To Thread - Forum Home

The Mudcat Café TM
https://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=164963
83 messages

BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!

29 Sep 18 - 05:59 PM (#3953680)
Subject: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Bonzo3legs

We visited an animal rescue centre today quite close to Biggin Hill Airport, and spent some time with 2 ex racing greyhounds. The first was very nervous and not ready yet for re-homing - the very helpful keeper thought he had been hit by its racing owner, but the second, which had already been reserved, demonstrated that this would be the right type of dog to have in our home. Oddly enough they don't need much more than two 30 minute walks every day, and are generally very quiet and affectionate.


29 Sep 18 - 09:43 PM (#3953707)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: frogprince

Aren't ya looking for one with three legs ? At the risk of being more serious, wishing you luck in finding the right adoptee for ya.


29 Sep 18 - 09:45 PM (#3953709)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Rapparee

The greyhounds I've met have all be very nice and good citizens -- much, much better than some people.

Thank you for wanting a rescue.


30 Sep 18 - 01:09 AM (#3953729)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: robomatic

Name him "Santa's Little Helper".


30 Sep 18 - 04:35 AM (#3953744)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Jos

One of my neighbours adopted an ex-racing greyhound. She said the dog was very intelligent and had worked out that instead of chasing the 'rabbit' round the track, she could just stay where she was and wait for it to come round again.


30 Sep 18 - 06:31 AM (#3953755)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Senoufou

Ah that's lovely Bonzo. Hope you soon find The One.

We support Norfolk Greyhound Rescue. One or two people in our village have older greyhounds they've adopted, and they're so gentle and quiet.

A lady brought one to our garage sale last weekend, and he sat calmly beside me (I was on the garden bench) and laid his head on my knee.
Fortunately our two cats were indoors having a snooze.

They're such an elegant shape aren't they?

Good luck with your search Bonzo.


30 Sep 18 - 07:29 AM (#3953766)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: peteglasgow

we have a very lovely lurcher who came from a rescue centre last year. she doesn't like being left alone (we think she was badly treated and left in an allotment shed for long periods by a previous 'owner'- until she had a leg break and he got rid of her) or cats but otherwise is very quiet, affectionate and easy to have around. obviously when you have a dog like ours you talk to a lot of people with similar dogs and we all say the same positive things about them - so now i find it hard to understand why anyone would want any other type of dog.


30 Sep 18 - 11:58 AM (#3953835)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Charmion

Years ago, my brother (a soldier) came home with a lurcher from a UN tour in Beirut. She was very bright, and I swear she trained her humans.


01 Oct 18 - 12:46 PM (#3954040)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Stilly River Sage

I think most dogs manage to train their humans. It's a struggle to keep it the other way around.


01 Oct 18 - 02:51 PM (#3954068)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Bonzo3legs

Very true!


02 Oct 18 - 06:16 AM (#3954174)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: banjoman

Some years ago we did a fund raising concert for an organisation which rescues greyhounds after they finish racing. Some of the things we were told included cutting off ears, abandonment om motorway verges to name but two.
They are wonderful animals and make great pets and I wish I had one. Unfortunately, medical problems prevent me owning a dog


02 Oct 18 - 06:41 AM (#3954177)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Senoufou

It's appalling isn't it banjoman? Norfolk Greyhound Rescue have a board of dreadful photos they erect at their fundraising events. I can't bear to look at it any more. Half-starved, beaten, shut away simply because the poor dogs are not useful any longer for racing, due to rheumatism, leg injuries, age etc.

We love to stroke and pat the lovely old dog which the organiser chap brings along. So gentle and quiet, with sad but loving eyes.

It was very kind of you to do a fund-raising concert for the rescue organisation.

If we didn't have cats, we might have taken on a rescue greyhound. But I can't walk far nowadays and even an old dog needs to be taken out each day.


03 Oct 18 - 06:18 PM (#3954540)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Thompson

I've known a couple of lovely greyhounds, friendly and sweet to humans and other dogs.


03 Oct 18 - 10:35 PM (#3954580)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Donuel

Overtime you will find they are practically feline and can cross a carpeted room unnoticed. Otherwise you will only hear tick tick tick tick.


