Winston Graves-McCrory
22 January 2009Winston Graves-McCrory
Winnie’s Wish
Most who read this will not have known Winston Graves-McCrory. I share his story with you for one reason: Winnie’s wish was always to be part of a family……..
If you knew Winnie, please share your story about him. Or, please share the story of your animal companion.
17 Responses to “Winston Graves-McCrory”
January 22nd, 2009 at 9:47 am
Gigi,
What a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing it with your OPP family. I’m so thankful to have known Winston. I remember Winston from when I first started volunteering. He had very thick fur and shed a lot! I attended one of my first OPP gatherings and remember Winston being there, walking around getting a pat from everyone.
I also remember reading about the ’suprise’ adoption application from Jeff. How exciting that must have been for you!
I only knew Winston for a short time but I’ll always remember how sweet and gentle he was.
We love you Winston!!!
January 22nd, 2009 at 10:24 am
I am one of the fortunate ones who knew and loved Winston. He was the first dog that I met at OPP when I went through training. He was sweet, loving, and, very dignified. He went from lap to lap just greeting all the trainees. He and his buddy, Ralph, were wonderful greeters. Kenny and I understand your sorrow. The only bad thing about loving a furry friend is saying goodbye.We will miss you, Winston.
January 22nd, 2009 at 4:59 pm
OK, as I just told you, you really got me the story is wonderful I look like Tammy Faye mascara wise.
January 22nd, 2009 at 5:10 pm
What a lucky dog to have had such awesome parents! You can tell by the pictures that he was so loved!! I had the honor of getting to know Winston when I visited OPP some with Lee a few years ago. There was something about him that just captured my heart. Even though I wasn’t around him a whole lot, I felt a little bond with him and I am so sad to hear of his passing. He was a precious angel of a dog and I know he will be missed! My heart goes out to Gigi and Jeff because I know how hard it is to lose the animals that we love so much.
Winston, I hope you are running, pain free, and getting lots of treats!!
January 22nd, 2009 at 5:27 pm
I never knew Winston as he was adopted before I came along. However, I remember working a lot with Gigi & Jeff getting the camp designed for the summer camp of 2008 and always hearing Gigi talking about running off to check on him, take him to his acupuncture appointments etc. I could always feel the love when Gigi spoke of him
Winston - tell Sniffles, Lucy, Mr Fluffy, Dylan and ther other OPP gang that we miss them and may you guys run free together in peace.
January 22nd, 2009 at 5:48 pm
Gigi, Winston is so proud of you for writing that beautiful tribute to him. I credit Winston with finding OPP for me. My sister and I were looking for an organization to volunteer with and the moment she saw Winnie’s picture in his yellow bandanna that was it. I loved getting to know him and he taught me so much. Losing is never easy and we never feel like we have enough time with our furry friends. If we could only have another minute, hour or day we could feel better. Winston was given a dream life that he much deserved and we will continue this work for the other Winnies out there in his name.
January 22nd, 2009 at 9:56 pm
Gigi- this is such a touching story. It is so so true to ask them what they want. I am so glad that he got to be home with you and Jeff when he passed. I wish I would have been able to meet him, but like Heather, he was adopted before I came to OPP. Know that he will watch over you and Jeff forever now!
January 23rd, 2009 at 8:16 am
Gigi, your story touched me deeply. I remember the first time I met Winston…he and Haley came in at the same time. He was such a gentleman and was so fortunate to have found his home with you and Jeff. As we all know, losing one that we love is so incredibly difficult but all of the joy they bring into our lives while they are with us is immeasurable. We will never forget Winston.
January 23rd, 2009 at 1:04 pm
I did not know Winston. But, he sounded like an extraordinary dog. He had an amazing home. The story was quite touching. Winston remains in OPP’s hearts.
January 24th, 2009 at 10:31 am
Hi Gigi - Thank you for sharing Winnie’s story. That was the most moving thing I’ve ever read. I am crying my eyes out. And I couldn’t agree more that dogs (and cats!) have such sweet little souls and should all be cherished just like children. Winnie was truly blessed to be so loved.
