Beautiful Photo Blog

I'd like to think that most greyhound lovers are dog lovers in general. I know I am. I often find myself surfing the web, looking for strays that need homes, sponsorship, something that I can provide. During one of my "surfing" expeditions, I came across a beautiful photo blog entitled "Shelter Dogs". I sent the photographer a note and shared with him the work we are starting here in Indy. I asked if we could feature a gorgeous greyhound that he had photographed as well as a link to his blog http://www.shelterdogs.net/.

He was so gracious and encouraging about our new prison greyhound program. His name is Andreas Holm and I hope you enjoy his beautiful work as much as I did.

Hug your dog!

Meet Bentley - My Constant Companion and Teacher

This attractive greyhound is my Bentley not long after he came home. It did not take him long to become a mamma's boy. He developed a habit of snuggling things there were mine, but thankfully he has given it up mostly.

I can't help feeling guilty from time to time about the fact I didn't really have an interest in him. I wanted one of the "different" looking dogs - a brindle or one with some ticking. I even liked the idea of one that looked like a deer. Then I met this big boy.

I've read different reports on black dogs taking longer to be adopted: http://www.unc.edu/~nbeach/blacklist/index.htm I suppose this could very well be true. I was almost one of those people who didn't want a dog due to his "boring" color. I have to admit I now adore his appearance. Once I got him home and on some awesome food his coat became so soft and silky. He has this amazing radiance in the sun. I never see his hair around around the house. He sheds less than my other greyhounds (not that they're bad). He can wear any color and make it look amazing.

Sometimes people do shy away from him but go up to his red litter mate, Benson. When this first happened I was furious inside. How could anyone discriminate against such a sweet boy? Now I just smile and realize that they are truly missing out on a good entertaining time. Bentley loves to greet happy people with a roo and a kiss. It is so darling and always makes his new friend smile.

My point is this: when you adopt please don't rule any dog out based on color. Find a dog based on what personality will be best for you. Then enjoy watching your relationship blossom. You will be amazed at the happiness the right match will bring.

Leader of the Pack

I love the Dog Whisperer (aka: Cesar Millan). I've read his first two books. I watch the show whenever I can and am always amazed at the simplicity and common sense of most of his solutions.

When I first got my greyhound, Elly, we didn't quite know what to do with each other. I had always had dogs growing up but had gotten them as puppies, and Elly was 6 when I adopted her. And greyhounds are just different than most other dogs. So for the first couple of weeks, we went on walks and to the dog park, but at home, we mostly just stared at each other. A few months later, she started showing signs of separation anxiety. I thought it was strange that after three or four months, with no real change in our routine, she would get nervous when I left. So I called my vet. "Congratulations," she said, "your dog has bonded with you." Apparently, now that she felt we belonged to each other, she didn't like it when I went to work, or wherever. The vet suggested a few tricks and a course in obedience training to strengthen the bond and instill some trust and discipline in both of us. The obedience training definitely helped both of us get to know each other better and to begin to establish my role as Elly's pack leader.

But what really made an amazing difference was when I started practicing the Dog Whisperer's mantra of rules, boundaries and limitations, and exercise, discipline and then affection. As it turns out, what Elly really wanted was a strong pack leader. And once I actively took on that role, she became a different dog. She is so much more relaxed, content, confident and happy. I am so proud of the dog she has become and I just love her dearly. People are always telling me how well-mannered and polite she is and, even when we are at home, she knows the rules and sticks to them. If she starts to try to test those boundaries, all I have to do is give her a stern look.

Anyway, I found this article about applying the Dog Whisperer's methods to greyhounds and I thought it was spot-on. So, as the Dog Whisperer would say, until next time, "stay calm and assertive."

Once they have your heart........

My husband and I had a greyhound 7 years ago. Her name was Nicki and she was the sweetest soul I have ever known. Unfortunately, we lost her to old age when she was 12. We have since gone on to have a baby, and rescue another dog "Buster." The funny thing is, I thought when we got Buster that I would be satisfied. Buster is an adorable terrier mix, and I love him dearly.