04 Oct 18 - 11:27 AM (#3954619)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Jon Freeman

Someone who visits Peter has a rescue greyhound. As far as I gather, the dog and owner have a great relationship but the dog is scared of lots of things from other people to cats, etc. and the owner has to pick quiet times/places for walks.

You do wonder what the dogs have been put through to get like that.

Hope you find a suitable one, bonzo.


04 Oct 18 - 01:39 PM (#3954671)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Bonzo3legs

We have an appointment to see 2 on Saturday!


04 Oct 18 - 05:34 PM (#3954725)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Senoufou

Excellent Bonzo! Hope you come home with one of them!

I always found it so hard to choose two from a litter of kittens.
We picked Minty and Murphy, and had to leave 'Kinky' behind. We didn't have the resources for three kittens, and Kinky had a rather bad kink in his tail. I felt so sad for him.
Fortunately, the breeder decided to keep him, and magically the kink straightened itself out!
She sent a photo of him when he grew up, and he was a stunner!

I'd always bought males, but once there were none to be had in our area. So we picked a little female and called her LoobyLou. Once we got 'her' home, she proceeded to clean her nether regions, and it was evident it was a 'he'! He was called Booboo after that, and I managed to change his pedigree certificate with the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy.
I'll be thinking of you Bonzo on Saturday!


05 Oct 18 - 11:35 AM (#3954882)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Charmion

I think I would love a greyhound, not least because I am told they like a quiet life. But I am a cat person, so the poor creature would have to teach me what dogs want and need. I'm not sure that would be fair to a greyhound who has been subjected to racing.


05 Oct 18 - 12:30 PM (#3954906)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Senoufou

I agree with you, that one should learn as much as possible before taking on an animal, in order to give it the best possible quality of life.


06 Oct 18 - 11:44 AM (#3955081)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Jon Freeman

I'm not sure I've ever been involved in selecting an animal.

I believe Portia (a lab retriever cross) was picked by my parents from a pet shop but I was a baby then.
Meg (a border collie) was offered to Pip by a patient from a farm near Tryfan (Snowdonia, N Wales) who didn't want the one of the litter that turned out brown and white.
I think Misty (blue merle mongrel) was one another member of hospital staff wanted to home.
I think cats (prehaps with parent picking?) have either been "unwanted" or just "found us". Every one over the last 20 years were the latter, as was Willy Weasel the ferret.

Misty was the probably easiest of the dogs we had, excitable if she heard a word that could mean an outing but easy going otherwise. Portia was lovely but probably saw herself as another parent/guardian. Meg, probably attempted to express before - I think we gave her a good life (while sometimes thinking she'd be even better working sheep on the mountains) but she was quite ("hard wired") as a working sheep dog with the needs that go with that...


06 Oct 18 - 12:09 PM (#3955088)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Dave the Gnome

Greyhounds and lurchers are indeed lovely animals but, as a cat owner, I would ask the owner of any such to make sure they are restrained if passing close to small furry animals. They are after all hunting dogs with an inherent inclination to go for what they regard as prey. Often with disastrous consequences. :-(

Where do whippets fit in to the scheme of things? As a northerner it should be as obvious as my flat cap and muffler but, sadly, I don't know!


06 Oct 18 - 01:20 PM (#3955106)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Bonzo3legs

We chose a lovely 4 year old lady greyhound that ran her last raced in July. We will bring her home next weekend. My goodness what awful weather to be at the rescue centre, but of course with dogs there is no such thing as bad weather!!


06 Oct 18 - 01:23 PM (#3955107)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Senoufou

Oh what excellent news Bonzo! I'm so very pleased for you!


06 Oct 18 - 01:25 PM (#3955109)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Jon Freeman

Really wish you have a good time together, Bonzo.


06 Oct 18 - 04:20 PM (#3955153)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: peteglasgow

oh and well done bonzo - you are about to discover what a weird number of people - even without dogs - go around with dog treats in their pocket. important tip - never, ever, give your dog anything off the table!


06 Oct 18 - 04:33 PM (#3955156)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Senoufou

One of our neighbours has a lovely dog with a lot of Jack Russell in him. He's called Buddy. But if he catches even a glimpse of one of our cats, he goes crazy. Luckily, his owners have him well under control and hold tightly to his leash.
The chap, Bob, says Buddy could toss a rat in the air and break its neck, and could do the same thing with a cat!


