My boss just retired, but one thing I miss about him is the awful jokes he used to tell. We called them 'dad' jokes - the kind of jokes told around the dinner table that make the kids roll their eyes.
I found this dad joke on the internet today.
Two horses are standing in a barn after a big day at the races...After starting a discussion together on their current form of the day, the first horse says, "The strangiest thing happened to me in the 3rd race today...I was coming dead last and thought may as well give up...and as soon as I thought this.....WHOOSH!.....something smacked me right in the ass and then pushed me to the head of the pack...and I won the race!"
The second horse then continues the discussion with, "Well funny you should say that...Cause in the 8th race I was coming second last and decided to give up...as soon as I made that decision, I felt something smack me in the ass, and I was pushed to the head of the pack and consequently came first..."
Now, almost as soon as the horses had finished their discussion on this strange phenomenom, a young Greyhound had made his way into the barn...He walked over to the two horses and said, "I overheard you guys talking just then about what happened to you both in your races...And I think I know what it is!...Apparently many years ago there was a horse who lost every race he ever competed in...eventually he decided to give up in every race...and he was always laughed at and ridiculed by the other horses and their jockeys...Now, as the tale goes, the horse died... but before he did so, he vowed to the other horses that never again would another horse have to face the ridicule that he himself endured for sooo many years...So you see what I think that was that smacked you in your asses, was the ghost of that horse!!!"
After taking in all that the Greyhound had just told them, the two horses stood in total amazement with their mouths wide open for a good 5 minutes....after which the first horse turned to the second and said, "Well F**k me.....A talking Dog!!!!"
Showing posts with label greyhound. Show all posts
Showing posts with label greyhound. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Greyhound Muzzle Law - National Roundup
Whether or not a greyhound is required to wear a muzzle in public is different depending what state of Australia you live in. Here is the round up.
Victoria
It is ONLY those greyhounds adopted as pets from GAP, and wearing the green GAP identification collar, that are exempt from being muzzled in public. ALL other greyhounds, whether they are current or retired racing greyhounds or greyhounds adopted as pets privately or from a shelter or rescue group, MUST by law be muzzled in public.
Reference GAP Victoria
Queensland
Despite the fact that GAP greyhounds are not racing anymore, it is currently still law that they wear a muzzle in a public place unless they are wearing their GAP approved green collar. The person responsible for the dog can be fined if they are unmuzzled and not wearing the green collar that clearly identifies the dog as having been through the GAP program.
Reference GAP Queensland
New South Wales
One of the main stumbling blocks that exists for the Greyhound Adoption Program in NSW is the requirement that our beautiful dogs be muzzled in public places. The negative effect of this stipulation of the Companion Animals Act is twofold:
It has caused the completely erroneous perception to become entrenched, in the minds of the general public, that Greyhounds are dangerous and aggressive.
In itself, the legal requirement that they be muzzled in public, discourages a lot of people who would otherwise be keen to adopt one of these gentle and aristocratic dogs.
We strongly believe that this legislation is misguided - not to say draconian - in that it, quite unjustifiably, discriminates against Greyhounds. (The only other breed which is specified in the CAA is the Pit Bull Terrier). It should be noteworthy that the Greyhound does not rate a mention in any published statistics of dog bites, despite the fact that far more Greyhounds are whelped each year than any other breed.
Furthermore Australia is the only country, with the sole exception of Northern Ireland, which requires Greyhounds to be muzzled when they are off the track.
Happily, Victoria amended its legislation in 1999 to allow GAP Greyhounds to be exempt from wearing muzzles. Since that time, the number of retired Greyhounds adopted in Victoria has increased more than threefold.
GAP NSW has been actively campaigning to get the current legislation amended to allow Greyhounds, who have been through the GAP program, to be exempt from wearing muzzles.
Reference GAP NSW
Tasmania
Please also be aware that although we are trying to change the situation, the current dog act also requires greyhounds to be muzzled and on a lead when in public. We have been strongly lobbying for the Greyhounds who go through the training in the Greyhound Adoption Program Tasmania Inc. to be allowed to go un-muzzled in public as we believe the dogs have been temperament tested and are well socialised.
