In Loving Memory, James (His Excellency King James, Sa Bar James)

James passed away over a month ago and we havent been able to pull it together and write a rememberance. We finally think we can do it.

James joined our family September of 2004 after a short racing career. He wasn't even supposed to come to our group but was granted his retirement after he saved a greyhound who was slotted to join our group by donating blood. We knew he was our dog when we met him. When you know, you know.

James was such a happy go lucky dog. We always said he was a lab in a greyhound body. His all time favorite thing to do was RUN. So whenever we could, and there werent any small dogs present, we took James running. Not until we moved to Ohio did we discover James' love of the water. He swam whenever he could, up until 2 days before he left us. Much to my husband's dismay, digging would be James' next favorite thing to do. We would find holes in the same places. One day we will find something under there! Another amazing thing he could do was find a ray of light, however small and lay under it. James was known to get up and follow the sun's rays across the family room as the afternoon went on.James helped us welcome our daughter in 2009 and they were a pair. He would run to get me whenever she cried. He followed her in the kitchen and she would always give him treats. She is 2 years old and asks for him everyday.

Even though the cancer was agressive enough to not allow pain medication to touch it, chemo to stop it, and love to rid it, James managed to stay with us for 5 months fighting. He was part of our pack and didnt want to leave us. We would bring him everywhere, even when he wasnt strong enough to get in the car, we lifted him in. Even after he couldn't go on walks, we would lay together in the grass. James died in our arms July 28th under his favorite tree in our yard. We will never forget the huge sigh he let out when the anesthesia hit his system. It showed me that he was able to let go. As funny as it sounds, James is still around us. We feel him jump on our bed at night and see him for moments mostly outside. James was my soulmate, my heart dog. He was the first dog and greyhound we ever owned and will never be replaced. Our pack will never be the same without him.

Run free, James. We will love you forever.