06 Oct 18 - 05:10 PM (#3955161)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Jon Freeman

We believe it was a Jack Russll that cut delia's life short, Sen. Dogs do need to be kept under control. this is pretty worrying.


06 Oct 18 - 06:44 PM (#3955167)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Bonzo3legs

This greyhound used to race at Crayford and a search of her racing name shows that she always came in last!!! Quite a bit of kit to buy!


07 Oct 18 - 05:35 AM (#3955220)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Bonzo3legs

We were told that she suffered a hock fracture, which is a fairly common injury among racing greyhounds, but now fully healed. One thing I didn't know abount greyhounds is that they don't sit because it's very uncomfortable for them.


07 Oct 18 - 07:25 AM (#3955235)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Bonzo3legs

And of course their legs run faster than their brains so much patience is needed for the first few days in the new unfamiliar home environment!


07 Oct 18 - 03:23 PM (#3955302)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Dave the Gnome

Well done Bonzo. I hope you get as much pleasure with your new friend as she will with you.


08 Oct 18 - 03:04 AM (#3955355)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Senoufou

That's interesting Bonzo about greyhounds not sitting. I've noticed the one with the chap at the Norfolk Greyhound Rescue is usually standing. If you stroke or pat him, he always leans against you - very sweet.

Other greyhounds with the group have thick pads covered with a throw, just in front of the board with the awful photos, and they lie down on those. They all look happy and calm. (Each one has already been adopted by the workers for the Charity)


08 Oct 18 - 04:50 AM (#3955364)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: SPB-Cooperator

The one in the right hand stall that still hasn't finished the race? Maybe you should bet on the left greyhound. Or is this a reference to a late-running bus?


08 Oct 18 - 11:09 AM (#3955422)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: frogprince

Try to forgive me for throwing in something pointless, but: ever since I saw the thread title, I've been hearing it to the tune of an old Sons of the Pioneers recording, "Headed for the last roundup". It fits even better after hearing that Bonzo has adopted the consistently "last" greyhound.


08 Oct 18 - 11:55 AM (#3955439)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: peteglasgow

i've never known why we so often ask dogs to sit - and imagine them replying 'why?' our lurcher will wait patiently if i am talking to someone and will either lean into the nearest available knee or - and this is a sign i am taking too long - just lie down. she looks very awkward on the very rare occasions she sits - so why should she?


08 Oct 18 - 12:06 PM (#3955442)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Bonzo3legs

Apparently greyhounds and lurchers all do find it uncomfortable to sit because of their shape.


08 Oct 18 - 01:12 PM (#3955457)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Senoufou

What items are you having to buy for your lovely greyhound Bonzo? What will she need? A jacket perhaps, as winter is approaching? A bed?


09 Oct 18 - 01:20 AM (#3955554)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: leeneia

My new neighbor has a greyhound, which is tan and white. I had no idea they were so big. I googled them, and they come in several colors. What color is your new greyhound?


09 Oct 18 - 03:02 AM (#3955558)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Bonzo3legs

My wife has ordered a greyhound bed, 2 collars - one house collar and a martingale collar, a couple of cuddly toys which they like and 2 coats - one waterproof and one for winter, for apparently their feel the cold!

Here is Dreamy!


09 Oct 18 - 04:12 AM (#3955569)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Senoufou

Oh oh oh she's GORGEOUS Bonzo! Lovely lovely dog.
She looks to be in good nick, shiny coat and no ribs showing.
I wish you and your wife many happy years with Dreamy.


09 Oct 18 - 08:22 AM (#3955625)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Bonzo3legs

Thank you, we are looking forward to her coming home!


09 Oct 18 - 01:38 PM (#3955704)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: leeneia

Thanks for the link to Dreamy's picture, Bonzo. She's beautiful.


12 Oct 18 - 01:52 PM (#3956315)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Bonzo3legs

We collect Dreamy dog tomorrow afternoon!!


12 Oct 18 - 02:06 PM (#3956318)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Senoufou

I'll be thinking of you Bonzo!
Hope the bed, coats and other equipment have arrived.
Dreamy will be so happy I'm sure.


12 Oct 18 - 03:59 PM (#3956337)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Bonzo3legs

So do we hope they have arrived - luckily there is no rain forecast for tomorrow!


