Thunder... I don't know that I can truly sum up his life in one or two paragraphs. He was an amazing boy. A retired racing Greyhound, and Service Dog. He was a sweet heart, and opened my eyes to the wonderful world of Sighthounds. No one will ever be able to live up to the reputation my sundy boy left behind... but because of him, I will never again be without a Sighthound.
Thunder loved to run, and adored playing with our Chihuahua, Nico. Nico didn't know how to play like a dog... so Thunder would pick up his toys, and throw them for him. Nico would run and pick up the toy, bring it back to Thunder, and Thunder would throw it again. He was such a sweetie, and was always oh so gentle with Neeks.
One of Thunder's favorite places to visit was the Cancer lodge across from the University hospital here in Saskatoon. We spent many wonderful afternoons out on their deck, bringing a little happiness to the Cancer patients staying there. Thunder had a way of making everyone feel comfortable, even the patients who were previously afraid of dogs. We heard many wonderful stories about the patients own dogs... Sundy just had a way of bringing out the best in everyone, and reminding people of better times.
Thunder was my first Assistance Dog. He just loved to help, and was never too far from me. On my bad days Thunder would stay right beside me, never leaving my side... even if it meant having to miss out on an afternoon of playing at the park. He'd rather stand by me, providing the physical and mental support I so needed.
I remember the first day we met Thunder... We'd driven the six and a half hours to Strathmore Alberta, where Cindy and Kerry (Thunder's foster parents) lived. I remember when they opened the door, I couldn't believe all the long skinny snouts that met us and reached in to say hello. As we walked to the couch to sit down with Cindy, one particular Greyhound pushed his way through to stand with us. He was a sweetie, and a real "leaner". It was the first time I'd been leaned on by a Greyhound. I thought this boy was a real charmer... it wasn't until a little while later that Cindy told us that the boy we were cuddling with was in fact the boy we'd come to see. It really was a match made in heaven.
Thunder had my heart right from the beginning... and still has it today. Thunder gave me so very much of himself, and I'd like to think that perhaps he needed me as much as I needed him.
He is loved and well remembered.
Now young and Cancer free.
May, 2001
Thunder always managed to put a smile on my face, by just putting a smile on his own.
July, 2001
Just like his mommy, Thunder was a loyal Mac user. Here he is with his original iBook.
August, 2001
Thunder always visited me while I was in the tub... and he loved getting some bubbles of his very own.
Thunder started slowing down in August. We thought that perhaps his age was just catching up to him... looking back, we know it was the first signs of his illness. He just didn't have that spark in his eyes any more.
September, 2001
Even today I have a hard time looking through his photographs. I miss my Sundy so very much. He was such a wonderful, special, beautiful boy.
It was good to know... that even if he was slowing down, sore and tired... that he was still happy in his dreams.
My beautiful boy.
October, 2001
I'm so glad something inside me told me to take this picture. This was such a normal occurrence, nothing special, it happened several times a day. The three of them would line up like this at the door, waiting for me to let them out to play. This picture means a lot to me. It's a wonderful memory of the simple every day things that the four of us shared.
Follow This Link To Share Our Last Day With Thunder.
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