With great sadness and many tears, we let Hercules go to the Bridge tonight.

He had not been feeling well and was diagnosed yesterday with acute renal failure. We couldn’t let him suffer any more. He turned 14 ½ earlier this month, and while I know that is really old for a greyhound, I wasn’t expecting that we’d be losing him so soon after our Peyton’s passing.  Maybe he missed his dear little friend and was ready to see her again.

Hercules was an amazing dog who was so integrated into the fabric of our lives that it’s almost impossible to comprehend his not being with us. Everything we did, he was a part of it.  Hiking, boating, vacationing, visiting family, welcoming countless foster dogs into our home…he did it all with a calm confidence and love of life.  He was also stubborn when he wanted to be – going to bed and then barking to let us know it was time for us to go to bed, too.  He loved to roo, and at one GEM Greyhound Event he and his littermate Toughie got the whole place rooing along with them.  He also loved being a therapy dog and visiting seniors in the hospital.  Hercules seemed more like a person than a pet to us.  Our hearts are full of so many wonderful memories. It was through our adoption of Hercules– our first greyhound – that we became part of the GEM family, met so many wonderful people, and made some friends for life.

I’m so thankful that we had him over eleven years, but it feels like it wasn’t enough time. His passing has left a hole in our hearts.

Until we meet again, big boy…we love you, we love you, we love you.

Karen & Chris Bartholomew

• Listing ID: 12226
• Call Name: Hercules
• Pet Name: Hercules
• Color: White and Brindle
• Sex: Male
• Arrived On: 08/08/2004
• Adopted On: 11/06/2004
• Right Ear: 81C
• Left Ear: 97376
• Sire: Hercules Samson
• Dam: System Tricorder
• Adopted By: Bartholomew
• DOB: 08/03/2001
• Deceased: 02/22/2016
• Weight: 72 lbs.
• Littermates: Hercules Tease female, Hercules Test male, Hercules Tina female, Hercules Tough male, Hercules Trust female, Hercules Two E's male