12 Oct 18 - 04:11 PM (#3956340)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: peteglasgow

it's exciting for you - i'm sure your lovely dog won't disappoint, i'm quite jealous


13 Oct 18 - 01:25 PM (#3956462)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Bonzo3legs

After a very thorough handover at the animal rescue centre, we took her to our car - would she jump in the back we wondered? Yes she did, and settled down after a couple of miles. She was naturally very nervous when we arrived home - what's this strange place they've brought me to?

I took her for a walk to a nearby wooded area, she was very good on the lead, no pulling at all but when we got back home I made the mistake of removing her lead outside the front door - and off she went with me chasing after her. Other people in our street joined in the chase but fortunately she ran out of gas and we caught her!!

Now I know that must keep her on her lead at all times outside our house!


13 Oct 18 - 03:37 PM (#3956478)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Senoufou

Crumbs Bonzo, thank goodness she was quickly caught! Hope she has a good night and you can start to get to know her.


13 Oct 18 - 04:07 PM (#3956480)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Bonzo3legs

Thanks


13 Oct 18 - 04:12 PM (#3956481)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: peteglasgow

i don't let our lurcher off the lead near our house - she will go for cats. though we were nervous at first about letting her off the lead she has learned to return a ball and do big and lovely figures of eight round us - have a bag full of treats handy and she probably won't go too far (probably parkland will be easier than woodland as there is more potential for them to chase stuff in the woods)


13 Oct 18 - 05:15 PM (#3956489)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Bonzo3legs

We have noticed that if she is in our back garden, where she seems to like lying on the grass, she will only come back inside if I put her lead on, which I think is because that is all she has ever known. Still she has only been with us for 7 hours so very early days.

Overnight will be interesting!


14 Oct 18 - 07:20 AM (#3956560)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Bonzo3legs

Well, there were no problems through the night except that the contents of our kitchen land fill bin were on the floor - easily remedied! We could see that she spent some time on her bed, and she has found a space on the wooden floor where she likes to lie down and watch. There were new noises for her to experience this morning - washing machine and music, and of course the smell of Sunday breakfast made her very interested!

During her walk I stopped and shared yesterday's adventure with another greyhound owner while the dogs said hello. She has to make a return trip to the animal rescue centre in a weeek's time to have stitches out from being spayed and second injections.


14 Oct 18 - 07:26 AM (#3956563)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Bonzo3legs

Aha, she froze at one point on her walk this morning, with her natural instincts on overdrive, and looked up - at a squirrel, so I just turned around and walked her away.


14 Oct 18 - 08:25 AM (#3956566)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Senoufou

It all sounds as if it's going well. She must love being in a proper home at long last, with cooking smells, interesting walks and lots of affection.
This is such a lovely story.


14 Oct 18 - 08:46 AM (#3956568)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Bonzo3legs

My wife came upstairs just now and said that she was in sleeping position on her bed, so definitely making herself at home here!


15 Oct 18 - 08:59 AM (#3956736)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Bonzo3legs

Day 3 - her nose is ever closer to one of the fluffy toys we bought, and she beds down without prompting on the mattress we bought for her. In fact she spends extended periods of time there watching every move we make!


15 Oct 18 - 09:50 AM (#3956741)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Senoufou

It must be rather weird at first for a new animal in a household.
Any new Siamese kittens we've had (always two at a time) have initially found a 'safe spot' to retreat into while, like Dreamy, they'd keep watching and assessing everything that went on around them.

I remember Minty and Murphy as tiny kittens crawling backwards under a table in the study, their little eyes like saucers. They stayed there for ages getting a 'feel' for the house.

Dreamy sounds intelligent and alert Bonzo.


15 Oct 18 - 12:44 PM (#3956767)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Bonzo3legs

Yes and she has taken a fancy to our kitchen landfill bin so we are taking steps to stop that. We started getting her used to being left on her own today, my wife went to the pharmacy at our local shops and was gone for about 30 minutes. I stayed upstairs and when I heard my wife's car I crept downstairs to find dreamy still on her bed! So we'll gradually increase the time she is left. I don't forsee much of a problem because greyhounds are naturally lazy!


15 Oct 18 - 04:07 PM (#3956796)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Bonzo3legs

Oops, she's taken a liking to the plastics & cans recycling bag, so we'll need to put it much higher out of reach!


