I’m not the only member of the household who enjoys this plan. Our son has amazing friends and it’s fun to catch up with them (and catch the most intriguing bits of information). But Bandit, our youngest greyhound LOVES to hang out with boys. Especially if they’re willing to play tug or throw a toy.

As part of an oops litter (meaning the litter wasn’t sanctioned and the puppies cannot be trained to race) Bandit wasn’t raised like most greyhounds. His first foster family had two young boys and it’s obvious the three of them had a blast through Bandit’s first year. When he came to us (on his first birthday) he immediately bonded with my husband and our son, and while he thought us girls were okay, he made his preference known.

He’s the biggest greyhound we’ve ever seen, but he’s typical of the breed in that he is smart as a whip and has TONS of energy. So whenever our son has his friends over, Bandit is in the mix, welcoming everyone with his friendly enthusiasm. Now that he’s three, the enthusiasm is a bit more manageable – at least he calms down a bit faster – which makes all of us happy.

This past sleepover, all of the guys learned to give Bandit an ice cube (his favorite treat) whenever they opened the cooler. And he did put that long nose to good use and taste some Fanta orange this time. LOL

And when it was time for us to head up to bed Boo and Brody happily went upstairs for bedtime cookies, but I found Bandit lying on the floor, his head next to one boy’s hip. I told him it was bed time and he gave me the most pleading look: “Can I please stay with the boys?”

He was so sad when I insisted, but Bandit has a tendency to “check on” people while they’re sleeping. It involves snuffling or licking noses and ears, just to make sure the person’s all right. I figured the little sleep the boys were going to get didn’t need to be interrupted by a greyhound who is still mostly puppy.

Bandit didn’t like being parted from our son’s pals, but he made up for it in the morning, taking a head count and checking on all of them in turn. My son has such great friends, none of them complained, they just patted Bandit’s head and nudged him toward the next guy. When Bandit was satisfied (and after his gulping his breakfast in record time) he went in and flopped down in the middle of all of them, happy as ever!

Live the greyhound adventure!

Bandit at the dog park

There were probably twelve of them in for spay and neuter procedures. They were so stoic and quiet as they sat or napped in the kennels, and completely unperturbed by the chaotic barking and crying from the other dogs and cats around them.

My husband and I both love big dogs and we gave ourselves the wedding gift of adopting a retired greyhound. Bubbles was the best, an angel among a wonderful breed. She was an excellent ambassador for greyhound adoption and a perfect ‘first child’ for us. She and our cat (the pet I brought to the marriage) quickly became best friends and we often found them napping or playing together.

Ten years later, with our two young children and another (rescued) cat, we made a cross country move and got involved with the local greyhound adoption and rescue group. Until that point, I’d always thought we’d stay a one greyhound home, but another greyhound found us when she was dumped at the pet store during a greyhound meet and greet event.

Kayla was malnourished, nervous, and sported what looked suspiciously like a shallow bullet wound in her side. After sitting as close to me as possible for the duration of the event (often draping herself over my knee), my husband and I agreed to foster her for the group.

Bubbles was fine with Kayla while we were at the pet store, but she stared at us like we’d lost our collective minds when Kayla joined us for the ride home. We told her it was only temporary, but I think Bubbles knew better.

With one sharp bark, Bubbles established her dominance as queen while everyone got acclimated to the house. I don’t think Kayla wanted the responsibility, she was just thrilled to finally be in a safe place. The two were good friends for the duration of their lives together.

Kayla became a beloved member of our family and started us on the road of fostering greyhounds within our local greyhound adoption and rescue network. In the years since, we’ve only been a one greyhound family for short periods after losing one of our adopted pack, or placing a foster greyhound in a forever home.

I used to think the adopted greyhound volunteer who said, “three greyhounds is the perfect pack” was crazy. Now, I understand completely. While I prefer to keep our pack at two with a regular flow of foster greyhounds, we’re currently holding at three: Brody, Boo, and Bandit. (and no, I didn’t name them that way on purpose).

Live the greyhound adventure!

When our queen of the household, Boo, started having seizures last summer, Bandit ‘helped’ me when I was on the phone with the vet. We were both so upset and I praised him for his concern.

Now, Boo is stabilized and life is great, but whenever any of us are on the phone, Bandit wants to talk too. It’s fine if he’s just adding his two cents while he’s still upstairs on his favorite bed. But if the conversation goes more than a few minutes, he trots right up and becomes more insistent.

