MY GREYHOUNDS

I first learned about greyhounds when I was in college on winter break,  while on a trip to New Hampshire to visit my roommate's family.  She took me to a greyhound race and that was all it took!  After several years of researching and waiting for the right time, I decided this was the breed for me.

 After learning of the terrible "track" life these animals have, I never went back to the tracks to support this industry after the one time in New Hampshire.

I am not telling anyone not to go to the races, I am just saying that I have chosen not to support this part of the racing industry, but prefer to focus on the rescue end of it, to help save these awesome animals.

 

I am, however, glad I did go to the races that night because it introduced me to a breed I had never been around before and they were the most beautiful, majestic animals I had ever seen. 

 

So, after all the researching and waiting, I finally got my call that a new load of dogs was available for adoption.  When I saw Misty that day, I knew she was the one.  Such a sweet, beautiful, shy little girl.  Well, I was later told that Misty had been abused in her previous home, where her owners were in the middle of a bitter divorce, getting back at each other by hurting Misty.  Luckily, they were able to retrieve the dog from the home and get her out of such a sad situation, and find her another home. 

I was told Misty was a special needs dog because of all the effects of the abuse.  Because this was my very first greyhound adoption, the lady asked me to consider another dog with not as many problems.  I looked no further, knowing I could help this dog.  We got in my truck and went home.

 

She was very scared and skiddish the first several months.  She was very shy and aloof.  She would cower and hide if you would even look at her, and God forbid raise a voice around her.  She was a mess.  She just didn't like being around people, probably for fear she would just get hit again.  I decided the best thing for her would be another dog. I went back to the same agency and took Misty so "we" could pick out a new friend.  We both picked Ruby.  We all 3 got along instantly.  Ruby was the best medicine for Misty.  She was one of the sweetest dogs I have ever encountered.  Not that I am picking favorites!

 

As time went by, Misty became a whole new dog.  To this day 9 years later, Misty (now almost 13) still prefers to remain in the shadows, but she is such a wonderful dog, none the less.

 

Misty still does not like to hear men raise their voices.  It still scares her to this day and she will run off and hide somewhere in the house to avoid the situation when anybody gets loud.  Obviously, it was the man of her previous house that abused her.  The story is that the couple was going through a bitter divorce and hurt Misty just to get back at one another. 

 

From her sad beginnings though, came a wonderful pet and companion.

 

So, Ruby, my second greyhound was just about the complete opposite of Misty.  Ruby was a big love bug, commanding all the attention anyone would give her.  She would literally shove Misty out of the way, so she could get all the attention anybody would give her!  Ruby would wake me up most mornings with a kiss, and then I knew it was my signal to get out of bed and let them out for bathroom break.

 

Unfortunately, Ruby passed on to the Rainbow Bridge this past Spring.  I noticed a lump in her hind leg, which turned out to be bone cancer.  Those were the hardest words for me to hear, knowing my great companion's days would be numbered.  Three months or less in fact.  She lived several days short of the three months.

 

I kept saying "I hope she doesn't get too bad during the middle of a hectic work week, because I didn't know how I would be able to keep working the day after I would have to put her down."  Her last week, she looked and seemed to feel better than she had in previous weeks.  She actually seemed to share her signature smile more that week.  When I finished my work week that particular Friday, I came home to a totally different dog I had left that morning.  I knew it was time, and I had told myself, once she gave me a sign, I would not let her suffer anymore on account of my selfishness, because it just wasn't fair to her.  A part of me believes she was hanging on until the weekend for me, so I could have the weekend to grieve, before starting back to work the next week.  Who knows if that really is the case or not, but it is what I believe.  That is just how greyhounds are.  They just want to please us so much, all the way to the very end.

 

I took Ruby the next morning to be put to sleep.  What a long drive to the vet's office, knowing it was our last drive together, our last moments together.  When I first learned of her cancer, I didn't think I would be able to be in the room with her when the deed was done.  Well, when I got there, I knew I WOULD be in the room with her.  A peace came from above, knowing she had been there for me all these years, so I wanted to be there for her in the end.  It was a very peaceful event.  After it was over, I just stayed there with her and held her a bit longer.  I knew I did what was best  for my best friend.  I knew she was free of pain at that instant.

 

Ruby will always hold a special place in my heart.  She was eleven when she left us.

 

So, after several months without our Ruby, Misty was becoming withdrawn and very depressed.  I realized it was time for another greyhound for the both of us.  This is where Greyhound Crossroads comes in the picture.  I was lucky enough to find them online, and contacted them and was so impressed with their online communications and support, I ended up going to South Carolina to pick up Tut, the newest addition to my household.

 

Tut, is a senior male who just turned 10, however, has the energy of a 4 year old!  With Misty nearly 13, I figured a senior dog would be best for her.  Thankfully, Tut was just what the doctor ordered.  Misty has bounced back amazingly well.  They are a great pair together.  Just like Misty and Ruby, Misty still stays in the shadows, Tut wants ALL the attention he can get! 

 

Tut was quite a good racer in his day, and after retirement, went to a breeding farm until he arrived at Greyhound Crossroads.  He loves to run, run, run.  And give him his favorite toy, and he can entertain himself in the backyard like no other!  Don't even try to get his toy, because he won't let you!! 

 

Hopefully, this wonderful boy has a few good years left in him.  He has been a great addition here. He definitely has a personality of his own!  You may not always realize Misty is here when you come inside, but I can guarantee you WILL know Tut is here!

 

Greyhound Crossroads had been wonderful to work with.  A great group of people, all sharing a common love of these wonderful animals.  If you are considering adopting a greyhound in the future, or would like more information about greyhound adoption, please visit their site.  They have wealth of knowledge on their site, as well as on the links pages.

 

Greyhounds are magical to me, and will steal your heart.  There is just something about this breed that I can't even explain.  You gotta' love 'em!

 

Thanks for reading about my greyhound experience.  I hope you will consider greyhound adoption if you are considering a new dog in the future.  There is nothing better in my opinion!