Jasmine

I don't normally pay attention to things like this, but this "story" (or truth) touched my heart. I guess it doesn't matter if it moves you, right? Enjoy!

Jasmine

In 2003, police in Warwickshire, England, opened a garden shed and found a whimpering, cowering dog. It had been locked in the shed and abandoned. It was dirty and malnourished, and had clearly been abused.

In an act of kindness, the police took the dog, which was a Greyhound female, to the nearby Nuneaton Warwickshire Wildlife Sanctuary, run by a man named Geoff Grewcock and known as a willing haven for animals abandoned, orphaned or otherwise in need.

Geoff and the other sanctuary staff went to work with two aims to restore the dog to full health, and to win her trust. It took several weeks, but eventually both goals were achieved.

They named her Jasmine, and they started to think about finding her an adoptive home.

But Jasmine had other ideas. No one remembers now how it began, but she started welcoming all animal arrivals at the sanctuary. It wouldn't matter if it was a puppy, a fox cub, a rabbit or, any other lost or hurting animal, Jasmine would peer into the box or cage and, where possible, deliver a welcoming lick.

Geoff relates one of the early incidents. "We had two puppies that had been abandoned by a nearby railway line. One was a Lakeland Terrier cross and another was a Jack Russell Doberman cross. They were tiny when they arrived at the centre and Jasmine approached them and grabbed one by the scruff of the neck in her mouth and put him on the settee. Then she fetched the other one and sat down with them, cuddling them."

"But she is like that with all of our animals, even the rabbits. She takes all the stress out of them and it helps them to not only feel close to her but to settle into their new surroundings.

"She has done the same with the fox and badger cubs, she licks the rabbits and guinea pigs and even lets the birds perch on the bridge of her nose."

Jasmine, the timid, abused, deserted waif, became the animal sanctuary's resident surrogate mother, a role for which she might have been born. The list of orphaned and abandoned youngsters she has cared for comprises five fox cubs, four badger cubs, 15 chicks, eight guinea pigs, two stray puppies and 15 rabbits.

And one roe deer fawn. Tiny Bramble, 11 weeks old, was found semi-conscious in a field. Upon arrival at the sanctuary, Jasmine cuddled up to her to keep her warm, and then went into the full foster mum role. Jasmine the greyhound showers Bramble the Roe deer with affection and makes sure nothing is matted.

"They are inseparable," says Geoff "Bramble walks between her legs and they keep kissing each other. They walk together round the sanctuary.

It's a real treat to see them."

Jasmine will continue to care for Bramble until she is old enough to be returned to woodland life. When that happens, Jasmine will not be lonely. She will be too busy showering love and affection on the next orphan or victim of abuse.

The Pet, Health Connection

It is no surprise to animal lovers the benefits of owning a pet. Especially in these difficult times, anything we can do to bring joy into our lives is welcome. I know that with my family spending more time at home, the joy of our two dogs and their companionship is even more important. Walking with and playing with your dogs is free. It gets you both moving. It will make you both happy. See this article from CBS news regarding the benefits of pet ownership. Rescue a life - it might make yours longer.

Greyt Tunes!

One of my greyhound friends from Cincinnati sent me a link to the video below. Besides having some wonderful greyhound photos - including rarely seen greyhound puppies, the song and lyrics are really touching. If this doesn't make you want to adopt one of these sweet dogs, I don't know what will.

The Recession's Effect on Dogs

I have been reading more and more articles about people giving up their dogs due to the recession. I realize I might be a bit wacky about my animals, but really? Would you dump your kid at a shelter when times got tough?

Most of the articles say that downsizing into a home or apartment that doesn't allow pets is the #1 reason. Consequently, shelters are overcrowded, recieving less donations and the sweet souls of dogs pay the price. Adopting a dog is a HUGE responsibility. Not one to take lightly, and certainly not one to not consider over the long haul. There will always be something in life that makes us "uncomfortable."

Instead of ditching the first thing we see, how about appreciating the comfort and joy a pet can bring. If you choose to adopt a dog (or any animal for that matter), really look into your heart. If you can't promise to love and cherish that pet forever, don't do it.

The Attitude of Gratitude

I don't know why, but I typed into Google this morning "Can dogs feel gratitude?". I guess I posed the question because humans seem to be struggling with gratitude right now, but my dogs are definitely not!

I know it's hard to be grateful when at times it feels like we are sinking into a hole we may never get out of. But, if you are a dog owner, 5 minutes inside the front door of your house can take care of that. My dogs are grateful for the smallest things:

1. The tiny pile of snow outside of our back door that they can still bury their noses in.
2. My son's twin bed which they seem to find enough room for him and both of them to snooze.
3. The cat that puts up with them and occasionally even acts like he might like them.
4. A home that is warm and loving.
5. A lap that is always readily available for snuggling.

I am grateful that I have the furry souls in my life to continuously teach me about what is good. The greatest things are found in the simplest of life's pleasures.

I challenge all of us to look at the world through the eyes of our dogs today. I know for a fact that any rescued animal, especially greyhounds, have more gratitude than we could ever imagine.

A few Greyhounds in my time

Hi,

I was just sitting here and remembering how I got interested in Greyhounds. I lived across the street from a family that had a Greyhound. It ran free in the neighborhood and was just the sweetest thing. At first the way he kinda swung around the hood made me uneasy, but when he came up to me he was just so sweet and gentle. I never really thought much about him because he was the neighborhood dog.

Several years later, I was at a parade in Mooresville, Indiana, and again ran into a BUNCH of Greyhounds. They were with Greyhound Companions of Indiana (now since shutdown). I saw a pretty girl there named Agatha and just fell in love with her. She was she softest dog and so sweet. Her coat was a dark brindle and she had a black face. She was just so sweet. I had been wanting a dog for years and filled out an application to adopt Agatha that day. A few weeks went by and I was able to adopt her. She was 8 at the time. I only had a couple of years with Agatha but she taught me to love the breed and become passionate about them. I eventually adopted Snowflake and we all went around to meet and greets telling everyone about the breed.

Agatha made it to 10 years old and in those two years enriched my life more than I could tell you. Snowy lived to be 12 and was my best friend. If you were ever wanting a true companion I would encourage you to look into adopting a Greyhound....you will NEVER regret it.

Lean on Me

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.