Never doubt that a small group of concerned citizens can change the world.
Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.

-Margaret Mead
   

REGAP Tribute Page

Welcome to MI REGAP’s Tribute Page in loving memory of the greyhounds who have touched our lives. As we take this moment to honor our pets may we also remember the infinite number of our greyhound brothers and sisters who never escaped the racetrack to experience a home full of warmth and love.



Memorial donations for inclusion of your greyhound's tribute on this page are appreciated and can be sent to:
MI REGAP
P.O. Box 806131
St. Clair Shores, MI 48080
You may also donate with Paypal here:



Please send your greyhound's information and photo to Suzanne.

MI REGAP would like to thank the many that have made donations in memory of their beloved pets, to families who wish donations come to us in lieu of flowers at funerals and bequests naming MI REGAP as beneficiary.



BUDDY - 1997-2007

Buddy


Buddy was a puppy at heart. As a senior we see dogs as being closer to the end. I guarantee you that Buddy never saw it that way. His prancing prior to an opportunity to eat or go for a walk made your heart melt every time. Buddy enjoyed simply laying in what ever shed of light was coming through the window. Buddy's time with us will never be forgotten. Each grey strikes a special cord in each of us. Senior dogs are no different..in fact they leave a strong impression that can in no way be faded or weathered. We were blessed to have experienced another senior in our life. Eddie(our previous adopted senior) and Buddy were two seniors that filled out lives and hearts when we needed them to. We will never forget either of them and assume they are together now. Eddie wagged his tail as he entered the doctors office to come to peace and Buddy did the same as I put the leash on to take him to the car to go the vet. Eddie and Buddy knew they were loved and knew we were trying to take care of them as we always had.
Forever In Our Hearts ...
Foster Parents to Senior Lurcher Buddy - Margaret & Jared Hendrickson



Santa Fe Cuyler (Cookie Monster)

Cookie

In January of 2007, a very special dog graduated from the SCAL program and entered the foster home of Deb Palmer and Chris Turek. From the beginning, this big guy stole the hearts of his foster moms. He was one of those dogs you just couldn't help but love, one that needed just the right home, one that you knew would be with his foster family for a little while. "Cookie Monster" was an extra large male who was not cat safe and was terrified of men. Any man that came to visit would send Cookie scurrying to hide, which made placement a bit difficult, so his foster moms had just about decided he needed to stay with them when in June the perfect match arrived. Nancy Hannan came to meet Cookie with her Shih-tzu, Toby, and it was love at first sight! Cookie wanted to go home right then and there. He loved Nancy and even accepted the fact that Toby was the boss. It wasn't long before the two of them were best buds and even sharing a bed!

Nancy, Cookie and Toby were a happy family for about 4 1/2 months when the unthinkable happened. Cookie became seriously ill. Nancy tried everything, MRI's, blood tests, 24-hour vet care, many meds and holistic remedies, nothing worked. A month later the bravest 4 year old around took his journey to the bridge. He tried his best to stay with those who loved him, but his body just couldn't match his spirit.

Goodbye Cookie. We will all see you at the Bridge.

 


 

In Memory of Goldie

Goldie

I lost my Goldie on Saturday, November 18, 2006. She would have been 9 years
old on January 6.

Goldie came to me from REGAP in January of 2000. Her racing name was
'Golddust Franzia', and while I know that life on the track is hell for all
greys, she seemed to have endured even more abuse than most. She was covered
in scars. She was so shy at first - she was terrified of men, and always
afraid of being hit. Bringing her out of her shell was a labor of love, but
one of the most rewarding things I've ever done.
Within a couple of years, she had lost her fear and loved everyone she met -
and the feeling was nearly always mutual.

Goldie was an ambassador in every sense of the word. We used to work REGAP
events when we lived in Michigan, and once we moved down to West Virginia,
she always attracted attention. Her beauty and her calm, loving personality
won people over, while the scars on her body were visible proof of the kind
of life greyhounds experience on the tracks.
One of her favorite jobs was going to a first grade class each year to help
teach the children dog safety - she always LOVED the attention she got from
the kids, while they learned the proper way to safely approach a dog they
don't know. More than a few people in WV swore never to patronize the tracks
again after meeting her, hearing her story and learning of the plight of
other greys still on the tracks.

REGAP saved my beautiful girl from certain death when she was no longer
profitable for her kennel, and allowed me almost seven blessed years of her
company - and I know that she is only one of the many, many greys that owe
their lives to this organization. I can't possibly thank you enough.
Although it will be some time, I hope one day to have another greyhound
grace my couch, and will certainly contact REGAP when I am ready.