15 Oct 18 - 09:00 PM (#3956824)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: robomatic

They can run, but can they jump?


15 Oct 18 - 09:59 PM (#3956831)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Stilly River Sage

In my house all trash containers are up out of reach. The kitchen trash can is on top of the dryer, in the bathrooms there are small trash bins on the counters, in bedrooms and office they're up on tables. My chocolate Lab goes for the trash, and if you think it has been a while and he has forgotten—think again. He is very patient, hoping you'll leave things where he can reach them.

The lab used to have a martingale collar when he was still the pet of my best friend in the neighborhood. But every so often he'd get a look in his eyes and would face her and pull backwards and it slipped off of his head. Then the chase ensued. When she was injured, hit by a car as a pedestrian in a parking lot, her children asked if I'd watch him until they could board him, but I told them we were happy to have him until she was ready. And the first thing I did was get another Gentle Leader head collar because he can't pull out of that. (Long story short, after four months of hospital and rehab, she knew he was too much so the splendid boy has remained with us.)

I let the two older dogs off of their leads in the driveway as we approach the house after a walk, but the youngest one doesn't get that freedom yet. And since we always walk right before a meal, they're always excited to get into the house to be fed.


16 Oct 18 - 03:45 AM (#3956842)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: peteglasgow

our rescue lurcher came to us with a clearly visible break on her front 'wrist' It was healed and doesn't seem to cause her much bother (she can run around fine) She saw a cat on a high wall out the back and jumped out of our yard (4 foot jump) and then out of the next door yard (a 6/7 foot jump) yes, she can jump. however, she won't reach up to take things off the table (or get on the bed) as she has has learned not to.


16 Oct 18 - 04:29 AM (#3956849)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Senoufou

After the evening meal, we empty the kitchen bin and the larger one in the utility room into the wheelie bin outside. Then the catflap is locked. Our cats are too elderly now however to bother much about overturning bins in the house (they used to when younger).

There are so many dodgy things in bins aren't there? Plastic to chew and swallow, sharp opened tins, unsuitable odds and ends of food, meat bones and so on.

It must be lovely Bonzo to wake up in the morning and greet your new mate Dreamy! Don't animals fill a house with that 'something extra'?
We couldn't imagine having no pets at all.


16 Oct 18 - 03:49 PM (#3956951)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Bonzo3legs

You are so right Senoufou!


17 Oct 18 - 01:27 PM (#3957149)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: keberoxu

Stilly, is the Labrador Retriever in question
the same one
who hunts down, and swallows, women's knickers?


17 Oct 18 - 11:41 PM (#3957213)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Stilly River Sage

Yes. And socks and wash cloths and mittens and dish towels. I'm careful to keep anything like that up and out of reach.


18 Oct 18 - 04:45 PM (#3957308)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Bonzo3legs

Dreamy wandered into our garage today and took a fancy to a car cleaning sponge!


20 Oct 18 - 06:46 AM (#3957526)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Bonzo3legs

It's such a beautiful day that she'll be getting an extra walk this afternoon at a park recommended by friends. There are such things as "dog parks" and a small number have an area enclosed by a high fence which would be ideal to let her have a run - well worth paying for if there is one in Surrey.


21 Oct 18 - 12:43 AM (#3957638)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Stilly River Sage

Dog parks were all the rage here for probably a dozen years, but now people are realizing that there are lots of contagious things that get passed between dogs, and there is less traffic. Check around with your vet and ask if they're seeing any of the flu and such that dogs can get, and if the dog park is wise. At least so soon - I'd let her get settled in and really imprinted on you before I took her to someplace with lots of other people and dogs. Make sure she feels comfortable with the current environment.

I brought home a new dog (blue heeler) on June 2 of this year, and I think it is only in the last few weeks that I really see her relaxing more as she is thoroughly comfortable with our routine (though she is still a hyper herding-type dog). They spend more than a few weeks watching you carefully to see if you're really seriously going to love them and keep them (it's kind of wonderful and heartbreaking at the same time). I literally saw the whites of her eyes more in the early days - open wide, ready to respond to unknown threats or who knows what - we don't know her story before the shelter, and then she spent at least 2 months there. That alone is quite traumatizing. Now she loves the routine of everyone waiting to be told they can eat, once their bowls are filled, and she accepts that I "herd" her back to sit beside the lab instead of letting her hover as close to my feet as possible. She's "one of the dogs," and being part of the pack, with or without other dogs, is important as they get used to a new place. (If you have access to any of Cesar Millan's "Dog Whisperer" videos, they're very helpful.)

