When in the line of work we’re in you form differing relationships. Some clients we see only once a year. Some several times throughout the year. We have some clients who’ve been with us from the very beginning, some 17 years ago. Children have grown up and gone to college while we’ve cared for their puppies who became old. We go through divorces, births, deaths, sickness and many, many joyous events. Then there are those that go above and beyond any descriptive word.

I share an unspoken bond with Tracy and her greyhounds. When we first met she only had the male, Elect. I had the pleasure of walking him daily while she worked. Not long after meeting, she found her house and wanted a friend for him. I was invited along to the GPA (Greyhound Pets of America) office to help them find that friend. We found Jelly.

Jelly (white) & Elect (brindle).

I spent so much time at their house I felt like a roommate. Tracy had given me the go-ahead that it was fine with her however long or however much I wanted to hang with her pups. She traveled frequently. I would make her house my base of operations. I’ve watched many a movies with greyhounds at my feet. I’ve eaten many meals with them and that’s where we termed the phrase – “Jelly Sandwich” or “Jelly Soup” or “Jelly Salad” depending on what I was eating. Scottie knew where he could find me if I said I was going to take a “Jelly Nap”. Their momma had health difficulties and there were several times when we weren’t sure when she would be coming home. She knew the one thing she never had to worry about was if her dogs were being cared for as I would be there no matter what.

Jelly & Elect.

Our friendship and bond has endured even though she and the dogs have moved away a few times. During one stint in another city Elect died. She was devastated as was Jelly. Not long after, Lennon came along. When Tracy moved back I finally got to meet him and our old routines began again. More Jelly Sandwiches.

Jelly & Lennon

As with everyone, our lives are ever changing. Tracy fell in love and moved up North to marry. It was wonderful seeing her so happy! We kept in touch, of course. Then towards the end of last year, the unthinkable happened. Jelly, who was now a senior greyhound developed a limp. Bone cancer. The news felt like a kick in the gut. The worst part was not being able to be there to help or hug or anything. It progressed quickly. Jelly was given peace to be with her beloved Elect. Tracy was left with a huge hole in her heart.

Her Dad also loved Jelly very much. He was her caretaker for a long time, too, during one of her illnesses. Here is what he wrote:

Hi Tracy
I remember Jelly
 
* When she had a loaf of bread in her mouth
* When she (with style) flipped your bed spread on to your bed
* When she would prance around (look at me)
* When she taught Elect how to jump into the SUV on the way to CA
* When she just loved going for food without having to wait
* When she loved to go in the kitchen, and look around the corner to see if I noticed
* When she ripped the new bed
* When she loved to play and bark
* When she was always aware of the bunnies in your yard
* When she was the last one to wake up
* When she did not like the rain
* When she always lead both boy dogs around (she was in charge)
* When she would leave what she chewed up in the middle of the floor (see what I did)
 
Jelly made life a better place.
Love Daddy

Jelly did make life a better place. Tracy is a friend I love and cherish. I hope her heart is not hurting quite so much these days. I hope she likes the song I chose for our Jelly.

“You Saved Me” ~ The Winery Dogs