Semper Fi was a 10-year-old male greyhound and he came to live with us in mid-May, 2008. A former racer, he was adopted by a family (a former Marine, thus the name) five years ago. A rock climbing accident resulted in the ex-Marine needing a wheelchair and rehabilitative care and the family decided they couldn't keep all their pets. They decided to give Semper Fi up.
Having lost Rufus to cancer in mid-March, we weren't looking for another greyhound quite yet but when Greyhound Pets of America told us Semper's story and asked if we'd consider taking him in, we couldn't say no. We can't imagine how confusing it must have been for him to adjust to a new home and a new routine. He settled in with us very well.
Semper Fi was quite possibly the sweetest greyhound we’ve had. His affection was heart-meltingly gentle. He liked to tuck his head between our legs or just press against us. He preferred to be in the same room with us when we were home and he greeted us enthusiastically at the door when we returned home after being out for any length of time.
Semper was a really happy greyhound. He loved our three walks each day, so much so that we same to believe he didn't get regular walks in his former life. Meeting people and/or dogs on our walks was an added treat for him; he liked everyone. When we let him out in the backyard to take care of business, he would come running back in at a full gallop, happy as can be.
While we prepared their meals, Semper bounced excitedly on his front legs and ignored Sophie, who often nipped at his back legs in her own display of excitement.
Unfortunately, shortly after he came to live with us he developed a limp. When we took him to the vet, x-rays showed bone cancer in his right front shoulder. It hadn't spread to his lungs at all, so we hoped we'd still have a lot of time with him. We treated his pain with palliative radiation and medication and he did well for awhile.
His spunky spirit was evident up until the end and he never lost his sweetness. We wish Semper had started his post-racing life with us but we're happy we were able to get to know him, take care of him, and love him, even if only for four months.