Goodbye to Fly, our good boy

Fly Tyvand
September 1996-July 6, 2007

Fly was born at the Mike Fynmore Kennel in West Virginia in September 1996. He spent the first 3+ years of his life as a professional greyhound racer in Wheeling Downs, WV and Hollywood, FL. After finishing his racing career, he relocated to the beautiful Northwest and took up full-time residency with the Greyhound Pets of America, a local adoption agency.

Fly was adopted into the loving home of Resa Gamboa in January 2001, he was a Christmas gift from Resa's sister Kathleen. As a retired racer, his pet skills were limited at best. He preferred the sofa to his dog bed and anything his parents were eating to his dog food. He did not know where or when to go to the bathroom or how to negotiate the stairs. All he knew was that he loved being retired and he especially loved spending time with Resa. Whenever Resa would leave the house, Fly would cry at the top of his lungs until she returned. It took several months for Fly to overcome his separation anxiety. Fly was very happy when Tim moved in with Resa and became a permanent member of the family, even though that meant he no longer could sleep in the bed with Resa.

Fly had a calm, peaceful spirit, and loved everyone he met. He enjoyed sleeping, running around the backyard, spending time at the beach, eating human food, jumping up on the bed, visiting his friends at Mt. Scott Animal Clinic, and playing with his good buddies: Clay, Zeba, Shiloh, and Shadow.

Fly was diagnosed with bone cancer on June 13, 2007. The last few weeks of his life were spent sleeping next to his parents, lying outside in the sun, and eating a diet fit for a king. He requested a 10 oz. New York Strip Steak for his last meal.

In his short but rich life he gave his parents more love, joy and companionship than they could have ever hoped for. His parents will be eternally grateful for all the great memories he gave them during his life. Fly will be missed by all who knew him.

This was Fly's favorite place to hang out
A rare picture of Fly standing up

This was Fly in his last days, as you can see, we made him a nice bed to sleep on.
This was Fly doped up on drugs.
Enjoying the sun
This was Fly on his last day with us. He loved lying in the sun.