Monday, November 24, 2008

Goodbye Cameo-Rest In Peace


Ten years ago Maria and I decided to get a dog. We just wanted a family dog that we could play with, take for walks and have fun with. Nothing more, nothing less. We spent months talking about different breeds of dogs and couldn't find the right dog for us. One Friday night, Maria sprung the idea of adopting a retired racing greyhound on me. I told her she must be nuts. Those are racing dogs and there is no way we can handle that kind of dog. They are big dogs, hyperactive, need to walk twenty miles a day, will eat ten pounds of dog food a day, and are impossible to handle. She told me facts about greyhounds, that they are none of the above, and after a night of discussion, she broke me down. I agreed to go look at them and we made an appointment to see Denise the following day and look at the dogs she had up for adoption. We arrived at her home the following day and adopted our first greyhound, Cameo(Hope's Camelot). I didn't know what we were going to do with this dog, but Cameo led the way. She turned out to be the greatest dog I had ever known. She was friendly with everyone, wonderfully behaved, and a perfect companion for us. She showed me that greyhounds are the greatest of all dogs. Because of Cameo, we adopted our second greyhound eight months later. Then two years later we adopted our third. Because of Cameo we began showing up for meet and greets and letting her be the great ambassador dog she always was. Because of Cameo we began fostering greyhounds in our home and have fostered thirty five greyhounds to date, one of whom, Snoops, became our fourth dog. Remember, we just wanted one dog...one family dog. Cameo changed the course of our lives and we are greytful for that. Cameo is also the reason for this blog. Recently Cameo became very ill, and today we had to let her go. It is a very sad day for us, but we are taking heart knowing all the great work for her breed that Cameo did, and how happy she has made us over the last ten years. It has been an honor being a part of her family. Because of her, many other greyhounds have also had a second chance at life. We love you Cameo, we miss you, and we will never forget you. You will always be the greatest.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Maria/Stowe:

Though we haven't been at the Pasadena Meet & Greet in a while, we remember Cameo very fondly. Boy, did you pick the right word in "ambassador." She certainly was that.

Our hearts share your pain. We lost our first grey 7 years ago and we love her has much today as we did then. She was an ambassador as well, as we wouldn't have the three we hve now without her. Stowe, you are certainly right about these dogs changing our lives.

Hang in there, and let us know if there's anything we can do.

Bob, Diana, Emilie
Zumper, Archie, & Fireship

Anonymous said...

Maria/Stowe:

You don't know me but I have been reading your blog for a while through Denise's Greyhound Rescue website.

We also have two hounds that we adopted from Denise and they changed our lives. we are grateful of what devoted greyhound lovers like you have done for these deserving animals.

Becky, George, Z and J.

Funnelcloud Rachel said...

Sorry to hear of your loss. Cameo sounds like a great dog and what you have done for greyhound rescue is commendable.

We just adopted our first grey 6 weeks ago and he has already changed our lives. I am so grateful for all the wonderful rescue groups and foster families out there that help get homes for these amazing dogs. Thank you!

Alex said...

Stowe and Maria,
We are so sorry to hear of you loss. It is clear that Cameo was your "heart" dog. The dog that leaves pawprints all over your heart.
Thank goodness you found each other- so she could convince you to do all that you have (and I am sure will continue to do) for this wonderful breed.
Warmest regards,
Doug, Alex, (all the kids) and Hero (aka All Star)

GreyFosterMom said...

I'm so sorry! These guys take over our hearts and leave a hole when they move on. I always say they are angels that do their work then leave us to make room for another angel to do his/her work. Sounds like Cameo helped save a lot of additional pups. She is now running with my Highway and the others that went on before her.

Anonymous said...

Stowe & Maria, I feel your pain. And everyday, it's still more, just press on with your good work.

I remember my first "heart" dog, Scooter, passed 8/4/07. Adopted 8 yr old Penny, the litermate of Slick whom we had with Scooter. Then she passed 6 months later, 2/27/08, just a few days shy of turning 9. You helped us with adopting who we now call Speed (aka Starburst) back in March. Thank you for that.

As much of a delight as Slick and Speed are, I will never forget the touch of my loving Scooter and Penny, just as you will never forget the snuggles from Cameo. She will be there forever, in your heart.

Yvonne, Darren, Dayle & Nick
Slick & Speed

Janney said...

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your doggie. I can say with utmost certainty that Sambuca will welcome her with his flashy smile into heaven and will want to race with her all around the beautiful beaches of heaven. She will be in good company and will be happy there, I promise. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Never Say Never Greyhounds said...

So sorry to hear about your loss of Cameo. I recently lost a very special hound (Travis). Its amazing how greyhounds change your life in such a good way.

Jen

Dave Mosick said...

Stowe and Maria
Jeanette, loki, and I were so , so sorry to hear of Cameo's passing. You gave Cameo the best life a dog could ever ask for, and we all thank you for it . Our thoughts are with you in this difficult time.

Addie said...

Stowe & Maria,

What a beautiful tribute to your Cameo. You were all lucky to have had one another, and I really believe that you'll see your girl again.

Addie