Dogs
“One reason the dog has so many friends: He wags his tail instead of his tongue.” Anonymous

I love that thought! I have always been a dog lover. Before “leash laws” dogs pretty much found their way around our town with no problems whatsoever. Our neighbor’s dog, “Princess” was beloved by all, and every afternoon, she set out about town. You’d see “Princess” at football practice, watching her “boys”at work; or you might see her hanging out at the post office waiting to get a glimpse of her “Dad”; and I’m positive she stopped in for a “snack” at more than one location. She was the town’s dog, and everyone loved her. We don’t see that anymore. And I think it’s kind of sad. If you are planning on getting a dog, please be aware of dog and leash laws in you community and be sure you are able to give your new pet lots of love, attention, and daily exercise.

 
   
 
 
The Greyhound
Greyhounds are born and bred to run. Their long, powerful legs and deep chest make for the perfect aerodynamics for speed. Greyhounds are able to reach speeds up to 45 miles per hour in less than 2 seconds, or three strides. They are capable sprinters and have many athletic qualities. They have great flexibility of the spine and large lung capacity. In my experience, however, retired greyhounds are “couch potatoes” and are content with a daily walk. They love to lounge, but not on a bare floor….they require at the very least, a dog bed. They are gentle beings and have a quiet nature. None of our greyhound pets were “barkers”! Most love to travel and they travel well. When you look into the eyes of a greyhound, be prepared; it’s as though they can gaze into the depths of your soul. Once that’s happened, you’ve bonded for life.
 
 
 
   
“Big Bo”
1983-1990		  
   
 

My love for greyhounds began when my husband took me to my first greyhound race. The dogs were beautiful. So sleek and trim and wow! How they could run! After being married for just four months, my husband said “we’re getting a greyhound for a pet and he will be arriving next weekend.” That’s when I met “Big Bo”! He was a beautiful white and fawn greyhound, 75 pounds of pure muscle and strength. When he stood-up on his hind legs, he was taller than I, and that’s when I realized we had to teach him that the kitchen was off-limits….and he learned.

I walked “Big Bo” everyday, and during my pregnancy, I credit him with my minimal weight gain. I walked him 2 ½ miles each morning and 2 ½ miles each evening. He was soooo happy and so was I! He was loving and graceful and he was my “protector”! Then along came “the baby” and it was a little awkward walking the dog and pushing the carriage. All I can say is “thank you so much, Inventor of the 20-foot retractable leash”. “Big Bo” was a winner at the track, retiring at age four, but he died when he was just 7 years old. He howled at sirens, could run like the wind, and liked to curl up beside me at bedtime. I’ll love him always!
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“Jaslo”
One-week…..

Jaslo was the most beautiful greyhound I had ever seen. He was totally black with a white diamond shape on his neck. He was big and powerful but “not quite the sharpest tool in the shed”. He didn’t seem so smitten with humans. Our son was about 20 months old when Jaslo arrived at our home. So, naturally, when our son pulled Jaslo’s tail, Jaslo retaliated by biting our son. Needless to say, we found Jaslo a home on a farm with other dogs and farm animals.

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“Amy"
my lovely lady!
1994-2007

Amy, Amy, my lovely lady. I miss her so much. Amy came to us from Wheeling Island in West Virginia. She was sleek and graceful and loved lovin’. She was a winner at the track until she broke one of her back legs. She was rehabilitated, but she didn’t regain the speed necessary to compete, so we got her when she retired from the racing life. She actually belonged to my son, but she was truly my dog. I fed her, walked her, traveled with her….we bonded and we were “soul-mates”.

  

I taught her how to “smile” and she would automatically show her teeth when she wanted something….especially a walk or a treat. Amy and I spent many hours in the car, and since I regularly tuned into “oldies” stations, occasionally “Amie” by Pure Prairie League (www.pureprairieleague.com) would play and I’d sing to Amy. She would give me a look as if to say, “Jen, you really need singing lessons!” Amy knew when I brought the suitcases out to the car, she was going to travel. She’d drink some water and start prancing all around, so happy to be included in the outing. When she was young, she’d jump up onto her bed, (which occupied the entire back end of the vehicle), and wait there until we were ready to leave!

Amy had never seen a set of stairs until she came to live with us. She was always cautious going up and down the stairs. When coming down the steps of our deck, she’d slowly walk down to about the fourth step, pause, and then leap to the ground. Amy died at age 13. I still visit with her in my dreams!

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"Stardust"
2010 -

MEET STARDUST! She is the fourth greyhound I've adopted and we welcomed her into our home late last week. She is a three-and-a-half year old gorgeous girl who retired from the racing life two weeks ago. Presently, we are getting to know each other better.

I'll let you know more about Stardust once we become better acquainted!
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For more information about greyhounds and greyhound adoptions, please visit some of the websites listed below. Go to “google” for even more sites.