Plan Impact 1.07.2013 – 15/02/2024
The judge had retired to the bar by the time Michael crossed the line, a mere eighteen lengths after the winner. His Trainers were already there, recovering from the shock. Michael’s dad wasn’t cheap! Royal Impact sired some of the fastest dogs to chase a hare around a stadium. Derby winners, Group winners, Track record holders you name it. Mum won twelve Open races and took a Group 3 for good measure. The family reads like a greyhound’s Who’s Who.
Yes well, what is the saying about plans and God, Michael showed up at Tia a few months after. This isn’t a horror story; the trainer wanted the best for him and made damn sure he got it. There was also a problem. Michael had a skin condition which made him look pretty ropey, almost bald. Add that to big, black, shouty and male and you end up with a blueprint for a sponsor dog. They had tried every medication going to no avail but were still determined to give him the best life possible.
We managed to improve his hair a little after time and he settled to our world. Michael didn’t take kindly to his one shot at a sofa and blotted his copybook in a marked manner. Having returned under a cloud and lots of stitches, he was so relieved to be home, we bowed to the inevitable and asked for sponsors. Perhaps that was his destiny anyway.
The vet has just left us. A series of strokes pulled Michael down, his skin condition flared with a vengeance, and we knew we hadn’t long before he slipped through our fingers. We also know his time with us was a happy one, relishing the comings and goings and racing the tractors in his pen. Michael had an army of supporters including Nigel who came up especially to say goodbye a few weeks ago. We loved him and it is hurting. He was put to sleep in his bed, with his friends around him, the vet and veterinary nurse ( from Moray Coast ) were lovely and of course Deb was stroking his head….he slipped away very peacefully.
It’s been a terrible day, a terrible, terrible month and there’s more bad news to come….but for now Michael sleep tight big fella.