January 25th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
Gigi & Jeff, You are in my prayers during this time of loss. I remember when Winnie joined OPP. From the beginning, he showed only unconditional love and sweetness to all. Even with his health issues, he always stood tall and dignified. No matter what other dog he encountered, he always treated them with respect..never a cross word or complaint. I am so grateful for having had the opportunity to love Winnie and receive his love. I know you will miss him.
January 25th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
Gigi Im very sorry to hear of Winnies passing. I know how much you love all these guys and do everything possible for them. Winston was lucky to have have you.
January 25th, 2009 at 6:18 pm
Gigi, I know I am brand new to OPP, but your story here was amazing! I am so sorry for your loss, but you obviously gave Winnie a great few years! The dogs at OPP are so lucky to have you and all the volunteers who care so much about finding dogs new homes. I hope I can always be a part of your great organization!
January 25th, 2009 at 8:42 pm
Gigi and Jeff, you were such a blessing to Winston. I am so thankful to have known him and his sweet, quiet wisdom. Through you and OPP, he was able to lead a full life, with volunteers who loved him and then you who gave him a complete and loving home for the last 2 years. His life, and the lives of Lucy, Ralph, Sniffles, Dylan and Mr. Fluffy will forever touch our lives and OPP forever.
January 30th, 2009 at 2:06 pm
When I first came to OPP in February 2006, Winston was the very first dog I met. Winston was a greeter along with Nellie, a small-ish black and tan mix. In contrast to Nellie’s hyper nature, Winston was as laid-back and sweet as could be. I’ll always remember those ears that pointed different directions and the constant smile on his face. He would greet you at the door and he just wanted a quick scratch on the head or a few pets. Then he would go back and sit patiently while you went about your business. He was one of those special dogs that truly makes you know why you rescue animals. I don’t know how to explain it, but he just touched me (and obviously others) even more than most other dogs. I think all animals are special, but as a senior rescue Winston was that much more deserving of respect and love, which he returned ten-fold. He was truly noble and dignified, patient, loyal and loving.
To Gigi & Jeff: I can’t imagine what you and Jeff are going through and how long it will take to heal, but please know that your fellow animal-lovers feel privileged for having known Winston. It was meant to be that he would find his way to OPP and eventually into your home, where you and Jeff did everything you could possibly do to make Winston part of your family and to keep him healthy and happy for as long as possible. He couldn’t have had better parents than you two. Most importantly, you both loved (and still love) him with all of your hearts and Winston loved you with all of his heart. That love and loyalty will endure past all of the sadness.
Thank you for sharing your memories of Winston in “Winnie’s Wish.” He will always have a special place in our hearts.
February 4th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
Winnie’s Wish Comes True!
Within a few weeks of initiating this program, Winnie’s Wish has helped multiple families. Here are two examples…
OPP Members, Chelsea, Julie and Brad alerted Winnie’s Wish of a woman who lost her job and is actively searching for a new one. In the interim, she is struggling to buy groceries and food for her pets. Winnie’s Wish is providing dog food to help her while she finds a job.
While in Cobb County Animal Control, Gigi noticed a young boy holding an adorable puppy who was tightly curled in his arms, obviously scared. Shorty, Gigi was asked by animal control to speak to the woman and her son who were in process of giving-up their deaf, Jack Russell puppy. The woman explained her government job is being furloughed through June, and she is having to make a decision between putting food on the table and being able to care for the puppy and her 3 year-old Jack Russell. Gigi asked, “Are you willing to keep your pets in your home if you receive help?”. The young boy emphatically exclaimed, “Yes! Yes!”. The mother replied, “Yes”, as well. Winnie’s Wish is providing the woman very low cost puppy shots, spay / neuter for both dogs, and dog food.
February 7th, 2009 at 7:02 pm
After OPP helped me with Brinks in 2006, I began visiting regularly to visit with him. I will always remember Winston as a greeter in Ralph’s room. He truly showed interest in everyone who came through that door and it was obvious he was a gentle sweet soul.
Thank you Gigi for sharing this beautiful story of your love and time spent with Winston. It is truly inspiring.