Have you ever tried to discipline an adopted greyhound, or any other pet without interrupting a conversation?

Every normal thing, from acting like he doesn’t exist to attempting a hand signal has failed. Bandit just chatters on.

This boy has a big voice and a HUGE range of vocalizations from whistling (usually how it starts) to all out greyhound “roo-roo-ing”. Fortunately he saves the roo-ing for outside. Along with his manly “I’m so tough” bark, which sounds terrifying – unless of course you’re the neighbor dog on the other side of the fence, then apparently it’s just happy canine conversation.

A conversation I am polite enough not to interrupt. When I point out my manners to Bandit, the smartest greyhound we’ve had refuses to see the correlation.

Ah, well, we’ll figure it out one way or another. After all, adopted greyhounds bring such joy to life’s adventures!

Live the greyhound adventure!

Unfortunately the news wasn’t about his travel plans. He’d called to tell us his gorgeous female has leukemia. He wanted us to have a chance to come over and love on her while she was still feeling up for company. I thought it was a thoughtful and generous gesture.

I put on my waterproof mascara and contacts (to discourage any crying) and we headed over. All of the humans involved wanted this to be a happy visit. When we arrived, both of his adopted greyhounds were excited to see us (always gratifying) and we had a lovely – tear free – visit. While she wasn’t her spry self, she soaked up all the affection and went to rest when she’d had enough.

Typical of retired greyhounds, she seems steady and stoic in the face of such an illness. They’ve been together for nearly a decade and I don’t believe either human or greyhound is quite ready to say goodbye. Still, while time is limited, it is clear every day in that home is a celebration and they are wringing every bit of life and joy out of every minute that remains. It was beautiful.

Saying goodbye to a forever friend is always a challenge. Retired greyhounds – any beloved pet – become such a vital part of our daily lives that it’s impossible to imagine how we’ll go on in their absence. We’ve said farewell to so many pets and while the emotional pain was so intense in the moment, we often think back and relive our fondest memory of each greyhound we know will be waiting for us on the other side of the rainbow bridge.

Live the greyhound adventure!

All right. You caught me. The non-stop thing is a bit of a stretch. Oh, all three of our greys, Boo, Brody, and Bandit (no I didn’t intentionally give them B names) all want to play when the weather is perfect like it has been these past days. But non-stop for a retired greyhound is a bit of a sprint, a bit of sunbathing, and a bit of coming back inside for a drink of water and another nap.

To be specific, Boo prefers to go out, run a couple laps around the butterfly garden (affectionately known as the infield) then flop in the bit of grass and wait for squirrels foolish enough to wander within range. This sweetheart with the adoring eyes is our serious hunter! The squirrels actually watch the door and develop their response based on which dog comes out. If it’s Boo, they stay well out of reach.

Now the boys, especially Brody, are more laid back about stray squirrels or birds. Brody doesn’t care about the hunt anymore – unless it’s for a tennis ball to romp around with. And with his newly diagnosed heart murmur and high blood pressure, his romps are short lived. He makes up for the duration with frequency of effort. Which means this time of year I wish for a dog door.

But when you have a greyhound as uncommonly big as Bandit, the wonder pup, a dutch door would be more feasible than a simple dog door. And I’m afraid that would just invite more trouble than it’s worth.

Bandit is still so much a puppy – even at three – that he requires the most interaction outside. He loves to play fetch with a ratty old cowboy or a tennis and rope thing that bounces unexpectedly (one of his favorite amusements). In this fantastic weather, he can keep it up for as long as my shoulder and back can keep throwing. It’s a blast watching him race around and enjoy the sunshine and clear days.

Our adopted greyhounds bring us so much joy, each in their own way and with their own unique take on spring fever.

Live the greyhound adventure!

(That’s a picture of Bandit having fun at the dog park earlier this month. Muzzles are just a precaution to avoid any unintentional injury)

With temperatures warming up, and beautiful weather ahead, one of our friends who has two greyhounds will be thinking of long weekends on the back roads with his Harley or planning his summer vacation. That means we get to add to our pack for a few days. I’m looking forward to it!

Originally, we started with one greyhound – Bubbles – a wedding present to ourselves. Late in her life, we were adopted by another hound, Kayla, who’d been dumped at the pet store during a meet and greet. (I mentioned her in last week’s post about Luck and Greyhounds)

When Bubbles and Kayla passed away the house felt so very empty for all of us, but especially me since I work at home. It wasn’t long before another greyhound was stealing our hearts and snuggling on our couch. Faith was a wonderful dog and after a few months with her, we got serious about fostering for our local greyhound adoption group.

