Prior to the Dancing Greyhounds, there were some very special girls that were sent to Kathleen in order to ensure she would be properly prepared for her life with Sweet. As I reflect back to each of their personalities I can see how each one was an intricate part of the big puzzle. Muggy (who will always be "my girl") was the spirit of Sweet. Her eyes were of laughter and depth. She never let Kathleen finish a sentence and had a presence about her that was mesmerizing. Lash had the wonderful "I can leap through hoops, and jump the jumps, but I really have no use for that cutesy, sit/stay stuff". Loni was of heart. Her gentle, loving manner was like no other I have met. Kathleen's wish was her command! Sometimes she would just sit and stare at Kathleen with admiration. Hazel was the bombshell of the group. To watch this beautiful Saint Bernard perform could only be expressed as breathtaking. Most people could never use the words Saint Bernard and grace in the same sentence, but with Hazel it was the only way.
I believe it was at this point that the higher being looked down on Kathleen and decided to send her His greatest gift. She had proven herself far more worthy than any other human in deservence of this precious being and so it was to be. A gift no one else could understand or begin to touch, Kathleen was sent her soul mate.
When they first laid eyes on each other, they knew immediately that even though they had never met in this lifetime, they had always been as one. They had both needed to go through every aspect of their past in order to fulfill their future. The beginning of their lives opened the world to the Gilley Dancing Greyhound Team and the world of greyhound adoption in general.
I was still abroad when the two first met but knowing them as well as I do, I'm sure the beginning was nothing less than extraordinary and probably a bit hilarious. With these two it was to be equal partnership in everything. Their personalities are identical, and perfection, dynamics and strong believes that come from the inner-soul, were to be the stronghold of the relationship. Together they would grow and learn from each other.
I say hilarious because as with all wonderful new relationships certain changes must be made by each and when two beings are so much alike this can be a bit of a challenge. For example, when discussing travel arrangements one should never believe that just because the other has never traveled extensively in an RV or slept on a queen size bed does not mean that one does not realize these luxuries exist. Being a responsible, loving person, Kathleen took all the necessary safety precautions when Sweet first came to live with the family. She set up a beautiful kennel with plenty of blankets for Sweet to travel in until she acclimated to the movement of the RV. Sweet?s intelligence being far superior to most, realized immediately that equals shared beds, seats, and everything else. She also had no qualms about expressing her thoughts to Kathleen, Gil, the other Girls and everyone else traveling down I-75. Could you imagine traveling hundreds of miles with a grey yelling at you the entire way? Adjustments to the sleeping arrangements were quickly arranged and Sweet now owns the queen size and all of the pillows as well.
Within days of the uniting Sweet and Kathleen both realized the potential the other possessed. Kathleen began by showing Sweet basic obedience that would ensure safety and good manners. Sweet explained to Kathleen that yes, this would work, BUT if we added a bit of zest with an introduction of a spin or a leap, it would bring it totally together. This was not only be demonstrated with performances, but it would bring them closer each day spiritually. They have been each other's pillars of strength when the other wasn't sure what the next step should be. If either was not feeling at their best physically or mentally, the other provided courage, comfort, spirit and I believe a little challenge which was needed to overcome all adversities. They were and continue to be one.
As the years have passed they have been each other's salvation, spirit and lifeline. Yet as time has permitted growth and bonds beyond this realm, the understanding has also come to both, that Sweet must return to the higher being. He loans us beloved gifts for such a short time and yet without them, time would be worth nothing. There are a few things I believe Sweet would want you to remember. I believe she would want you to follow examples she, as well as Kathleen, Gil and the other Girls have set. For this is why she lived, in order for all of us to grow, learn to care and be responsible for others as well as ourselves.
There is a very important little girl in Sweets' life. Most of you have never seen, or maybe even heard about her. Sweet has taught this little girl that love and kinship does not need to come from human or even a family source. She has shown her that even though your surroundings are not what they should be, if you have look, unconditional love is yours to hold. I trust that without Sweet this child may have never known this. When Sweet had made a miraculous recovery from a life-threatening illness, I believe only this child truly understood why. She told Kathleen, "you know Sweet did not leave us because she knows we were not ready yet." These are words of wisdom coming from innocence and faith.
Many children who have never spoken or interacted with anyone or anything have reached for Sweet. She has proven to be an ambassador of hope. She did not ask what is this going to do for me, she didn't need anything, and she didn't require a medal or even a temporary spotlight. To her it is what living is about - never losing hope.
She has given her soul to Kathleen and her love and strength to each of us. When we face a situation that seems overwhelming and confusing we must close our eyes and remember the gifts she has left us all, faith, love, hope, strength and spirit. In her memory she does not want sadness, or tears, that is not what her life was about. She would like us to follow her example and give all we can while here on this earth. Forget the petty things and approach everyone with the gifts she has provided us. Remember good and bad will both come to us, don't waste time on the negatives, focus on the positives as they both will come to pass.
We must also remember she has given Pasta, Safire, Chey, MsME! and Beauty the wisdom to continue and follow her lead. If you have any doubts, during any performance, look up. You will see a twinkle of light or some sort of reminder. Do not believe it is the sun or your eyes playing tricks on you, it is Sweet continuing to guide her most positive contribution to the world, The Gilley Dancing Greyhound Team.
I will not say goodbye to you Sweet, as I know you will never truly be gone.
As such, they can only accept invitations from pro or neutral groups.
