My husband and I spent most of last night in the pet emergency center. Actually, in the parking lot as they won’t let anyone inside. My older greyhound, Alan, who has been in my blog on many occasions, was limping and in pain so we took him to be evaluated. The vet initially thought he had torn his ACL, then X rays revealed a much worse diagnosis. Bone cancer, extremely painful and always fatal. They sent us home with pain medication and little hope. He is still here today, but I am sure he will be gone by my next vase.
This vase is for Alan.
He has spent many hours in the garden with me. His primary tasks, digging holes, terrorizing squirrels and holding down sand and lawn.
The vase is a pottery wine cooler, rarely used for wine, but I love it on my kitchen counter. The white flowers are Bridal Bouquet Plumeria (Plumeria pudica), a miniature pineapple pup (I will plant next week); some Tropical Red Salvia (Salvia coccinea) and a strand of Asparagus Fern.
Below is a story published several years ago in GreenPrints Magazine about my greyhounds in the garden. Truth be told, I don’t have a favorite garden hound. The one in the story was a real character.
Happy Monday and thanks to Cathy at http://www.ramblinginthegarden.wordpress.com for hosting this weekly gardening meme. Visit Cathy to see more vases.
The Shrub Queen 
It’s so hard to lose a beloved pet and garden buddy. I hope you find comfort in your remaining time with him and in all the sweet memories. My heart goes out to you.
The vase is such a beautiful color and the arrangement strikingly beautiful.
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It’s a lovely vase, but such a sad post Amelia. I really feel for you. Our Irish Wolfhound was poorly for a long time before it got so bad that she had to go. I hope you can make Alan’s last days comfortable. I loved the article about Bullitt by the way.
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My Irish wolfhound, Molly got sick and died all too soon, that is often a problem with big dogs.
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Yes, our wolfhound did in fact have a long life after all, despite her illnesss. She was almost ten when she died.
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yes, the bigger the sighthound the shorter the life. I would love a Scottish Deerhound or Irish Wolfhound.
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Thank you..
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I am so sorry to hear about Alan. I know how hard it is to go through losing a pet.
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Beautiful tribute to Alan (and to Bullitt). You have a big heart.
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Thank you, I love my dogs…
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Lovely vase, but so sad about Alan. Such a heartbreak for you Amy, I’m so sorry.
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Thank you, Liz..
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He will have enjoyed his stay with you, Amy, however much longer he has, and perhaps he will feature in a story too in due course? I love the wine cooler vase, and it reflects the colours of the contents beautifully.
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An Alan story..laughing…
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I’m so sorry about Alan, Amelia. He’s a beautiful dog and clearly did his job as the head of squirrel management. I’m glad you’re able to help him through this chapter of his life. (((HUG)))
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Thanks, Kris…the squirrels are still driving him crazy.
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So sorry to read about Alan’s diagnosis, Amy. Things are bad enough without having to add this to the pile… that final goodbye always stinks. 😦 Take care of yourself, hugs to you. ❤
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Thanks. hugs to you..
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A beautiful vase, but I am so sorry for Alan’s diagnosis. May his final days be peaceful and full of love.
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Thank you, Tiffany.
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A gorgeous tribute to your beloved greyhound. It is awful when our dogs have to leave us x
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I have just read your article about Bullitt and now have a tear in my eye. What a character
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Indeed. I enjoyed Bullitt as weird as he was.
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I am so sorry.
This is too saddening to notice the flowers.
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Thanks, Tony Alan is still here, resting comfortably for now.
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I’m so sorry to learn about the troubling result from Alan’s tests. I do hope his last days will be comfortable.
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