Very close to getting a dog

[Chocaholic]

So do we Tabs. Point?

I think the rescue scenario is a great one. We have two Golden Retrievers....one was a rescue dog that we got on "rescue-day" at Pet-smart. She was about 6 yrs old, now she's 14 and is a constant pleasure to have in our family. About 2 years ago, ironically, a Golden Retriever (about a year old) was wandering through and around our yard (lakefront). We saw her from the lake and thought ours got out. Not so. Collar, no tag. 2 weeks of searching for the owner and she's now part of the family too.

Rescue a dog. It's the right thing to do. Best of luck. You'll have a loyal friend for life.

[Laneco]

Rammstein
I have an adopted greyhound. I absolutely love him. But let me tell you a few more things about adopting a grey that people don't tell you ahead of time.

The greyhound rescue "Fast Friends" did not disclose to me that my dog, Zorro has epilepsy. This is a largely treatable condition, but his seizures, even when consistently medicated are very powerful. He has 3-5 a week on medication. This was CLEARLY something they knew and did not disclose in spite of me asking about the health condition of the dog.

Zorro arrived rough coated and with unhealthy bowel movements. He was terribly wormy. It took about 3 months to get him healthy and normal. I've had alot of dogs and lived on ranches with assorted livestock, I've NEVER seen an animal with so many internal parasites.

Zorro is perfectly house broken from his temporary home. We had a few discussions about getting on the furniture, but that is about it. Sometimes I've got to remind him not to run in the hallway when he hears the kids. He is also very good in the car. He just steps into the back of the station wagon when we go to the vet.

A bit of warning. If a grey gets loose, they tend to run and do not come when called. Zorro has learned to come when he is called (usually). When they run, it's only for a brief time and oddly enough they tend to go in a circle. Remember that when you are looking for them. Keep a collar with your cell # on it. Greys slip the collar very easily.

He's a big laid back boy. I love him dearly. Wonderful with kids and other dogs. He's terrified of our Himilayan cat (who went into full fur-ball attack when she first saw Zorro). She "owns" him now.

By the way. The 50 pound weight limit could cause you a problem. Zorro, in racing weight, is 110 pounds. We medicate him based on weight and he flucatuates between 103 and 110.

I applaud your decision to adopt a grey, just want to let you know a few additional points. I'd adopt again. Coincidently, my dog, Zorro, raced in Florida before entering the adoption pool.

angela

[Laneco]

Whoops, my bad, the adoption agency was "Homes for Hounds." Pretty well known agency. Obviously someone "dropped the ball" on this particular adoption though.

angela

[rammstein]

Angela-

Your words are wise. To test this, I called the agency just now to have a conversation and feel things out. I think their mission is to move animals. This is understandable, but this means I need to have my radar up bigtime. Its going to require more judgement than I had anticipated. Glad to hear you are happy in spite of your pup's health conditions.

The name of the agency here is "Friends of Greyhounds".

http://www.friendsofgreyhounds.org/FoGSoFla.html

[azasadny]

I've known several people who have adopted Greyhounds and they have been very happy. Seems like you have been doing alot of research and that will help you to make a good, informed decision. Good luck!

[mthomas58]

We have two people in our neighborhood with rescue Greyhounds ( one of them has FIVE and he takes them all for a walk at the same time) They all seem to have very calm dispositions, but don't seem as affectionate/ almost "distant" (at least to strangers) as other breeds - perhaps due to their background.

Pets add so much to your life. We, unfortunatley, had to make the decision to put down our 17 year old cat on Monday. Tough decision, heartbreaking and pray every day that we made the right decision for her from a quality of life standpoint. Amazing how attached you can become to them. I don't really consider myself a cat person having had two great danes. But our sweet little Callie (a stray that we took in) outlived them both!

We will get another to fill the void. Not sure if we have the time/lifestyle to properly care for another dog, so we will probably adopt a cat from our vet.

[lisa_spyder]

Good story on "A Current Affair" down here last night about Greyhound rescue. One woman lives in an inner city apartment in Sydney with her "new" greyhound. Seems like the dog adapted really well. Text story here:

http://aca.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=285438

Prettty much supports your research I thought .

Cheers,

Lisa

[k9handler]

can't go wrong with a dog as long as you socialize it...they all have great character! Yes I am a bit biased, love them all while not a big fan of cats.

[K. Roman]

I wonder why this thread was rated one *star*???

My sister has a rescued greyhound and he is the sweetest most gentle, quiet doggy I've ever met. Very adorable.

[rammstein]

As of yet un-named. We haven't decided, I can't imagine what a child is like! I need to go to bed, but here's a picture. We can't take her until after she is spayed, as per their adoption agreements. I'll write about the experience tomorrow. It was a great one.

