“It’s Time.” Goodnight Daisy

It’s time, saying Goodbye to Daisy.

Daisy was my introduction to the wonderful world of rescued greyhounds.  I adopted her through GAP, Perth, when she was just a little over 3 years old, she was tiny, weighing just 19kg.

Her story to this point had its ups and downs, she had raced 4 times and didn’t place as she didn’t like getting bumped, so she ran wide. 
Daisy went into the GAP rehoming program, and was part of the Greyhound Prison Rehabilitation program, where inmates train and help the greyhounds get ready for adoption. 

Daisy was adopted by a couple, but unfortunately, was not treated well. This sweet little Greyhound  was very emaciated, very withdrawn and covered in fleas, they dumped her back with GAP saying they “Couldn’t be doing with her.”

Daisy went on to a couple of foster homes, but was reactive to cats, rabbits, chickens and birds. 

 

I had just lost Max, a Border Collie cross, and was looking for a companion for our Labrador Cross, Harvey. I took Daisy as a foster.

 

This poor little girl was so tiny, I  nicknamed her my “little bird,” as she felt so fragile. She was beautiful  but had the worst breath imaginable.  Her teeth were so rotten, her gums terribly infected and ulcerated, and she must have been in terrible pain when eating. I asked GAP, “What do we do about her teeth?” I was told “Nothing until she’s adopted! “

I was horrified, how long had this sweet girl been in such discomfort? This was so cruel! I adopted her there and then, and took her straight to the vet. She took 6 weeks of treatment, steroids and antibiotics, before they could do any dental work, and slowly, over the years,  her teeth were all removed,  bar 1.

 

If I had known then what I knew after all her teeth were out, that she could eat really well, I’d have done it sooner. As a direct result of her terrible dental care in early life,  Daisy developed  severe cardiac problems. 

 

Daisy was a happy girl, very easygoing, dainty and quiet. I was lucky enough to be in her life for 11 and a half years. 

 

Daisy and Otis, my other Greyhound,  were  seen at greyhound adoption meetings, and were a brilliant ambassador for the breed. I loved their elegance, the way the ran for fun, their crazy zoomies around the garden, and hours of couch surfing.

 

Daisy became my muse. Several paintings of her graced my walls, she was dainty, sleek,  a stunning subject. Through Daisy I became involved with several Greyhound and dog  rescues, donating artwork for Auctions. My commissioned art work became popular within the greyhound, and Sighthound groups.  I didn’t realise when I fell in love with Greyhounds that I had joined a cult. 

 

Daisy died at 14 years 4 months. Longer than ever expected considering her severe heart failure.  She surprised us and out lived Otis by 10 months.  Once again my heart was broken, but we did give her the BEST life we could, and she repaid us tenfold. 

 

I painted “It’s Time” before she died, when she was quite ill and it was obvious time was no longer on our side. I knew that once Daisy died I wouldn’t be able to paint her. I chose to paint her this final time, depicting the moment she leaves for  the Rainbow Bridge.  Her face alert and intrigued,  her body just starting to disappear into the light.

 

And just like that….She has gone…..

 

Daisy, my “Little bird,” run swift and free sweetheart, you were so beautiful. We walked some happy and amazing miles together.