But it wasn't until I got involved with my new Greyhound friends, that I realized how much I missed having a Greyhound in our lives. So, now the campaign begins!!! I am working very hard to get the rest of my family in the Greyhound spirit! We are taking our time and deciding if a new furry family member is the best for both us and the Greyhound.

Greyhounds are awesome, sweet creatures. BUT, that doesn't mean they are for everyone. My hope in working with our new Greyhound group is that we can help put great dogs with great families for long and happy lives together.

I will say, that if you haven't had the pleasure of spending some time with a Greyhound, be prepared. You will most likely fall in love, and be in love forever.

Welcome to me!

I am for sure new to the BLOG thing so bear with me. I will get the hang of it soon and have a few things that will hopefully help everyone. Until then, just know that Greyhounds have been a special part of my life since 1997 when I adopted my frist Grey...Agatha. She started the whole love of them for me and I have not been without at least one since. I cannot imagine my home being ahome without one....or my life being much of a life without those cold noses....and sweet sweet eyes looking back at me. Dano

3 Months and 3 Greyhounds - My Adoption Story

I know I adore reading successful adoption stories. This was especially true of greyhounds when I was deciding when to adopt and what kind of greyhound was right for me. In hopes there are others out there looking for such stories I would love to share mine.

I will never forget the first time I fell in love with greyhounds. I was shopping for my current pets and stumbled upon a meet and greet. It was an incredibly hot summer day. This gorgeous brindle greyhound nudged my bare calf with her wet, cold nose and scared me half to death. I'd never met a greyhound before and was amazed at how beautiful they are. Pictures do not do these dogs justice. At this point in my life I knew I could not adopt. My fiance and I were in college, working and had 3 dogs already between the 2 of us. We did not have the times (or funds) to care for another pet, but I knew then that my next pet would have to be a greyhound.

Three years later I was training our jack russell terror (yes, I mean terror!), and I realized he was listening to every cue I gave. He had been a handful, but with lots of training and exercise he was a happy, balanced pet. Knowing my current pets were all in good shape I decided it was time.

I began searching high and low for the "perfect" greyhound, but there were so many bumps along the way for me. Several groups denied me because I did not have a fenced in yard. Another local group never returned my e-mails or phone calls. At this point many people would have given up, but I was determined. I knew this breed was for me. During all of this I read every greyhound book I could find. Then I read them again. Yes. They were for me.

I finally found a group in Michigan that was quick to check my references, answer my questions and help me find my newest family member. This is where I met Bentley. His race name was Yo My Ironside. He had looked almost fierce on his picture online and honestly I didn't look twice at him. When they brought him in I just fell in love. I wanted to leave with 2 dogs that day, but after much debate I had to adopt Bentley.

I couldn't have found a more perfect companion. I was told greyhounds were not "trainable", but as a dog trainer I was not swayed by this. Bentley was different to train than other dogs, but with patience and a little creativity he learned quickly. I had him home less than a month before he became my favorite "demo" dog at work. He would help me socialize puppies, demonstrate behaviors we were working on and best of all to me he was a daily ambassador for the breed.

One day Bentley saw another greyhound at work and was more excited than I'd ever seen him. I'd read many times that greyhounds often prefer other greyhounds. It was true. I knew that I had to adopt another. Although Bentley's training was going well I know how important it is to have great traning before brining in a new companion. This is how I found my prison greyhound.

Bravo (known as Desi then with the race name of Ima Best Design) was home with us roughly 6 weeks after we adopted Bentley. He came with basic training which was so helpful to us. He whined a bit his first night home, but by the next day he was happy at home. Bentley was so happy to have another greyhound at home, and I was thrilled to invite this new boy into our lives. He did go to work with me quite a few times, but it soon became apparent to me he didn't enjoy it much. Of course I no longer asked him to endure time at work, but I continue to take him many places. He is such a social dog!

It would make sense for my adoption story to be finished now, but I am in love with this breed. Ok, crazy in love. Around the time we adopted Bravo I discovered how to track down their "family" I found Bentley was from a litter of 11 dogs and Bravo had 4 siblings. I soon discovered 2 of Bentley's siblings were still racing and doing quite well. I decided to e-mail the track just incase they would consider allowing me to adopt eventually. A week went by and I heard nothing. I thought for sure the answer must be no. Then after 2 weeks I received an e-mail saying his sister had been adopted but was I interested in his brother. This was not quite 2 months after adopting Bentley and 1 month after Bravo. In my mind this was Bentley's brother and I would do whatever it took to bring him home. I sent my fiance an incredibly long e-mail ending it with "if you say no I understand." That night he said yes! (I have a total keeper!)

