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Health & Fitness

On the Eighth Day of Christmas... Matt

Like the wide variety of their colors, every Greyhound has a unique personality. We fall in love with our Greys because of the unique characteristics of the breed; like when their teeth chatter because they’re happy to see you, or when you see them "play-bow" (behind in the air and forelegs stretched out on the ground, sometimes slapping the ground with their forelegs), or when you catch a glimpse of your dog in the "roach" position (lying on the back with all four legs in the air). But it is the unique individualistic spirit of each Greyhound that mesmerizes us as owners.

Over time, Greyhound owners may own many different dogs, but there will always be those special ones that are near and dear to our hearts. Like all pet owners, we are aware that we will love, and someday lose, our Greyhound family members. But even through the heartbreak of loss, Greyhound owners seem to keep coming back to adopt these lovely creatures. One of the most precious Greyhounds I’ve ever had in my life was my Matt.

I first learned of Matt from a REGAPCT volunteer who told me of a special Greyhound who had spent the beginning of his retirement as a blood donor at an animal hospital. As he had completed his time as a donor, they were seeking a great home for him. So, one fine day, I got a call from the animal hospital and was asked to take Matt into my care to find him a "forever home". I was more than happy to do so.

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I scooted down to the animal hospital to pick him up and it was love at first sight. I clearly remember that he was wearing a blue plaid collar and that he had recently been bathed in anticipation of his officially entering retirement. He was a tall and beautiful boy with a striking red and white color.

I brought Matt home and placed him with the other rescues I had at the time. He wanted nothing to do with being in their company. Refusing like a mule to socialize with any of the other dogs, I tried to perform more formal introductions with the other Greyhounds. That didn’t work either. It is beyond me how, but at some point, he was able to sneak up into the main part of my house. And that was that. He immediately jumped onto my bed and would never again be interested in finding another bed. At that time I didn't know how precious he would be to me, but that is how Matt became my newly adopted boy. He chose me.

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As a racer, Matt was a superstar on the track. He was a stakes dog who ran over 250 races. Somehow he was chosen to spend the beginning of his retirement as a blood donor at the animal hospital. For two years, he saved the lives of other dogs in need by donating his blood. For this reason, he has always been my true hero.

After a long racing career and the stint as a blood donor, he was the ultimate retired Greyhound. He liked to run the show and there was little that he could be forced to do. There was never a night he didn’t sleep in my bed with me and he loved to be in my presence. He would bark to let me know when it was time to go to bed and wouldn’t go to sleep until all the lights were off and everyone was in their beds. If I was on the phone or working on my computer, he would stand in the hall like an ornery man and bark until I gave up on my phone conversation or my work on the computer and got into bed.

We lost Matt in January 2013 and it makes me sad to think that it has been almost a year without him. He was an amazing 14 years and 7 months old when he passed, and as he grew older he struggled with several health issues. On more than one occasion, he battled through adversity that would have more than likely been insurmountable for a normal dog. But he wasn't a normal dog. He truly was a fighter and I had been told by several experts that he was a miracle boy. They couldn't have been more right. The unrivaled racer, and the animal savior, a little piece of him will always live on in my heart.

“Cut the leash that holds me here, dear friend and let me run. Once more a strong and steady dog, my pain and struggle done. And I don’t despair my passing, for I won’t be far away, forever here within your heart, and memory I’ll stay. I’ll be there watching over you, your ever faithful friend, and in your memories I’ll run…A young dog once again.

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