[rammstein]

[rammstein]

Wow- I can't stop!

[Dueller]

Originally Posted by rammstein

Wow- I can't stop!

Good lookin pooch. Given her markings I would name her "Belle Starr"...and decide later whether you call her Belle or Starr.

My brother is a Vet near a track in north Florida. He helps place them for adoption and has kept one or two over the years. Seem to be very sweet disposition animals. They are able to donate blood universally to all other breeds of dogs. He has one that is so used to the routine that he can call her and she climbs on the table and calmly lays down while extending a leg to donate blood.

[rammstein]

Its going to be tough waiting to have her home.

It is surreal to go into a kennel with 50+ dogs in it, and have no barking. When they had abotu 20 dogs in a little yard, a person can walk in. After the initial smelling, the dogs return to their business of walking around in their groups. They are very confortable around people.

Whats funny is that they let these dogs out in the same groups every day. When I asked to take out a dog, and she ended up in a yard with dogs outside of her normal group, the dynamic was very different than when it was with her group. She would walk into the yard, and the other dogs took a serious interest in the new dog. She would have to stand and allow herself to be inspected for a minute, and then they would fold in together and go back to business.

These dogs are very lethargic acting 99% of the time. You'd almost think that the fastest they could walk was a lazy saunter. But then, when the setting is just right and they decide to run... 45mph in 3 strides!

We chose based on temperment, which made this very hard because for the most part they are all pretty darn good. I guess I just got this vibe with her, and that was it. She's not stand-offish, but also not trying to be alpha with us (no standing up, putting paws on top of us). She was racing only about a month ago, so she is particularly thin. Look closely at where her legs join her body though- those are some serious muscles. Her fur is like velvet, which supposedly is how puppy fur would feel, but she is almost 4 years old. Now that she is off a racing diet, it will be interesting to see how her coat changes.

My wife could not have had a better experience as well. She didn't have a dog growing up, and 3 years ago would not even pet dogs (she thought they were dirty). After me breaking her down for three years (and her living with my brother's dog for awhile), she was ready for this. The greyhounds were perfect for her- they are very patient. They walk up to you and just give you the "pet me, love me" look without jumping up or being too pushy. Its really making me happy that I've gotten her to understand how awesome dogs are.

The adoption place I was at is really quite phenomenal. They have multiple yards, little kiddie pools, toys (which greyhounds don't QUITE understand yet), and a staff that genuinely like what they do. I'll probably volunteer up there one our dog is adjusted. The kennel area is under a/c, which is essential for greys. These dogs are in a good environment, which no doubt contributes to them not developing all kinds of issues during their stay.

Enough rambling- if you live in the south florida area, and you want a dog, check these guys out. They have 5 hours of open house every Saturday and Sunday. You can come to get a dog, or just see what greyhounds are like and hang out.

http://www.friendsofgreyhounds.org/FoGSoFla.html

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by rammstein

.... how awesome dogs are....

! It's going to be a long three weeks....good job!

[azasadny]

Excellent pics and follow-up. I'm glad you found your dog! You can really get attached to them and they provide lots of fun and companionship. Enjoy!

[lisa_spyder]

She's gorgeous - yep a long three weeks coming up! Congratulations .

[pwd72s]

A bit of warning. If a grey gets loose, they tend to run and do not come when called. Zorro has learned to come when he is called (usually). When they run, it's only for a brief time and oddly enough they tend to go in a circle. Remember that when you are looking for them. Keep a collar with your cell # on it. Greys slip the collar very easily.


angela[/QUOTE]

This, I know to be true. One day, doing yardwork, a greyhound came up to me. Luckily, a collar with a tag, containing a greyhound rescue phone number. I put the dog in our garage, she instantly spread out on the blanket I provided, drank the water...

I called the number. The lady on the other end was shocked...the poor critter was "rescued" in California. Said she'd do research, call me back. So, I provided food, went back to yard work.

As I worked, I noticed a little pickup with canopy kept cruising up & down my semi rural road. I flagged the lady inside down, asked: "Are you looking for something?" Yep...a greyhound. So, a reunion. The lady promised to give the rescue people her new address & number...and yes, get a license.

This dog was over 2 miles from home...as the crow flies.

[rammstein]

Very very true. Greyhounds can NEVER be off of a leash. Doesn't matter how perfect they are- the prey drive will win.

[pwd72s]

Yep! And since we have cats? Well, if it had shown with one of our pets in it's jaws? I'd have shot, shoveled, then shut up. People LOVE their pets...something we should all be aware of....