Uriah

Toggle McQueen

12/6/13 – 14/08/25

We knew this family very well. We took in Uriah’s aunties, uncles, brothers and sisters for years until the trainer thankfully hung up his muzzles and went fishing. There was a sweepstake in the kennels as to when his mother would trot up the drive. Our pal came in with his brother and once Uriah’s nerves had settled, we believed both to be destined for their own sofas’ and quickly. Beautiful young dogs. We were wrong.

Uriah’s brother had bite marks on his wrists. We were on to it immediately but within weeks he had succumbed to an aggressive form of bone cancer that greyhounds are particularly prone to. He was only a few years old and a terrible waste of a beautiful young dog. Uriah was affected by his loss and it became obvious that he wasn’t going anywhere.

A glittering career as a sponsor beckoned and as a particularly attractive greyhound, Uriah proved to be popular. Apart from that he was just another straightforward dog, earning his keep with an endless succession of totties for company.

Every day is a lesson, isn’t it. We had only been in Scotland for two days when Uriah let out the scream of death. Uriah was playing in the garden, and I knew immediately that he had broken his leg. I also instinctively knew that it was cancer, which the vets soon confirmed. However, I couldn’t let him go, not yet. I thought at best he might have a good summer, but I really felt that he wouldn’t be around much longer…

After nearly 30 years in rescue, we’re sceptical about higher powers but we all prayed for more time, particularly for Lana’s sake. Our prayers were answered and Uriah held on. Our vets have no idea how he has lasted over three years. Uriah began to fade after Xmas but with his best girl at his side, still enjoyed his life. We lost him today and the hammering we are taking is taking its toll upon us. Lana looks for him in between visitors and rabbits but will soon find solace in the next lodger. Besides, Lana has the whole of the Vetbed to herself though it won’t be so much fun without someone to annoy. The bed under my desk maybe be filled with another, getting in the way of my feet.

Thank you, Uriah. I shall miss holding the door for 15 mins while you make up your mind, also the heart stopping late rush as you decide to go for the gap.

We loved you very much.