I remember when we first brought Nicki home. I wondered if she had something wrong with her as she would lean against me anytime that I was standing still. What I came to find out, was that leaning is like a full body hug for a greyhound. She would not only lean on people, but the couch and our bed; all things that she loved.
Greyhounds have some other funny habits which I thought I would share. If you are like me, you may adopt for love, and not be completely informed.
They like to lay on their backs with all 4 legs in the air. I've heard this called the "dead cockroach." If I was going to give it a name, I would call it BLISS!
Greyhounds also like to "smile." If you're not clear on this, you may think they are snarling at you. Fear not - it's a smile!
Nicki also liked to nibble on us. It never hurt, in fact, it tickled. She would lay on the couch next to me and nibble on my shirt or right on my arm. It was almost like a secret language that we shared.
Greyhounds are unique. Enjoy falling even more in love once you get to them completely.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Sunday, January 11, 2009
St. Guinefort
Recently, someone gave me a book of photographs called, appropriately enough, Greyhounds by photographer Barbara Karant. It is absolutely gorgeous and the proceeds from the book benefit greyhound rescue. Anyway, I was skimming through some of the text and saw it mentioned that the only non-human saint is St. Guinefort - a greyhound! How cool is that???
I looked up the story of St. Guinefort and learned that, supposedly, he was a 13th century dog near Lyon in France who belonged to a knight. The knight went hunting and left his infant son in the care his faithful greyhound. When he returned home, there was blood all over and the baby's cradle was overturned. The dog lay on the floor next to the cradle with blood on his mouth. Thinking the dog had killed the baby, the knight then killed the dog. Then he heard the baby cry. The baby was safe and sound under the cradle, but next to him was a dead snake - killed by the dog to protect the baby. Realizing his mistake, the knight buried the dog in a nearby well and planted trees to honor him. Locals started bringing their babies to the shrine to beg for protection from St. Guinefort, who had now become known as a protector of infants.
Greyhounds are truly special dogs!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Skinny heads, but big hearts and smarts
This is an actual comment that people have made to me on more than one occasion ... I've heard greyhounds are pretty dumb since their brains have to be so small to fit in their small heads. I've managed to be polite enough not to comment on the size of the commenter's head. I'll be honest, I don't know much about brain size relative to intelligence in dogs, but I really don't think one has to do with the other. My girl Elly is incredibly bright and picks up on things pretty quickly. She was a star pupil in obedience training and she's picked up on other things very well.
My favorite thing I taught her? Well, she loves her "stuffies" - stuffed hedgehogs, stuffed snowman and a giant bear that Santa brought her for Christmas. It's so big she uses it as a pillow. Anyway, when she goes outside to relieve herself, she usually takes a stuffed toy out with her. I don't mind, but when I first got her, I quickly learned that most of her toys would end up getting left out in the yard unless I went out and brought them in for her. So the rule is, she can take a toy out but she has to bring it in with her. So if she comes back to the door to be let in and doesn't have her toy with her, I just say "Elly, go get your toy." Nine out of 10 times, before I'm even finished talking, she heads back out into the yard to look for it. Sometimes, I don't even have to say anything, just a look will do it. She's a pretty good girl!
Another thing I worked with her on was being a good walker. It took about a week but she picked up on the concept of heeling pretty quickly. She nearly always walks right next to me and rarely pulls on the lead. Even when I give her plenty of slack to go off an explore a bit, she still stays by my side. I found a post in the Never Say Never Greyhounds blog about teaching your dogs to heel and I thought it had some great techniques and some great videos. Interestingly, Jennifer, the blogger, has somehow managed to get her hounds to sit. Elly doesn't sit (she does a great "down") and the greyhounds I've met who do sit often don't for long and usually look pretty awkward doing it. Anyway, check out her blog.
My favorite thing I taught her? Well, she loves her "stuffies" - stuffed hedgehogs, stuffed snowman and a giant bear that Santa brought her for Christmas. It's so big she uses it as a pillow. Anyway, when she goes outside to relieve herself, she usually takes a stuffed toy out with her. I don't mind, but when I first got her, I quickly learned that most of her toys would end up getting left out in the yard unless I went out and brought them in for her. So the rule is, she can take a toy out but she has to bring it in with her. So if she comes back to the door to be let in and doesn't have her toy with her, I just say "Elly, go get your toy." Nine out of 10 times, before I'm even finished talking, she heads back out into the yard to look for it. Sometimes, I don't even have to say anything, just a look will do it. She's a pretty good girl!
Another thing I worked with her on was being a good walker. It took about a week but she picked up on the concept of heeling pretty quickly. She nearly always walks right next to me and rarely pulls on the lead. Even when I give her plenty of slack to go off an explore a bit, she still stays by my side. I found a post in the Never Say Never Greyhounds blog about teaching your dogs to heel and I thought it had some great techniques and some great videos. Interestingly, Jennifer, the blogger, has somehow managed to get her hounds to sit. Elly doesn't sit (she does a great "down") and the greyhounds I've met who do sit often don't for long and usually look pretty awkward doing it. Anyway, check out her blog.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
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!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
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."
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."
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
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.
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.
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