Greyt Holiday Fun

Looking for the sleigh

google images
The rest of Santa's team

  

Where are our gifts?

   MERRY  MERRY  MERRY  MERRY  MERRY

Looking for Rudolf

Pixabay.com

JOLLY  JOLLY  JOLLY  JOLLY  JOLLY JOLLY

Health, Happiness, Love

      HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO GREYT PEOPLE!

A New Life for Florida Greyhounds

This is just to inform.  I am neutral on this issue.  My concern is for the greyhound groups 
who will have to place many dogs.

opinionzoneblog.palmbeachpost.com

This past election day, Florida voters took a stand on what has been a source of contention between greyhound advocates and greyhound track owners for many years.  With the passing of Amendment 13, greyhound racing became banned in the state.  This was a long hoped for victory for many greyhound advocates.

orlandoweekly.com

 There are two sides to this story.  The obvious side is that  many of the Florida greyhounds, but not all, will not have to work anymore and will be adopted.  Some of the greys will still race and will travel to tracks outside of Florida.  Other states such as Arkansas, Alabama, Iowa, Texas, and West Virginia still run greyhounds.  And, of course, there are tracks in Mexico.

The majority of the Florida greys will be picked up by greyhound rescue groups.  Unfortunately, the people responsible for this legislation did not write into it a contingency for funds to help greyhound groups with this onslaught of dogs.  Most groups exist on donations and fundraising events.  This large amount of dogs needing homes will tax the resources of most groups.  Rescue groups have been trying to prepare, and, hopefully, the number of dogs will not exceed their capabilities.

foxnews.com

 All Florida tracks must close by December 31, 2020.     Thousands of dogs (up to 8000) from the tracks will have to   be placed in the course of 26 months, and that number does  not include puppies on greyhound farms not yet old enough  to race.  Many people will have to open their homes to  fosters and adoptions to alleviate the influx. 

floridagreyhoundassociation.com

I don't have strong political feelings about greyhound racing in this country.  I did know methods embraced by the sport were not in the best interests of greyhound welfare.  Crated for many hours a day, the possible administering of drugs in some cases, and the injuries and broken bones that plague greyhounds running at high speeds on a track were concerns for me.  

 I have never been to a greyhound track or kennel so I don’t really know how greyhounds are treated there.  But I do know that although I’m sure that running is their favorite thing to do, occupying a crate for most of their days is not healthy for a dog.  And although  they can break bones in the backyard (I know because it happened to my Kiowa), the possibility of breaks increases running at high speed on a track on a regular basis.

winknews.com

 It’s unfortunate that people in the  racing industry will be affected by these closings.  But the Florida greyhounds will wake up to a new life, one with loving families and warm beds. And they will only dream of chasing a mechanical rabbit around the track.

Resources:

Greyhound Racing in Florida will end soon.  What will happen to thousands of hounds?, Richard Bennet, greytarticles.wordpress.com

Victory For Florida’s Greyhounds!, Stephen Wells, Nov. 2018, thebark.com

Future Unclear for Thousands of Greyhounds That will Need Homes Following Florida Racing Ban, Devan Stuart Lesley, Nov. 2018, people.com

Falling for an Older Dog

Falling in love with an older grey,

not so hard to do.

One look into those beautiful eyes,

leads to what is true.

Waiting for dinner

Sitting pretty

Adopting a dog to add to your family may, at first, seem very cut and dried.  The person visits a shelter or greyhound rescue, in our case, and their first choice would probably be a younger dog, craving their wild antics and exuberant energy (of course, not so much with a greyhound).  Reasons for this choice can be varied.  People desire a dog with energy or they feel a younger dog will live a longer life with them.  For whatever reasons, the young dogs have a head up on any dog that comes into the rescue being a bit older.  

When I adopted my first greyhound, I felt the need for a younger dog so that we might share a long life together.  That first baby lasted with us until 12, so we were lucky that time.  I have also had dogs die earlier than they should have from a terminal illness or some weird ailment that happened overnight.  These dogs were vibrant one minute and deadly ill the next.  In reality, we are never guaranteed the pleasure of our companions’ company for as long as we want them.   

