25 ZOE (racing name ONOMASTICA)  4.10.94 – 23.10.09 Zoe came to us in the autumn of 2000 – a small, sturdy, black girl that no-one else seemed to want.   She had been exported from southern Ireland to race in Barcelona several years before and I think her strong disposition had been her saviour during her time out there.        We already had a gentle, black lurcher, Cleo, of the same age and even though they tended to ignore each other they also showed a kind of understanding. At first, Zoe was very aggressive towards other dogs, always wore a muzzle and was also unpredictable with people. She would never be cuddled and even when you stroked her she would often try to nip and warn you to stay away – what a blessing when she had all her decaying teeth removed! Even though her aggressive behaviour upset me I could understand why she might be behaving in this way and rather than give up on her I intended to ensure the rest of her life would be happy and comfortable. Over time she mellowed a little and always enjoyed being near Cleo for company.        During the last couple of years Zoe suffered with stomach problems but despite this she still soldiered on into her sixteenth year until her back legs became very weak. Even though she could not walk far she en- joyed going to the park in the car, taking a short walk and then lying contently in the sun for a while watching other dogs around us.  I even managed to stroke her on occasions – she seemed to be really enjoying a little affection during her last days.              When it was time to finally say ‘goodbye’ she attempted one last nip… at the vet! We do miss her.      Sue North, The Greyhounds in Need shop, Bournemouth Badger who died in my arms, at the vets, was simply my best friend and the best dog in 30 years I have known.  His last action was to lick my hand, which was so Badger.  Everything he did, he did out of love and he went from being a traumatised galgo to being calm and       confident.  The seven years friendship Badger and I had were the best years of my life.  Gold Bless you Badger.  I still love you and always will.  A heartfelt thank you to all those who supported Badger and I during his battle with leukaemia and surrounded us with love and care and those who carry on the work with the galgos of Spain.      Jenny Our Princess Nuria   The day you came to your forever home on the 3rd April 2009 was like a breath of fresh air in what had been a very hard and sad six months in our family life. We were so happy to bring you home that day, at last we had something to look forward to. It was a shaky start getting used to all the new smells and sometimes very loud sounds of a home you had never known. Soon enough though you were ruling the house sleeping on everyone’s bed apart from your own! I remember an evening we had to fight for the sofa and guess who won princess Nuria! As soon as you heard the jingle of your lead or the "walkies" word your ears would prick up even if it was only the one. In the short seven months you were with us, you brought so much happiness to our family and we have such great and funny memories of us getting to know each other. The night you decided to jump the garden wall and spend the night in Windsor great park was one of the longest of our lives, getting everyone involved in the search party and up all night worrying where you were, only to find you at the back door in the morning waiting for your breakfast. I bet you gave the bunnies a hard time that night.    Saturday the 21st November 2009 brought one of the   hardest decisions we had to make. Your kidneys were failing and life was draining from you, I looked into your eyes and they told me what I had to do. Special thanks to Carolyn for your much needed support on that day.    We miss you so much but will always have special memories to remember you by. We thank GIN for giving us the opportunity to give Nuria the best seven months of her young life. God Bless.xxxx     Tracey and family