You have wonderful loving days ahead with this new pooch, but there is a period of adjustment.


21 Oct 18 - 01:57 PM (#3957730)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Senoufou

Have you had a good weekend with Dreamy, Bonzo? The weather has been fabulous here in Norfolk, warm sunshine and no chilly winds. Perfect for going out for a long walk with your dog.
Every day that passes, I'm sure her confidence and trust in you will increase.


23 Oct 18 - 07:38 AM (#3957959)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Bonzo3legs

Yes we had a wonderful weekend taking her to different walking places. She also demolished a fluffy elephant toy by shaking out most of its stuffing!I need a new pair of knees though - the muscles haven't settled in to their new excercise regime!

We went to see Rachael McShane (ex Bellowhead) & the Cartographers Sundy lunchtime, which meant leaving her alone in the house. We arranged for a dog minder to come in to spend some time with Dreamy and she was good as gold - she sleeps for England!! When we got back she looked up from her bed as if to say "Oh it's you"!!


23 Oct 18 - 10:59 AM (#3957979)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Bonzo3legs

All done so she's good to go for a year before her next booster vaccination. The vet commented on how calm she was! We sat outside the vet room in the sunshine for a while and watched several other dogs in the queue, There was one beige coloured greyhound - I was very tempted but we just don't have the room.


23 Oct 18 - 12:49 PM (#3957989)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Senoufou

What was the accommodation like in the animal shelter Bonzo?
Individual kennels with staff taking the dogs out for a run, or did each dog live with a volunteer?
I bet Dreamy thinks she's dreaming!
So pleased she's calm and easy to handle.


23 Oct 18 - 12:59 PM (#3957990)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Bonzo3legs

I didn't see tha actual accommodation, but I understand that greyhounds are kennelled in pairs, and as with racing greyhound kennels they are both indoors and heated!


23 Oct 18 - 02:05 PM (#3957996)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Stilly River Sage

I'm pretty sure that after at least two months in a noisy stinky concrete kennel that her first few nights or weeks of dreams our blue heeler transported from her bed here back to that place. I'd see her twitching in her dreams and when she woke up she would wag and be so excited to be here. Not a normal waking sensation, but one to expect from a dog making the adjustment.


27 Oct 18 - 08:13 AM (#3958693)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Bonzo3legs

Aha, Dreamy has discovered the sofa!!!


27 Oct 18 - 10:19 AM (#3958711)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Senoufou

The ultimate sign of having settled in Bonzo!

We saw a lovely greyhound out today wearing a nice warm jacket. The weather has turned very cold now, and I thought of you and Dreamy.


27 Oct 18 - 10:56 AM (#3958719)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Bonzo3legs

Yes she wore her fleece jacket today!


27 Oct 18 - 12:44 PM (#3958755)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Senoufou

I bet she felt snug and warm in that.
We had on our fleecy jackets too. Blooming bitterly cold!


28 Oct 18 - 10:24 AM (#3958897)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Bonzo3legs

The plot thickens - our Sainsbury's home delivery this afternoon included a nan bread, not the very tasty one ordered, but a very ordinary substitute. In a moment when I was outside and my wife wasn't looking, said substitute nan bread was snatched by a certain greyhound who started to demolish it! I could not prise open her mouth so that which was not eaten was spat out with wrapping and quickly grabed by me!!


28 Oct 18 - 11:11 AM (#3958906)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Senoufou

Oh the naughty little thing! hee hee. Maybe try her with a vindaloo to go with it?
She sounds like a real character Bonzo.


30 Oct 18 - 08:41 PM (#3959302)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: Stilly River Sage

My Labrador retriever is the WORST about snatching bread from anywhere it is left within sight or smell. I have to always set it up on top of the toaster oven or in the microwave, someplace he can't reach. Every so often someone forgets, and he reminds us that he never stopped watching.


14 Jan 19 - 05:50 PM (#3971492)
Subject: RE: BS: Waiting for the right greyhound!
From: keberoxu

Sorry to hear about the fireworks. Your Dreamy has countless pet dogs for company. It's a darned shame.