Most of my lovely greyhounds have been 3 or 4 and even 5 when adopted.  However, my latest and youngest girl had just had her 2nd birthday when she came into our home.  Some of my dogs have lived to 13 or 14, but it still it is never enough time to love them.  The point is no matter at what age we adopt our dogs, their time with us is finite.  

Squirrel watching

Through the years, I have met adopters who consistently adopt older greyhounds.  I am in awe of these people.  They know up front that their new friends may not be with them for very long.  But still they ignore their own needs and focus on what they can do for these older creatures who still have a lot of life in them.  These greys could have been brood mothers, or dogs whose owners died and were returned, or older dogs that people gave back to the rescue because they didn’t fit into their lives anymore. (Please tell me how that happens?)  They want to give these sweet greyhounds a chance to live out the rest of their lives loved and cared for.

A pretty pose

An older greyhound may not have as much energy, but they like their toys and can still do an impressive sprint now and again.  They may be a bit slower running around the backyard, but the one thing that remains the same is the greyhound rest period.  We all know that phenomenon - sprint 30 seconds, sack out for an hour or two or three.  The older dog gives love and companionship, and perhaps because of more life experience, can impart a depth of feeling that has taken time to develop.

An older greyhound can be a perfect fit for an older adopter.  Since all greyhounds love walks, this dog can be an incentive to get out, smell the fresh air, and get some exercise.  Older dogs demand less of their people because their rest period may be a little longer than,before.  Some seniors also worry about the dog they adopt outliving them.  If a dog lives a good 10 years or more, its rehoming would happen at an older age making it more difficult for the dog.  Adopting a dog at 8 or older would give that dog a chance to live a happy and fulfilling life with the same companion. 

Ki's not too happy

Good profile

All greyhounds are precious.  They all look at us with the same expressive eyes, give their love unconditionally, and are happiest when they are bringing joy.  The age of these exceptional dogs creates no difference in how they love us or improve our lives.

True Nature

Sweet faces they possess

with calmness they express 

only part of who they are.

The other part, a hunter keen

who watches stealthily a scene
of small game to catch. 

                      Alice Brown

In the search to determine what I was going to write about this month, I came across an interesting article in Greyhound Articles Online (greytarticles.wordpress.com).  The article was written by Megan Robertson and asked the question - Why Don’t We Talk About What Our Dogs Really Are?  Sounds ominous, doesn’t it?  In reality, the author wanted us to look at our greyhounds realistically not from a romanicized version of the breed.  Yes, they are beautiful and fast, lazy and quirky, mellow and sweet, but they are also hunters with a keen sense for prey.  The author wondered why, as people who love these magnificent creatures, we don’t address that part of their nature more with adopters.  

When doing Greyhound Meet and Greets, I explain at length the virtues of the breed.  I do ask the interested party if they have other animals, and emphasize the importance of listing all animals in their household on any application. I explain that some greyhounds have a high prey drive and should not be with cats or small dogs.  Ms. Robertson’s article explained that whether we call it high prey drive or low prey drive, as a hunter each of our greyhounds has it.  Therefore, we need to clarify this issue more with any new adopter.

When a new grey comes into my house, I make sure that it is cat tolerant (this means, when tested, the dog showed little to no interest in a cat).  However, that does not mean that I should stop paying attention to the dog’s behavior.  Even a cat tolerant dog has prey

drive.  Three years ago in Florida, I was privy to an event that, even after 27 years of caring for greyhounds, surprised me.  My husband and I had gone to a dog park where we frequently brought our dogs.  This park had a large dog area and a separate small dog area.  Unfortunately, the small dog people insisted on bringing their dogs into the big dog area of the park.  This had never seemed to be an issue for our dogs.

