Buck

Buck Jones is a racing greyhound. He is owned by my friend Kathy and was named by my husband, Don. Kathy not only allowed us to name him, but to pre-adopt him. When his racing career is over he will come home to join our family.

Kathy and I first met in an on-line forum called the Pro-Grey Alliance. It is a place where greyhound adopters, adoption reps, racing owners and trainers meet to discuss one of our favorite subjects. We put greyhounds first and come together in a spirit of friendship that only benefits the dogs we love. In the last year, she has taught me a lot about kennel operations and about greyhounds themselves. I know how much she loves her dogs and know that she loved Buck from the very moment he was born.

Buck was one of eight puppies born on April 1, 1999. His dam is Miss Tee and his sire is It's a Lucky Deal. For Christmas Kathy sent me a couple of pictures of the litter. They were beautiful babies.

When the dogs were ready to begin their careers we got to help name some of them. Kathy picked out a red brindle with a white chest and white toes and we named him Buck Jones. The National Greyhound Association approved the name. After the name was accepted Kathy told us we could pre-adopt him.

We both now refer to him as "ours." I am so thankful that she shares him with me. I screamed with joy on Thanksgiving when I opened Kathy's e-mail telling me he had won his first race.

I am very lucky to have received a tape of some of his races. He likes to run to the outside; so in order to win he has to be very determined. I love the way his ears flip up when he runs.

He is a beautiful soft red brindle, at 71 pounds he is strong and well muscled. I am told he loves to give hugs and kisses. Kathy tells me he has happy eyes. I can't wait to meet him, look into his eyes and get some hugs and kisses in person.

Early one Sunday morning in February of 2001, during a schooling race, Buck tried to jump over another dog to get to the outside part of the track. (where he liked to run best) Unfortunately, he fell and compound fractured and shattered his front leg. There was no way to repair the damage that was done. In the loving arms of his trainers he was helped to the Bridge. My thoughts are with his owners and trainers, I know how very much they loved him and how much they are hurting too. Run free, whole and strong sweet Buck, until we meet in person. We love you!