When we found out she had bone cancer, we'd taken her into the vet because we figured she'd pulled a muscle losing her footing on the stairs (she'd done that before). He took an x-ray and did some bloodwork, saying he'd call us back in a couple of days. That afternoon, we got the call with The Bad News, and there was just nothing we could do for her. She logged another 6-months after the diagnosis (doctor had said 4, tops) before even the puppy narcotics weren't helping anymore.
We got another rescue dog - 2-year old Aussie shepherd this time - shortly after she died. We would like to get another greyhound again, when we have the land for them to play on properly.
In 2011 we lost both Blue in April and Xena in November. That was a rough year. We got Bella in December. She's been a great companion for Darlene. They look so alike. Darlene is black and Bella is a "blue", but a charcoal grey.
It's good that you got another rescue dog. There seems to be a special bond with dogs that get their forever home. You did really well, if there is such a thing, to have her another 6 months. I went through such hell with my first greyhound that I lost to bone cancer that I swore never again to let it go so long. I got almost a year, but what a tortuous year. Those fentanyl patches weren't touching the pain. He'd howl at night, but my ex refused to let him go. Finally the vet and I intervened and said no more. It was horrible. As bad as it was losing two of our babies in the same year (I had Blue 10 years and SR had his Xena for about the same time), it's good that SR and I are on the same page with dealing with the pups. You did the sensible and loving thing, kept your dog until the pain was too great, then mercifully letting the pup go.
