Thursday, May 28, 2009

Miss Oneco ala Bear, so what if I'm ten?


When one of our wonderful boys was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, we put in a call to our adoption rep and said that we would like a special needs greyhound.

Oneco was celebrating her 10th birthday at the adoption kennel after an impressive racing career and an even more impressive career as a mom with 21 babies. She was a very special girl, but there wasn't anything special needs about her.


Oneco waltzed into the house as if she had always been in a home, we were her first. She knew what a cushion was, turned her belly to the sky and we all knew it was the perfect fit.


Oneco instantly became mesmerized by the cats. She would sit by their door for hours, just hoping for a tasty morsel ala kitty. She never got her taste, but she proudly carried her membership card in the "United Federation of Cat Zappers" thanks to Thaw and Time who took her under their wings and taught her everything they knew about cats.


The pools were there for Oneco's delight. She loved the pools, especially in the heat of the summer. Fresh water daily was a must, and we did what we could to make sure she always had fresh water.


Oneco knew what the grassy acre was for, she was frequently seen leading the pack, a most impressive sight. This little girlie was supposed to be a senior. Just one more example of how age is only a number.


Oneco immediately joined ranks with our other senior girl Phoebe. The only two garden hounds that were in their golden years, they quickly decided that they were not going to called senior greyhounds.

Together, Oneco and Phoebe were the founding members of the "Double-digit Gang." They told everyone that is was an honor to be a member of the gang. To this day, we celebrate every dog when they become a member.


Oneco was quite the little social bug. If there had been a bingo parlour for greyhounds, I have no doubt that she would have been there every day.

Instead, Oneco started the charter for the lady greyhounds of the gardens and they call themselves the "Red Hot Houndies." Per tradition, the ladies over 10 wear red and purple, the ladies under 10 wear pink and lavender.


Oneco was 14 years and 4 months when her little body gave up on her spirit. She took a huge chunk out of our hearts, we loved her so. She was a favorite at the adoption kennel and I think a piece of everyone's heart that knew her was taken away too.

Oneco is just one more great example of why adopting a senior greyhound is such a great idea.

She was loving and fun and really quite spunky all the way to the end.

We will forever miss our little Oneco ala Bear

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