Ross and Olive

Ross Greco was a thoughtful dog-lover who, in the Fall of 2011, together with wife Melody, adopted Olive, a Jack Russell terrier mix. Shortly after learning his illness would prevent him from continuing his work at the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, Ross planned for his early retirement. Both he and Melody knew that Ross would need company to help fill the extra hours at home. Melody worked longer hours in her job as social worker at the Hillsborough County Sheriff's office. Rescuing Olive meant saving a life, and bringing much needed joy to their lives at such a difficult time.

The Greco's applied online to Paws 4 You Rescue, and Olive, with her pretty green eyes and kind smile, was their top pick. Mel and Ross prepared their home and counted the days for her arrival, as if they were new parents all over again. From a photo and brief description Ross and Mel instantly attached to Olive, and envisioned the happiness she'd bring, and the new purpose and role Ross would take on -- dog trainer, nurturer and best friend to Olive. Of course, this also meant endless hours of walks and peaceful time by the coy pond. Ross taught Olive not to fuss with the coy and the two enjoyed their time outdoors in the garden of their home in Tampa, Florida. Olive and Ross became inseparable. 

As the months progressed Olive stayed closer to her friend, leaving his side less and less as he became more limited due to progression of the cancer. When Ross entered the hospital she missed him and searched for him endlessly at home, sniffing his belongings as a reminder of Ross and anxiously awaiting their next reunion. When he returned home from the hospital she watched over him in his bed as if helping Mel provide an important part of his care -- unconditional love, devotion and the unthinkable acceptance that soon their beloved Ross would leave them.

On March 12, 2012, Ross passed peacefully in his home with his family by his side. Olive licked his face and gave kisses and was an important part of his final moments. She enriched the last months of Ross's life in the same way he and Mel enriched hers -- and then some as Mel shared with us. "Olive seems to know that I need her now. She's always by my side and looks at me as if communicating to me -- "I'm here for you mommy". I believe she's an angel sent from heaven - first to help Ross.....now to help me."

The Greco's gift of love to Olive and to rescue went far beyond one dog. At his passing, donations to Paws 4 You Rescue were requested in lieu of flowers. In the next several days the Greco's thoughtful and generous friends and family donated in Ross's memory. His gift to Olive and the Paw 4 You dogs at the retreat in Miami, is a forever reminder of his love for Olive and commitment to rescue.   

Today Olive and Mel enjoy a special bond and both share the treasured memories of their time with Ross. Their routine consists of runs in the neighborhood, leisurely walks lots of love and on-going training, visits from neighbors and meditation at the coy pond.