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.    

The Vacation Switch

Savannah Smiles

Hurricane Irma unleashed 

a fury to change our course                                             

unearthing a new turbulence 

of discovery and design.                                                                   

Our winter trip this year transformed itself into something new.  Due to Hurricane Irma, our usual rental property was unavailable.  This sent me scrambling to locate some other destination.  Making a later start than usual and with the addition of the pooches, the scenario became complicated, but I did finally find a house to rent for the month of March very near Tarpon Springs, Florida.  We added a week in Savannah, Georgia to the mix, and so began our Georgia/Florida odyssey.

A beautiful street in Savannah

We left Virginia on February 21st in anticipation of a whole new experience.  For Savannah, I booked the house through AirB&B.  This was the first time I had ever used this method, and luckily found it to be easy and quick.  The apartment was situated very close to Forsythe Park which is the lower end of the historic district.  We walked everywhere.  

Fountain in Forsythe Park

The first day, a bright idea developed without warning (as they always do) to walk a 10,000 step excursion around the historic district with the dogs to get our bearings.  We started out, with map in hand, and zigzagged all around the area.  Yes, we were stopped frequently by locals and tourists and asked about our beauties who incidentally were nonchalant about the whole thing.  As we walked, we found new places to explore, and the pups just trotted along with us.  

By the time late afternoon rolled around, we thirsted for refreshment (beers for us, water for pups), so we stopped at a lovely restaurant with an outside bar area.  Of course, we asked permission for the dogs, however, Savannah is a very dog friendly place.  I don’t think we realized how far we had gone, because the minute we sat down, Kiowa laid down in his rigor mortis position (on his side with all four legs sprawled straight out) not caring whose personal space he was invading.  No one seemed to mind though as they were all mesmerized by our dogs.  When we finally ventured home, we found that we had walked way over 5 miles and our 10,000 step goal.  No wonder the dogs were so pooped.  Actually, we were pretty pooped, too.

Kiowa after our first exploration

Savannah captivates with its towering moss draped live oaks, its beautiful, stately homes, and its quiet squares which make the city feel much more like a town. These squares number 22 which are about a five minute walk apart.  Between them you can find boutiques, restaurants and pubs withKioutdoor seating, and historic homes and museums.  Exploring this city is such a treat as were the delicious meals we savored.  Kiowa and Emma strutted the city knowing that each turn brought more adoration from strangers.  We LOVE Savannah.

After a week eating and exploring, we began the next leg of our trip which took us to Tarpon Springs.  We have ventured to the west coast of Florida only a few times usually coming back from the Keys, so we really did not know much about the area.  Therefore, for the last 3 weeks, we have explored.  Tarpon Springs has a Victorian past but was later settled by Greek spongers.  It continues in that tradition with a working sponge dock.  The quaint downtown revels in small shops and eateries some of which are Greek.  The Pinellas Trail meanders through the downtown but extends to St. Petersburg.  It provides access to safe walking (with dogs) and biking.

Chalk Fest in Safety Harbor

M & G in Safety Harbor

Visiting other small towns on this peninsula, Safety Harbor is a favorite.  The town displays lovely homes and a walkable downtown.  We attended a couple of Greyhound Meet & Greets there, one at a Third Friday event and another at a brewery.  We traveled to Clearwater for an Orioles versus Phillies ball game.  (Wayne is in heaven with all the spring training venues.  Today, he’s in Dunedin enjoying a Pittsburgh versus Toronto game.) We journeyed to St Pete to see the Dali Museum, but unfortunately, the museum was closed due to the Grand Prix car race.  We discovered their holocaust museum instead.  We still have time to come face to face with Mr. Dali and intend to make a return trip.

Although cooler than the Keys, we have found this area has lots to offer.  Our one huge problem though is the traffic.  Going anywhere, one must calculate how much extra time it will take to reach the destination.  We ventured down to Sarasota one day to see The Ringling Museum and also to meet friends for lunch.  Instead of the trip taking one and a half hours, it took two and a half.  Needless to say, sitting in traffic can be stressful and not a thing you want to do on a trip.  Any road you travel can turn into a sea of cars.  For this reason alone, I cannot see us coming to this area again.  We much prefer the slower lifestyle of the Keys. 

The Ringling Museum

We have a little over a week left before our trek home and will fill the days with new exploits.  This reworking of our winter norm, although unexpected, has taught us the fun of change.  Our greyhounds have been wonderfully behaved and have enjoyed all the walking and exploring we have done together.  Taking your pets on trips can have an added benefit.  When walking the dogs, we always make new human friends otherwise we’re just faces in the crowd.  

A Greyt Bond

                                               

                                                                               A gaze melts me,

                                                                                    Its pull surrendering,

                                                                                          As it draws me in 

                                                                                                to your tender soul.

                                                                                                           Alice Brown

Taking off a collar

Loving on her boy

Recently, my granddaughter visited with her parents.  As usual, her main focus centered on Emma and Kiowa.  The three of them share a bond of magical proportions.  The dogs exhibit a supernatural ability recognizing her even when they haven’t been together for a while.  Is it scent or some other remarkable sense that assists them in this recognition?  I watch amazed at their interaction.  The dogs gentle her into a position of loving, and she, even at 5, shows them the kindness they deserve.  This whisper of enchantment made me wonder about the human-animal bond, and how our dogs connect to us. 

