Ignore Inconveniences - the Ugly Dogling Why would anyone want a long nosed puppy with a massive chest and legs so long and spindly you could see daylight through the skin drawn tight across the bones? Because God made him that way for a purpose. Instead of considering himself a victim, BW made the most of his uniqueness, ultimately turning seemingly awkward features into speed secrets that pushed him well beyond the velocity of the fastest horses ever born. Play Hard - Chasing Ducks What did you do in the second week of your life? Did it shape your future forever? In week two of BW's life he was allowed to go out and play with the ducks. Many pups would whine for their Mom or seek the company of other pups, but BW played with, chased and herded the ducks as if his life depended on it. It did. Because of his enthusiastic ardor he was groomed for competition rather than discarded and destroyed. Work Hard - Win or Die Focus is important. You can breed for speed, but not devotion to a task. Those easily distracted from the goal of catching the mechanical rabbit never make the most of their gifts. Determined dogs survive; those who fail to prove their mettle in just a few races do not. Love Lavishly - Life on a Stud Ranch Do dogs dream? If so, do you think BW dreamt of his numerous track victories, or his subsequent days studding at the racers ranch? He was never one to kiss and tell, but we've heard lots of rumors about our Racetrack Romeo. Give Generously - the Blood Farm The two years BW spent as a blood donor may have saved the lives of fifty other pets. Every two weeks he donated a full unit of blood, and was rewarded with both a cookie and an hour of turn-out time. Charity can be a great deal for all involved. Find a Fast Friend - Picking Austin They say you don't pick a dog - the dog picks you. This is completely preposterous of course, unless you had the opportunity to watch Austin 'interview' dogs for adoption years ago. After identifying about a dozen penned hounds, he brought them one by one into a private room for a little 'meet and greet'. Of that dozen, some were unruly, others just wanted to get back to their familiar crate, and still others were so nervous they wet the floor, but BW chose to get to know the little man who kept calling his name. Little did he know that for the next seven years, all of his food would come from the hand of this stranger. Embrace Family - Coming Home Separation Anxiety? Hardly. Instead of mourning the past, BW embraced his future. He never seemed to miss the kennel mate who always stole his food and blankets, and took immediately to his new colleagues, picking for his 'summer home' a spot on the landing in the people path between floors, and for chillier times the area between the family feet and the fireplace, retiring each night behind the closed bedroom door with Austin. Practice Peace - Suppress Stress A racing dog's life is filled with vets, trainers, kennelmen, grooms, handlers, a disruptive schedule and much more. In time they learn to make the most of what comes and the least of what goes. Consequently BW was always content, whether traveling or left alone, in a crate or in a field, in darkness or light, noisy times or quiet. He ate whatever was offered and went wherever led. Once after a walk in the rain he seemed a little unsteady, but he wasn't trying to pull away, just trying to stand on only two legs as someone busily dried a front paw not realizing someone else was doing the same out back. Live Adventurously - Every Day a Holiday Christmas morning came every day for BW. Whenever Austin's door cracked open he raced downstairs, power-hopping like a lap dog rather than a 90# professional athlete. Every meal was the best he ever tasted, and every walk welcomed like a world tour. Abundantly enthusiastic with his outside time, he chased everything that moved and decorated everything that didn't. Seeing him run was jaw dropping. We learned he could make it from center field to home plate in the time it takes a rabbit to make it from home plate to the dugout, and his closing distance to a "kitty" 15 yards away took less time than it takes a skunk to turn and fire. Finish Well - the Final Sprint Poor me? Not a chance. Even a couple medical hiccups couldn't slow BW down, and our puppy-at-heart continued to amaze. Daily we continued to field questions and comments: What kind of dog is that? He's huge! Did he race? How fast is he? He's beautiful! Then suddenly there was a change, and something deep inside BW's still muscular frame began to show all of its 95 canine years. That last mile was the longest, old friend, but you ran it well, and left a track full of memories and messages. Thank you BW, for showing us the best way to run the race. You will forever be deep in our hearts! With deepest love and respect, Michael, Doris, Kendra, Austin and Sunny