[chipinoh]

Tomorrow is the first anniversary of Randy’s passing.

I've had several dogs over the years, but Randy was something special.


When my son Daniel was 3, he was scared to death of dogs, especially big dogs. My wife and I decided the best course of action was to adopt the most relaxed and gentle big dog we could find who didn't bark. Starting with those criteria, we ended up looking into rescuing a retired racing greyhound. When we explained our family situation to the woman who runs Central Ohio Greyhound Rescue, she said she was positive she had the perfect dog for us.

Randy was almost five and had just finished a very long and successful racing career down in Florida, but he wasn't quite successful enough to be put out to stud. To Randy, there were two kinds of people: those he knew & loved, and those he was about to meet & love. He was no guard dog - he never once barked at the doorbell, another dog, or a stranger. He was, however, the kindest, gentlest, most patient dog I ever had the pleasure of knowing. He was just the right height for a little boy in a wheelchair to pet, & he was the first (and for a long time, the only) dog Daniel would pet by choice. He brought us so much joy over the six years we shared with him.

Over the years, we rescued two other dogs – Duchess, a chihuahua/daschund mix, and an APBT named Penny. Randy welcomed them into our home as the dignified senior gentleman he was.


In late 2006, we noticed what we thought was arthritis setting in, which would be normal given his age & the pounding he took on the track. Over time, it became apparent that he actually had a degenerative nerve disease, similar to MS. He gradually lost more & more control over his rear legs until stairs were impossible, standing was difficult, and bladder control became a memory. Finally, the Saturday morning of Easter Weekend 2007, we found him denned up in our closet, unable to come out to eat or go outside. Jill & I knew it was time, so we made the last, difficult trip to the Vet. I was lucky to be able to hold it together so I could comfort him and thank him for being such a great friend as he drifted off.


Daniel decided, on his own, that Randy needed a memorial service. He ended up with two: one that evening with my parents & siblings, and one Easter Sunday afternoon with Jill's side of the family. Everyone had warm memories & funny stories to share. We decided a tree for the backyard would be a lasting tribute.


Knowing in advance that this day was fast approaching, we had already selected a rescue dog to adopt when the time came. Baker is a big, goofy, meat-headed APBT who fits right in with Team Rako. He's not as sedate as Randy was, but then again, we're not as sedate as we were six years ago either.

Randy Knows
6/29/96 - 4/7/07
Chasing Rabbits in Heaven






Randy, Daniel & Chip - 2004

[Michele]

Run free at the Bridge.

Thank you so much for sharing that wonderful memorial to a wonderful dog.

[Maddie's Mom]

RIP Randy

Thank you for sharing that with us. What a beautiful story about a dog with a beautiful soul.

[megschristina]

RIP Randy

[Purple]

That is a beautiful tribute! Thank you for sharing it with us.

RIP, Randy.

[CoolHandJean]

Great story. RIP Randy. You were an amazing dog! Enjoy your peaceful time in Heaven!

[chipinoh]

Thanks to all for your kind words and thoughts.

[johnnyoops]

RIP Randy. There's no pain in heaven!

[luvapit]

RIP Randy.

[Madeleinemom]

A very loving tribute to a well loved dog, RIP, dear Randy.

[jeoestreich]

Run Free.

RIP Randy

[Jelet]

RIP Randy =[

[Patch O' Pits]

Hugs and prayers! Run Pain free at the Rainbow Bridge wjile you await the day when you will see your owners again

I'm very sorry for your loss.

Time helps heal and the hole in the heart that is filled each year with fond memories of times spent.

They definitely do leave paw prints on our hearts when they go...and we are better to have known them