we hoped to give you another chance. 

During last summer you and amaDeus extensively played on the beach, although even there it was obvious, dear Lucifer, that the rampant parasite in your body was taking its toll.  You became tired sooner, you could not keep up with amaDeus anymore, but you still enjoyed racing, and being free. Dear Lucifer, you were the softest dog I have ever known and therefore you managed to be caressed by everyone.  

And then that terrible Monday came.  It seemed harmless, your nose was bleeding. During the whole day we tried to stop it. When that did not help, we went to the animal clinic and there we heard the bad news: they could not help you anymore… we had to say farewell. We went together for a last walk. You seemed to feel that your suffering was over: you sniffed everywhere and for the first time since long I saw again the light-footed step that made you so beautiful and elegant.  When we returned you passed away close to me.

We miss you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Betty Vandermeulen en familie