Comments and Wishes from Friends of Val
(Long Version)

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This is just a sampling.  There were many more.  We really appreciate the kind words of folks we know and some we don't know.  If you have a thought you would like to ad, e-mail it to us.

• 1. oh my goodness, poor Val....poor you guys...keep me posted, let me know asap when they get done with surgery. you'll be in my prayers

• 2. ...Val has reached the point of quality beating out quantity and I have no doubt that the quality has been as good as it gets...I'm really glad that I was able to see Val the jiggy whippet in action.

• 3. Hey, I am so sorry. It is amazing how wrenching it can be to lose a critter who never actually said in words, "hey, you're right, I'm sorry I peed inappropriately."  I was incredibly traumatized by Beau's death about a year and a half ago. We still miss him.  Of course, I know there isn't anything I can do, but if there IS anything I can do, let me know.  (insert something astonishingly appropriate and comforting here)

• 4. We're really sorry that this has happened in to your life.  She sounds like a wonderful animal that has been well loved.  You couldn't have asked for a better friend, she couldn't have asked for a better family.  All involved couldn't have asked for more....Those who will not understand that the animals that live with us become just as important as any other family member might not understand the pain that is involved in experiencing the illness and death of a beloved dog.  We certainly do understand, Eric, and hope that you understand that we will offer up our sincere thoughts of a passing that will be memorable and kind to all...I only hope that you will reconsider your decision about another Whippet.  Every being has such a distinct personality - and Val will always be special for her reasons.  It seems that you and Cathy have a strong affinity for Whippets, and that there may be another Whippet in trouble that needs a family that understands the breed. It's not the one dog become a substitute for the other, another dog becomes part of your family in it's own distinct way.  In my opinion (not having children) it's important to teach children that death does not mean you must abandon all care for another dog, a cat - a friend, a parent.  I'm not saying that is what you are doing, it's merely a caution from me not really knowing all of the particulars.  Every being dies, and it's important for us to understand that this is the most natural (if painful) thing we all experience.  She should live a long life, that's fair.  But, maybe her illness and eventual passing is meant to teach all that love her something about love and loss.  Such a gift that is....We look at our dog and constantly say "Oh, puppy.  You just ain't gonna live long enough..." Bob and I have never known our marriage without Harley.  This experience that you and your family are going through has reminded us to care harder, love better and understand how lucky we are to have this animal in our lives.  Thank Val for that for us...There obviously is a lot of love for her. Bob and I send our best thoughts and care for this experience to be as meaningful as it can be for your family.

• 5. I am so sorry to hear about Val.  She is such a love, I'm sure you will miss her forever.  I must tell you, when I lost my first Whippet, Paris, I felt very much the same as you do.   I did get a Borzoi and another Whippet before he died because I knew if I didn't, I would never get another one.  As it turned out, Teddy was totally different from Paris but needed us very much as he had a very bad heart and was shy because of his poor health.  We loved him differently than Paris but we did love him.  I hope you will consider someday getting another Whippet but if not, maybe another breed.  Again, I am so sorry for your loss.

• 6. I could really empathize with you today as I read this.  I've had two dogs die from cancer, one was a Beagle/Basset mix and the other a purebred Scottie...For the past several years we have been contributing to the Scottish Terrier Club of America's Heath Trust Fund which is spending a lot of time and money working on canine cancers.  The benefit will not be only for Scotties, but for all dogs and, possibly, humans as well.  I truly believe that one day we will beat this horrible disease...I look forward to seeing you again.  Keep in touch and give Val a hug for us.

• 7. I hope she knows how lucky she is to have you both.  I'll think good thoughts for you all.

• 8.  I'm glad that she has such a wonderful family to love her.  You may not know me but I am a whippet club member who saw Val run at a lot of the practices and I am Bailey's breeder - the boy who ran with Val for Certification.  I enjoyed visiting the website and hearing all about Val's adventures!  My first whippet many years ago used to compete with Val's daddy Hustler in lure coursing and oval racing - they were a sight to see.  Black and white versus big white (my dog Spott is all white) and boy they could really fly in their day.  Spott misses those days and mainly looks for warm sunny spots to grab another nap...Some of the best times I ever spent were when Jo...and I were running our dogs while the hot air balloons floated in at sunset out at 60 acres park in Redmond.  Never could tell what was going to happen first - finishing a course or having a balloon land in the middle of the field!  That was back in the days where we ran the dogs because it was fun and we all enjoyed it.  Glad to see you have a website showing some of your fun times in the field - someday I would like to set up a website too.

• 9. ...our thoughts and prayers are with your family and Val.  Just remember when your tears are flowing so are mine, and when your heart hurts there will be another that is doing the same. Glen and I went through this with Bones a number of years ago and now when I think back I thank my lucky stars that we were given the opportunity to live with this great whippet. Even though his life was cut short.  As for not getting another whippet. Don't count one out. Val would not be a happy girl if her family was without a love...Val will never be replaced in this lifetime, she is a one and only. You and Erik made her life a very happy one.  Susi [one of Val's litter mates] sends her love and so do we.

• 10. Take care of that little girl ( I know you will).  Give her hugs for Chris & I .  Hugs for the both of you both too.

• 11. just keep on hugging.