Brody (our second attempt at fostering) became the next forever friend in our home. I thought we were set. Then a family needed to return a dog we’d fostered and due to circumstances, and we found ourselves with a pack of three of the best greyhounds ever.

Then, that friend of ours needed a sitter for his forever friends. So our pack of three swelled to five hounds for about ten days while he traveled. And it wasn’t too many at all (days or greys).

Sounds ridiculous, but five greyhounds in one house was just right. In fact, it was an absolute pleasure. After all, greyhounds are used to hanging out with each other. They’re not very vocal, so there wasn’t ever a chorus of barking – unless they were cheering each other on while romping in the yard.

As long as we had one more dog bed than dogs (a rule we follow no matter how many greys are in the house) life was peaceful. Calm even.

Really!

All five hounds had been retired long enough that we didn’t have fights over food, just natural curiosity. The two guests slid into our routine and amazingly, there were always enough hands to keep all five dogs content with the lovies.

Yes, greys can be addictive but I guarantee they’re not hazardous to your health.They might actually do you some good. Studies show sharing your life with a pet is good for your blood pressure and improves your overall happiness, just to name two of countless benefits.

Greyhound adoption is an addiction that should be encouraged!

Live the adventure!

We were lucky enough to be adopted by one of the best ambassadors for the breed – Bubbles – who was a dark copper brindle beauty who graced our lives for nearly 12 years. Loving her and being loved by her, made us greyhound people for life. Kayla joined us when she was lucky enough to be dumped at a pet store during a greyhound meet and greet event. Then came Faith, foster greyhounds, Brody, followed by more foster greyhounds.

Levi was a special foster who was adopted and later needed to be returned. I was lucky enough to be the one who picked him up and I still cry when I think of his face when he recognized me. When I brought him home, he nosed Faith and Brody in the back yard and stayed with us the rest of his precious days.

Several years and many fosters later, after Levi and Faith passed on, we were lucky enough to count Boo as a forever friend.

There was the day when the roofers left our back gate open and all three greyhounds got out. Brody and Boo as well as a foster greyhound who didn’t yet know her name.

As luck would have it, the foster was quite curious about the neighbor’s deck and we corralled her there and were able to quickly returned her to the safety of our home. Of course, Boo and Brody went happily romping away, ignoring our attempts to bring them back (with squeaky toys, and treats), but they set off on the normal route we take for our long walks.

Luckily, a foolish squirrel crossed Boo’s path (she’s our hunter) and we clipped her leash on while she was distracted with her trophy.

Brody, well Brody is usually the exception to any greyhound rule. Although in this case the wandering is par for the course with a loose greyhound. Anyway you look at it, he took a detour from the walk, winding up at the church, where -luckily – the youth group leaders were having a meeting to prepare for the next day’s event. Since Brody had escorted us to the church a few times, they recognized him, gave him water and called us.

So whether you count the wee bit of Irish running through my veins, I count myself lucky – and truly blessed every day – in all of our encounters (planned or not) with our adopted greyhounds and the fosters in between.

Live the greyhound adventure!

Spending a couple hours at a pet store, community event, or convention is a greyt way for people to learn more and see for themselves how wonderful these dogs are and what greyt potential they have as companions. The best part, from my perspective is that usually these events bust a lot of myths about greyhounds:

Aren’t they hyper? Unequivocally no. I tell people greyhounds are the cats of the dog world – napping as much as 16 hours a day.

Don’t they need a lot of space? Again, not usually. Greyhounds seem quite content to give up the busy track life for a comfy couch or cushy dog bed. If you’ve got room for a crate or kennel, you’ve got room for the dog. A big yard isn’t even a requirement. Greys are usually excellent walking companions and don’t need excessive activity in retirement.

Do they bark a lot? Not typically. Greyhounds are less vocal than most breeds, a trait that makes them ideal dogs for those living in condos or close neighborhoods. Of course we have the exception to the rule in Brody, but even he doesn’t bark incessantly – just when he’s outside romping. Of course, he also sings the happy birthday song on request.

Additionally, it’s greyt experience for new retirees to mingle with happily retired and adopted greyhounds at the meet and greet. This teaches them how to socialize with people and dogs of all ages.

