IN MEMORY OF TAYLOR MADE
Taylor Made was born on 02/29/1992. You see Taylor Made was his track name. He entertained many for five years as a racing Greyhound. This is where the rules are Win, Place, Show...or Go. Only a few will ever get to race in class A. When they eventually can't even win in class D or have an injury. They are then considered noncompetitive. Their race days are numbered. Those that had illustrious careers may still have a future as a breeding animal. But most do not. Some greyhounds are both neglected and abused. This is where greyhound adoption comes into play.
I adopted Taylor in 1997. He was one of five that came off the track just that day. He became a loving companion and what we considered an extension to our family. At first it was like having a fawn in the house because he was so large. His color was a brindle.
As I found myself out of the work force for health reasons Taylor played a big part in my life. He got me out and walking every day where he was in awe of all the things he'd never seen before. This was our routine. I could not count the many cars that stopped to admire my friend. He loved to play with his stuffed toy and toss it in the air. He also loved pigs ears which he would get one every third night. All other nights he'd get a biscuit or something special. You could set your watch by this. He knew when 7:00 PM came and he'd lie in front of us and stare as if to say, It's Time.
For the winter months I made two coats for Taylor and purchased special boots so the salt would not harm his pads. I still see him prancing like a horse with them on. Taylor knew emotions. If I was sad, he'd come and put his head on my lap. Company came, Taylor had to greet all. He was loved by my grandchildren and our two cats whom would rub against him. I could just go on and on.
Our friend became ill early May with lime disease/cancer. After weeks of treatment and many nights on the floor with him I had to let him go. We spent our last night on the living room floor having a heart to heart and always with my hand touching him. If I stopped he would paw at me asking not to stop. I promised Taylor I would not let him suffer another night.
We were with our friend when he was put to rest on 06/01/00.
To Taylor:
I will think of you always and remember what I said, We will walk together again my gentle giant... Till then, love and miss you,
Mom and Dad