That day, we were meeting friends at the park.  As we arrived, there seemed to be a mass exodus.  My friends and their chocolate lab were still there as was a gentleman with two small fluffy white dogs.  As we came in, I asked my friend what had happened to cause most everyone to leave.  She explained that there had been an aggressive dog in the park, and everyone got upset.  My friend’s dog was jumping around and wanted to play with my dogs, but the two small dogs were emitting weird undoglike sounds as one of them perched his front paws on Kiowa’s face.  I did not realize what these dogs were communicating.  After looking Kiowa in the eye, the dog got down but continued to make squeal-like sounds.  That is when my gentle, laid back dog turned his head and attacked one of the small dogs.  

Chaos soon reigned.  As Kiowa, went after one dog, Emma’s excitement escalated, and she began chasing the other white dog.  We finally separated the dogs, but one of them was injured.  Luckily, the injured dog, after veterinary care, was fine.  Later upon meeting those two dogs again, neither one made that prey-like sound, but barked normally.  Perhaps that sound transmitted as prey to our dogs with their fluffy white appearance adding to the illusion.  Something happened in the park that day that changed its very air and feeling, and the dogs special senses picked that up.  Our dogs have lulled us into this false sense of security.  I forget that they are hunters, and have the potential to act on it.  

Emma is our squirrel and rabbit dog, and she enjoys chasing them when an opportunity arises.  I don’t like this side of her, but this is what greyhounds were originally bred to do.  So why then does it offend me?  My greys are so sweet and easygoing that this sudden fierce side of them startles me.  It’s hard to fathom that within them they carry this trait.  

Since the event in the dog park, I am much more careful even when leashed small dogs approach my guys.  I watch carefully and pay close attention to body language. I will never underestimate my dogs again or go to a dog park. 

The fact that all greyhounds carry this inclination need not prevent adopters from loving them.  But we must realize that they are dogs, and this is a part of their nature.  It is neither good nor bad, but a part of what makes this breed special.  The greyhound is a hunter, but he is also a cuddler, a lover, a sleeper, a sprinter, a clown, a friend and a companion.  We need to embrace all of what this breed is and share it with people who want to love greyhounds as much as we do.      

  

Resources:

Why Don’t We Talk About What Our Dogs Really Are? by Megan Robertson, Greyhound Articles Online, greytarticles.wordpress.org

Grapehounds

Taughannock State Park

"ON THE ROAD AGAIN".  

A new greyhound experience awaits

Wines, brews, crystal lakes

Food, fun and relaxation dictates 

Seneca Lake

Stopping at our first winery

In July, we hit the road again with our dogs, and found ourselves in the Finger Lakes Region of New York State. It’s a place of great beauty; rolling green hills, fields filled with vineyards, ample sky, glittering water AND WINE.  We packed up our four legged creatures and made (due to traffic) an eight hour journey.  This latest trip, a chance to take part in an annual greyhound event called (are you ready?) “Grapehounds”. 

Emma and Dad shopping 

In the past, we’ve attended Greyhounds Reach the Beach and Greyhounds in Gettysburg (GIG), but this time we made our way up the highway to New York State.  Living on the Eastern Shore of Virginia made the trip a long one, but we hoped to expand our greyhound world by testing out something new.  Grapehounds has been around for quite awhile.  It attempts to bring people, greyhounds, relaxation, and of course wine together.  Breweries and distilleries join the wineries in showcasing their fine creations.  Amenities at this event include a vendor tent, food, a welcome event, a blessing of the hounds, an ice cream social, a silent auction, music and much camaraderie.  This reunion did not have the educational talks of others we’ve attended, but attained its own unique vibe with its culmination, a group walk through a state park to a magnificent waterfall.

Making new friends

We arrived Thursday evening at our motel in Ithaca, NY, a town at the base of Cayuga Lake.  The event took place around Seneca Lake, about half an hour away, so we had to travel to a host winery/brewery first.  Then we drove around the lake to do tastings.  It was a lot of driving.  Staying in a hotel closer to the action would have been a better choice.  That being said, after arrival we checked into our motel and scooted to the welcome event at the first host winery.  There were appetizers, great wine, relaxed people and greyhounds, a lovely way to begin the weekend.