Both humans and dogs contribute to the rare bond we share.  Dogs unlike other animals connect with humans in a special way.  They formed a bond with us

some 14,000 to 17,000 years ago when they first became domesticated.  According to Meg Daley Olmert, author of “Made for Each Other, The Biology of the Human-Animal Bond” (Da Capo Press, 2009), a meeting with a wolf pup and a human “kick-started a potent oxytocin hormone feedback system”.  This hormone, found in mammals, “suppresses the fear response and lowers blood pressure, heart rate, and stress hormone levels”.  Also called the “cuddle chemical”, it promotes bonding and social recognition.

Enjoying a walk

Feeding the pups

When your dog gazes into your eyes and you gaze back, you both release the oxytocin hormone producing a bonding behavior.  This is probably why we and our dogs have developed into such great companions.  We have so much in common with them and loving them comes so easily and naturally.  They can read us like a book through our body language and moods, and communicate with us in much the same way.  How lucky we are that they accept us no matter what and never have an opinion about our behavior. 

Do dogs love us back?  A question many of us dog lovers believe we know the answer to.  Of course, dogs love us!  However, scientists believe that dogs exhibit feelings and emotions, but they may not feel human love as we feel it.  Whatever it is they feel for us, I’ll take it.  It feels like love to me.  When my greys, lay close to me and look up into my eyes, I feel a sweet connection that I would never give up.  

Kiowa and his buddy

                                                                                                                                                 Resources:  Why Do We Love Dogs: The Human-Dog Bond, Cherie Langlois, petcha.com

Year End

2017 has flown by!  When I was a child, I couldn’t wait for my birthday so that I could be another year older (because, of course, everyone knew that adults had all the fun).  Little did I know that it was the other way around.  Getting older isn’t so bad, though.  At each year end, you get to look back on your past year to see the joys and also the mistakes you’ve made.

I look back through the filter of the happiness and health of my human family as well as my four legged one.  It's been a healthy year for my human family, not so much for my dogs.  Before this year even began, Emma developed a large cataract at only the age of three which had to be dealt with.  She was too young and full of life to not let her absorb all of life’s beauty.  Then, this summer, Kiowa broke his rear leg.  Another trip to a specialist and then a long recuperation for him.  Both of our kids are well and happy, now.  The only thing that still stings a bit is our pocketbooks, but in retrospect, it is a minor sting.

When I talk to people who live alone, and I suggest a dog for company, they sometimes look at the negatives.  They’re obligated to walk the dog, and feed it.  Then, there’s the dog hair, and the training (although by the behavior of some dogs, that is last on the list if at all).  I tend to think of the positives - the unquestioning love they give, the endless doggy antics that keep laughter echoing, their soulful company when feeling alone or abandoned by the world.  These are the gifts they share unselfishly with humans.  How lucky we are to have a couple of these blessed creatures, not just at Christmas, but all through the year. 

I look forward to 2018, and to all the possibilities it may bring.  I wish all of you health and happiness, and the boldness to promote greyhound rescue whenever the opportunity arises.  Keep espousing the benefits of adoption.  You'll never know whose mind you'll change.

   Merry Christmas    

   Happy Dog Year!!

  

To Take or Leave

                                                                                Travel to learn,

                                                                                              Travel to teach,

                                                                                                            Spreading the word

                                                                                                                              is in our reach.

We recently dropped our four-legged kids off at their doggy Pet Resort for Thanksgiving.  They didn’t get turkey with all the trimmings, but they still had loads of fun.  As we gave them over to their caretakers, they didn't even bother to watch us leave.  They were too enthralled with all the different doggy smells to notice.  I often wonder what they think when they realize we aren’t there anymore. 

Leaving the dogs behind when we can't take them with us always makes me feel a bit guilty. When my husband and I worked, the dogs knew the routine.  They understood the schedule and adapted.  Since our retirement, our dogs have a free wheeling schedule because we have no schedule. We do follow a morning routine, but after that all bets are off.  They like to hang with us during the day, and if we travel and can take them, they enjoy that too.  Dogs are so resilient that a small change in routine doesn’t throw them off too much.  I think it bothers me more than it bothers them when we have to leave them.

Actually, we don't leave them behind that much.  We like to bring Kiowa and Emma with us when we travel, but we only bring them when invited to dog friendly homes.  Our friends have a German Shorthair and a Weimaraner who we laughingly call our dogs' cousins.  When we visit, we bring our dogs.  It’s always funny observing their doggy interaction as our guys grab their hosts’ beds.  Their friends don’t seem to mind much since they jump up to recline comfortably on the furniture. They get along really well, and when all four are sitting waiting for a biscuit, it is quite the picture.

For Christmas this year, we will travel to Williamsburg with our four legged companions.  Some of you may think we are over the edge (and maybe that's true), but our dogs are part of the family.  They love to go to new places and meet new people who always make a fuss over them.  

When I speak to dog lovers who no longer have one, they say they enjoy the freedom to travel without worrying about their pets.  It would be easier not thinking about where the dogs will stay or the monetary considerations involved.  But to live without our greyhounds wouldn’t be a possibility for us.  They remain part of our lives and mission.  Spreading the word and showing others their loving ways cause our travel and our mission to coincide.  Our dogs are well behaved and people are amazed at their demeanor and sweetness.  We are happy to share that with them.

If you do not travel with your greyts, consider doing so.  You will make new friends and enjoy the dogs' company as well.  Start by taking them to a Greyhound Reunion like Gettysburg or Dewey Beach in Delaware.  (Greyhound reunions pop up all over the country, so you can find one near you.)  It will be great practice, and your guys will really enjoy sniffing all the butts.  Then you can graduate to other trip locations.  It may take a bit more effort to find a good place to stay, but it is well worth it.  Have fun with your greyhounds, and let them enjoy all the fuss they create.