Stella & Chase

Dear Stella, 

We've put your bed back out.

On Friday a tan colored greyhound named Chase will come to live with us. It has been lonely since you left us last December, and we hope we are able to offer Chase all the comfort and safety you found with us. And we hope he is able to give us even half of what we got from you.

We miss you, Stella. I keep hoping you are alright without us. I know you have had something to do with our adopting Chase.  

Two months ago I had a dream about a dog named Chase. I woke up and thought, 'that's a cool name."  I was surprised a month or so later when there he was, a dog named Chase listed on the Internet through Pet Finder. We drove to Connecticut to meet him. 

I think Chase has had it easier than you did, Stella. He is five years old and he just stopped racing in May. We're told he'd not been mistreated: well adjusted greyhounds run faster. He's been in a foster home since he left the track. Not like you, abandoned and so sick on the streets for a month or two before you were finally rescued. And another two months before we found you in the shelter and you came home with us. 

Your broken back and your preference to quietly hide didn't stop you from healing. I hope that's how it will be with Chase, with his epilepsy and irksome back foot. 

I can't imagine he will be as easy and soulful and graceful as you, my beloved Stella. From the first day, you never asked us for anything, you waited and watched so patiently. For seven years you were always so gentle and grateful. I hope I will love Chase too, Stella. We are ready. But I will never ever lose one molecule of the love I have for you. You live in my heart. 

Please keep an eye on us, He may need your help. We might too. 

And yes, I know: maybe we will rescue one more shelter dog. One more wonderful dog who deserves kindness and love. We just might. I know you will find that dog for us too. I went to the shelter to look today. I just may go again next week. 

Please give my love to Rosie. And Nicki. And to my Dad. I look for you in my dreams, Stella. I look for you everywhere. I will never forget you.