 


 

The Story of “Angel”

Angel

My name was Angel, I was born ‘Eternal Angel’ in Wisconsin on October 20, 1998, and I was bred to race and did so for the first 4 years of my life. Once I was retired from the track, I was one of the lucky greyhounds to have been given to REGAP. There I was put into a foster home until my forever family, Juli and Don Jeffery, adopted me. This is really when my life started. I was so lucky to have found a family that loved me unconditionally and I loved them too.

My Mom got us involved in volunteering for REGAP and we worked many Meet & Greets. I even was a supermodel for their fashion show, twice! And at the age of 7, I won the summer picnic race. To top it all off I’ve become a ‘therapy dog’, working at a nursing home every month as well as schools. I love children and all humans; I also love my sister Alley ‘Cat’. I am so grateful to REGAP for giving me my life back.

On October 12, 2007 I was diagnosed with a disease called Osteosarcoma (bone cancer), and I passed away on November 10, 2007, I was 9 years old. I sure wish my life hadn’t ended so quickly, but I know that I will remain in my family’s hearts forever. Until we meet again.


Focus - 1999-2007

Focus

At Meet & Greets I tell people that greyhounds don’t take up much room in spite of their size but since our Focus crossed the bridge we’re amazed at how many empty places we find in our house and in our lives. We know he’s chasing squirrels and when we meet again he’ll jump up and down so happy to see us. We love you and miss you Focus.

Mike & Vicki Wright


Berkeley. July 1997-January 9, 2008

Berkeley

I was only 11 years old when we adopted Berkeley. I convinced my grandma she
needed the company of a dog when she was left alone after her husband passed
away.
I am so incredibly happy that I decided to urge her to adopt a greyhound,
because Berkley was the best dog anyone could ever ask for. He wasn't just a
dog, he was a part of our family. He was so gentle, affectionate, and
loving. His sincere eyes could melt anyone's heart. He gave us 7
unforgettable years. He touched the hearts of so many during his life.

When we lost him, It was a tragic day. But all the memories we have of our
Berkeley, our angel, make us realize he's in a better place now. If any dog
deserved to go to heaven, it was him. He will be greatly missed, and never
replaced.

- Lauren


Moose

Moose

Moose, nicknamed “Moo Moo” died after a long illness. He left us on January 28th 2008.
He was our first REGAP dog. We always called him our gentle giant. He will be missed by his two brothers Chaos and Comanche. Love you – Mom & Dad

 


Georgia

Georgia

I was born 8/5/2002 and named PA's Georgia. I raced in Kansas and retired
after about 3 years. I went to live with a family in Kansas but was returned
through "no fault of my own". I could not find a forever home in Kansas, so
I was brought to Michigan. A great family fostered me and then I went to
live in my forever home on 12/22/2006.

My family took me for long walks in the park every Sunday (except during the
freezing weather), rubbed my ears, gave me back massages, and provided
numerous stuffed toys to play with, and spoiled me rotten. I loved to chase
the squirrels that taunted me in my own back yard. I loved to lie out in the
sun and run in the back yard with my sisters. My favorite spot for napping
was on the couch curled up in a tight ball. I had two furry Galgo sisters
who I got to boss around. My family loved me.

On 3/2/08, I got really sick and was rushed to the vet were they found
cancer. I was in bad shape so my Mom gave the OK for the Vet to help me into
Heaven.

Note:
I'll miss you Georgia, you were my big, silly, beautiful girl who showed me
what is was like to love unconditionally, and until we meet again....

 


Boss 8/6/1994 – 8/8/2008

Boss

Boss came to REGAP under unusual circumstances – we found him listed as ‘free to a good home’ on a popular online ad website. He was 13 years old, underweight, bad teeth that had to be pulled but still a sweet, affectionate boy when we found him that good home. His forever foster parents nursed him back to health and he enjoyed the last days of his life deeply loved, happy with his two greyhound brothers trotting in the yard and nudging everyone’s hand for extra pets. Boss made it to celebrate his 14th birthday which was possible by the love and caring of his foster parents, Laura & Jim, and all of REGAP for their support of our Senior Adoption Program.


 

Charlie March 2002-October 2008

Charlie

Dearly loved by Paula and her family. Charlie was the sweetest boy to all who met him…handsome, smart, playful and eager to please. He loved going for his daily walks maybe even more than his special treats. As shown here in this picture, he loved his naps and when in a deep slumber rolled onto his back and cockraoched. His goofy personality, adorable face and affectionate nature will be a part of our hearts forever.
We love you Charlie!!




Hear our humble prayer, O God for our friends the animals and especially for animals who are suffering, for any that are hunted or lost or deserted or frightened or hungry; for all that must be put to death. We entreat for them all thy mercy and pity, and for those who deal with them we ask a heart and compassion and gentle hands and kindly words. Make us, ourselves, to be true friends to animals and to share the blessing of the merciful.

- Albert Schweitzer