Within 2 weeks we had Bentley's brother (Yo My Matlock) home and named him Benson. They say when you add greyhounds you "chip" (couch potatos, potato chip...). My chipping rate must be one of the fastest. We adopted 3 greyhounds in 3 months which gave us a total of 6 amazing dogs. I would not change a thing. Each greyhound has a distinct and wonderful personality.
It has now been 1 year since we adopted Bentley. They have all brought so much joy to my life, and they make me so proud every day. Bentley still helps me train other dogs, has earned has canine good citizen, and he is doing very well in agility (don't let anyone tell you these dogs can't do it). Bentley's next "goal" is a becoming a certified therapy dog. Bravo is now training for his canine good citizen and will also test for therapy dog in the future. Benson has recentley tried agility and did very well. He would not enjoy therapy work, but I take the fact that he prefers "his people" over others as a compliment. He is a true snuggler with his family. While these dogs are overall very lazy they have been happy to indulge me. In good weather they are thrilled to join me for 1-3 hour hikes 1-2 days a week. Without a fenced in yard we do walk almsot every day, but on the days we don't take long hikes they are happy with a 30-45 minute walk. Oh, and all 3 of them love to wade in water.

That is my greyhound adoption story. I hope you've enjoyed, and if you are considering adopting I hope this gives you some idea of what can be possible. Whether you want a dog to go places or just stay at home on the couch the right greyhound for you is out there. When given proper care they make the most amazing pets. You'll never regret opening your heart and home to these wonderful creatures.

40 mph couch potatoes!

I was just browsing the "blogosphere" and came across this Dec. 4 article and this Dec. 7 article on the Pet Connection about adopting greyhounds and the need for rescue groups and adopters to step up due to some scheduled track closings in 2010.

So, here are five reasons why greyhounds make greyt pets:
1. They are extremely loyal and loving. Really loving.
2. They are smart. They really seem to get what is expected of them rather quickly and work hard to please their people.
3. They are calm and well-mannered. None of that running in circles and jumping up on people. Just a polite tail wag and maybe even a bit of leaning.
4. Their favorite thing is to be in the same room with their people, snuggled up in a soft spot sleeping.
5. They run really fast. But they'd much rather take a long nap on the couch. Hence the "40 MPH Couch Potato" nickname.

For the love of greyhounds!

Greyhounds are quite possibly the most sweet natured dogs ever invented! It is for this reason, and many more, that a group of us in the Indianapolis area decided to form a brand new greyhound rescue group. Yeah, yeah, I know ... there are lots of greyhound rescue groups already, so why do we need another? Well, there are lots of greyhounds that need rescuing. Also, our group (we don't even have a name yet!) wants to help "rescue" people too. So we will be partnering with the Indiana Department of Corrections.

Once we get things up and running, here's how we hope it will work ... we will work with racetracks around the country that have dogs ready to retire from the racing life. We will work with select Indiana prisons and their inmates who will act as the foster parents and trainers for the recently retired dogs. Once the dogs have gone through fostering and training at the prisons, they will be ready to be adopted into their forever homes. This program will be win-win for all sides! One problem many greyhound rescue groups have is finding enough foster parents for dogs coming straight from the tracks. By allowing inmates to foster and train the dogs, they will learn the responsibility and job skills that will help them when they are released. And our group will have a steady stream of foster parents available. And the inmates will get to experience the unconditional love of a greyhound. And the dogs will go to their forever homes with basic house and obedience training under their skinny little belts. Whew! That's a lot lot of greyhound love to spread around. But anyone who has ever met one of these dogs knows that they have a lot to give.

So, while we are busy setting up the group and getting ready to get things moving (and coming up with a name!), a few of us are going to be blogging about all things greyhound. Feel free to leave us comments or questions. The more the merrier!