Yummy ice cream

On Friday, we drove back to Seneca Lake to the host brewery for Friday and Saturday, where the vendor tent and other planned activities would take place.  After checking in, we decided the time had come for some serious wine tasting.  Our registration packets included tasting tickets, and we put them to good use.  All the wineries we visited couldn’t do enough for us or our greyhounds.  They absolutely love the dogs.  The partaking of many biscuits seemed the plan for Emma and Kiowa.  The poor things just couldn’t get enough.  YUM!  Many wine tasters, awed by greyhound beauty and behavior, asked countless questions about the breed.  Another excuse to drink wine (or beer).

Waiting for a walk

The dogs, of course, excited to see each other, introduced themselves in doggy fashion so the sniffing of mouths and butts was in full force. They never seemed to get tired of saying “hi” to each other.  Between sniffing, biscuits, eating ice cream, being blessed, and having people fawn over them all day, they rested extremely well when we returned to the motel.  What a tiring life they lead.  Our Saturday proceeded in the same vein, meeting new greys and people.

Taughannock Falls

Sunday morning, we met at Taughannock State Park for a group walk to the falls.  It was a beautiful day and the walk, easy with a slight incline.  Upon approaching the falls, a bridge is crossed and the falls captivatingly materialize on the left.  What a breathtaking sight!   A minor walk down to a fresh stream of flowing water caught our attention, and the dogs walked right in.  Some greys decided that the time had come to cool off and just laid down in the stream.  What a picture they all made.  The rest of that day passed in a relaxing fog enjoying the welcoming area, and the next morning, we took to the road for home.

Cooling our feet

This Grapehounds experience brought a newness to our greyhound reunion event adventures.  Its laid back qualities of rural living made it restful and unique.  The Finger Lakes region explodes with beauty around each bend, and the vast blue water next to hills and hills of green vineyards takes your breath.  A visit to this July event may just be what you and your greyhounds need.

The Magic of Greyhound Friendships

When adopting your first grey,

You may not be aware,

That you joined a special “cult”,

Just enjoy your time there.

My tired Kiowa

Returning home from a weekend away with our pups, we stopped at a small park outside of Berlin, Maryland.  As we pulled into the park, I thought I spied a dog that looked very much like a greyhound.  Upon closer inspection, I found that I had indeed spotted not one but two of the beautiful creatures, a red brindle and a white with brindle spots.  At the end of their leashes were attached a man and a woman.  As we opened our hatch, and they viewed our cache of greyhounds, they immediately approached with oohs and aahs.  And so our access to new friends unfolded again.

I have written many times about the love our dogs have for other greyhounds.  It manifests as a hidden language between the canines. They know each other because their young lives revolved around other grey siblings and friends.  However, the language of humans tends toward a different dance of social mores and convictions.  It takes longer to know and accept a two legged animal.  That is, if it isn’t attached by a leash to a greyhound.

Kiowa and his friend

On the whole, dog people are open and welcoming to other dog people with well behaved pets.  In my view, greyhound parents are even more to the extreme.  If we meet a greyhound owner (even without their dog) on vacation, we immediately form a bond that seems stronger than the usual “dog person” bond.  The explanation for this alludes, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.

Greyhounds in Gettysburg

People who love this breed find an instant connection.  What drives this is unknown?  Maybe it relates to the reasons for adopting this breed in the first place rather than going to the SPCA and adopting another breed of dog.  That connection or bond is viable and real, and we feel it.  No preface of introduction is needed.  The dogs are the preface.  Immediate warmth is generated, first by the dogs sniffing butts and mouths, and then by the people who lovingly watch.