This is a valuable way to learn good manners in the retired life. It’s also a good way for the group to learn more about the dogs fresh from the track.

There’s no pressure at a meet and greet to be anything but adorable and somehow most newly retired hounds know it. (the dogs leave the chatting to the people as long as there’s a hand dishing out lovies)

How can a person not be charmed by the big eyes and frequent smiles of these lean, lovely dogs?

I know we’ve fallen in love with more than a few delightful foster greyhounds, and to date we’ve added seven retired greyhounds to the ranks of our forever family.

Live the greyhound adventure!

Housebreaking a full size, full grown dog takes diligence and observation. Watching the new dog for cues helps reduce accidents.

Greyhounds learn quickly. This is a bonus for the housebreaking issue.

Greyhounds are fun. They are naturally curious canines and watching them discover their new world of retirement is endlessly entertaining.

Greyhounds are very eager to please. This is a big help when teaching manners and desired behaviors.

Some personality quirks show up right away, others take a few months. Be alert for surprises on the daily adventure.

Fears of thunder or fireworks can increase with age. Most fears can be managed with love, patience and a little peanut butter for positive reinforcement.

Ears are fun and expressive and every greyhound uses their ears differently (beyond hearing of course)

Love comes in kisses, hugs, slurps and sometimes burps.

There’s joy in watching a grey adapt to the world of retirement.

Adopted Greyhounds Boo & Brody

Cuddling is the best way to spend an hour, or a day.

Food shall be dispensed at regularly scheduled intervals.

Vocals aren’t just for American Idol. While greyounds don’t normally ‘bark’, but they sure communicate well by voice or other means.

Five greyhounds in a house is not too many. As long as there are more than five comfy places (couches, dog beds, kennels) to snuggle alone or with someone.

There should always be one more dog bed than there are dogs to use those beds.

Just when you think you know all there is to know about greys, they’ll throw in a surprise to make you smile.

Greyhounds have big hearts for running and loving.

Greyhound noses can reach places other noses can’t. Beware. And watch your dinner plate -at the table or on the counter.

Greyhounds mellow with age, but age isn’t always chronological.

Just walking a greyhound makes you look ten pounds thinner…really! Okay, well maybe not, but walking a greyhound can be nearly as beneficial socially as it can for fitness. And walking your foster greyhound or retired greyhound you’ve added to your family is an excellent way to spread news about these wonderful fast friends!

Live the greyhound adventure!

Most people give me a kind look as if they want to believe me… often it’s pushing it just to bust the myth that these elegant racing dogs aren’t hyperactive.

But when we took on the fostering of a year-old puppy from an ‘oops’ litter he completely proved my point.

No, at a year, he wasn’t the most laid back of hounds. He had a nap time limit (90 minutes) You could set clocks by it. Of course with a dog that needs to play every hour and a half, you really don’t need a clock…but I digress.

Aside from the play issue, the puppy is a normal greyhound: curious but willing to obey, quick to learn and adapt to the routine, and happy with all the love we can give.

What makes him most unique among the retired and foster greyhounds we have known is his treat of choice: Ice cubes

Yup. It’s true. Ice is nice! We discovered his passion when someone dropped an ice cube in the kitchen. He ran off and before we knew it, he was crunching and chewing and quite content.

Ice cubes have become our go-to training tool. Greyhounds learn best by positive reinforcement and how cool is it that I don’t have to worry about high calorie treats? (though in a puppy it’s not such a big deal)

Foster greyhound in the snow

If he’s not ready to come in from the yard, but we need to leave…shake the ice cube bin or crack the tray.

When our daughter was recuperating from a knee surgery, the cryo-machine they prescribe to limit inflammation was a boon for Bandit! The machine uses oodles of ice and needs refilled at regular intervals. The puppy was such a wonderful helper escorting me to and from the big cooler we kept stocked with bags of ice. He was beyond thrilled when I let him choose his own cube from the cooler.

There are times when I think he even tries to nose hot pots on the stove, just as a bid for more ice. When we had snow (a rarity) he was thrilled to find all the ice he could want in the back yard. He took bites of snow off the small fences and yucca plants and was just a riot when we walked him that day.

So while the puppy was all greyhound in so many ways, he was (and still is) his own special self too, which makes him just like the other hounds we’ve known. It’s a circular sort of concept…on and off the race track.

Live the greyhound adventure!