These feelings expand and extend at Greyhound Reunions.  I love to relate how upon going to Greyhounds Reach the Beach in Dewey/Rehoboth, or Greyhounds in Gettysburg (GIG) in Gettysburg, how the force of inclusion permeates the air.  This July, we will travel to the Finger Lakes in Upstate New York to attend Grapehounds.  A new experience for us.  I feel sure that again we will meet and make friends with people who were formally strangers.  Greyhounds anxious to make new four-legged friends push their people into the same arena of openness.  Barriers dissolve and new friendships are made. 

Florida M & G

Greyhound owners who have assisted me with Meet and Greets in New Jersey and in Virginia have become wonderful friends that do not depend upon the conversation revolving around dogs.  We have found other areas of interest besides our beloved pets.  Our paths would never have crossed if our dogs had not brought us together.  

Virginia M & G

I am not saying that the preoccupation of greyhounds will make you the “bon vivant” of your area.  I am saying though that loving a greyhound will open doors to you and expose you to another segment of life and new people to share it with. 

Living with a Hound

Our lives, a joy

amid laughter and fun

as we watch our greys

charm everyone.

 Living with a greyhound can be the catalyst for all types of unexpected and humorous    events.  Behaviors displayed by our four legged friends lead us to imagine that we understand them.  These dogs live in their own doggy world, and we try to interpret their actions by using human ethology.  Who knows how they think?  Our requirement remains to watch and enjoy.     

Leaving the “Children” Behind

A month ago, we took a short trip without the dogs.  As we pulled out our suitcases, the normal antics began.  Emma, jumping up and down, shoving her head into me.  Kiowa, being the more sedate one, just followed along looking soulfully at us.  Since retirement, our dogs accompany us almost all of the time.  They remain proficient at traveling and usually sleep most of the time.  Give them a soft bed and water and happiness ensues.  Most greyhounds travel well due to moving from track to track when racing.  However, this time they had to be left behind.

Readying ourselves to leave, Emma made it very clear that she knew her things were not getting packed, and she vocalized repeatedly about it.  I explained to her (like most of us dog mothers do) that we couldn’t take her, and she and her brother were staying at the pet resort.  “You’re going on a vacation, too, and will have all types of fun,” I joyfully said.  Unfortunately she wasn’t buying it.  Both dogs eventually acclimated to the idea and jumped without reservation into the back of the van.  In ten minutes, we arrived at their destination.  Their doldrums quickly changed to excitement as they realized where they were.  As we turned to leave, I raised my hand in a sad good-bye, and both of them showed me their butts and happily wagging tales.  Just like kids, sometimes they love you and sometimes they don’t.

A few days later when we picked them up, they ran to us like they hadn’t seen us in a million years.  Dogs live in the moment and when well cared for, each moment is happy.  That’s certainly a lesson for all of us humans to learn.

Celebrity Power

Being the only greyhound owners in our small town, our dogs have acquired celebrity status.  When walking, townspeople and visitors always acknowledge them and ask questions.  Most people know Kiowa and Emma, not so much us.  We seem to just be an appendage on their long, sleek bodies.

The other day, we ventured out for dinner and met acquaintances.  We acknowledged each other and that was that.  A few days later while walking the dogs, we stopped for a glass of wine at an outside restaurant.  People there talked to us and came over to admire, and of course, pet our dogs.  One couple even invited us to a party.  (I’m not so sure that would have happened if the dogs had not been present.)  As we went to leave the establishment, we bumped into those people we had seen those few days before.  We talked and laughed and as we went to leave, the woman said to me, “I wasn’t sure who you were the other day, but now because of the dogs I know.”  And so it goes.  These animals share the world with superstars, the only difference - four legs and a tail.  

I know this doesn’t only happen to me.  At our Meet & Greets,  people divert their steps to see the greyhounds.  They can’t help it.  They see creatures with sleek, gorgeous bodies, long legs, snake-like tails, and the most interesting facial expressions.  And then there are those eyes, kind and searching.  We insulate ourselves, but we cannot resist.  I continue to enjoy the ride with these distinctive sweet souls and feel privileged to be part of their entourage.