Reference GAP Tasmania
Northern Territory
I couldn't find any definitive references except for a discussion on Dogs Online - I believe the NT laws are the same as WA & NSW.
Australian Capital Territory
The ACT fixed their muzzle laws at the same time as Queensland did. Same deal with a green collar program.
Reference GAP NSW
South Australia
Under new law, GAP dogs in South Australia no longer need to wear a muzzle in public after they have passed their appropriate assessment by the Cat and Management Board. Once they have passed they will be issued with an identification number and a Green GAP collar. Fosterers are to ensure that all dogs currently in foster need to wear their muzzle until they have passed their assessment and have the appropriate authority to be unmuzzled.
Reference - GAPSA
Western Australia
According to a law introduced in Australia in 1927 Greyhounds must always wear a muzzle when in a public place. Initially the muzzle was introduced on the race track to prevent these valuable animals from injuring themselves during the general excitement at the track and their high spirited racing. We have been lobbying to have companion greyhounds made exempt from this law, as is the case in Victoria, because they are such a friendly, affectionate and loving breed and when wearing a muzzle people often incorrectly assume the opposite.
Reference GAP WA
Victoria
It is ONLY those greyhounds adopted as pets from GAP, and wearing the green GAP identification collar, that are exempt from being muzzled in public. ALL other greyhounds, whether they are current or retired racing greyhounds or greyhounds adopted as pets privately or from a shelter or rescue group, MUST by law be muzzled in public.
Reference GAP Victoria
Queensland
Despite the fact that GAP greyhounds are not racing anymore, it is currently still law that they wear a muzzle in a public place unless they are wearing their GAP approved green collar. The person responsible for the dog can be fined if they are unmuzzled and not wearing the green collar that clearly identifies the dog as having been through the GAP program.
Reference GAP Queensland
New South Wales
One of the main stumbling blocks that exists for the Greyhound Adoption Program in NSW is the requirement that our beautiful dogs be muzzled in public places. The negative effect of this stipulation of the Companion Animals Act is twofold:
It has caused the completely erroneous perception to become entrenched, in the minds of the general public, that Greyhounds are dangerous and aggressive.
In itself, the legal requirement that they be muzzled in public, discourages a lot of people who would otherwise be keen to adopt one of these gentle and aristocratic dogs.
We strongly believe that this legislation is misguided - not to say draconian - in that it, quite unjustifiably, discriminates against Greyhounds. (The only other breed which is specified in the CAA is the Pit Bull Terrier). It should be noteworthy that the Greyhound does not rate a mention in any published statistics of dog bites, despite the fact that far more Greyhounds are whelped each year than any other breed.
Furthermore Australia is the only country, with the sole exception of Northern Ireland, which requires Greyhounds to be muzzled when they are off the track.
Happily, Victoria amended its legislation in 1999 to allow GAP Greyhounds to be exempt from wearing muzzles. Since that time, the number of retired Greyhounds adopted in Victoria has increased more than threefold.
GAP NSW has been actively campaigning to get the current legislation amended to allow Greyhounds, who have been through the GAP program, to be exempt from wearing muzzles.
Reference GAP NSW
Tasmania
Please also be aware that although we are trying to change the situation, the current dog act also requires greyhounds to be muzzled and on a lead when in public. We have been strongly lobbying for the Greyhounds who go through the training in the Greyhound Adoption Program Tasmania Inc. to be allowed to go un-muzzled in public as we believe the dogs have been temperament tested and are well socialised.
Reference GAP Tasmania
Northern Territory
I couldn't find any definitive references except for a discussion on Dogs Online - I believe the NT laws are the same as WA & NSW.
Australian Capital Territory
The ACT fixed their muzzle laws at the same time as Queensland did. Same deal with a green collar program.
Reference GAP NSW
South Australia
Under new law, GAP dogs in South Australia no longer need to wear a muzzle in public after they have passed their appropriate assessment by the Cat and Management Board. Once they have passed they will be issued with an identification number and a Green GAP collar. Fosterers are to ensure that all dogs currently in foster need to wear their muzzle until they have passed their assessment and have the appropriate authority to be unmuzzled.
Reference - GAPSA
Western Australia
According to a law introduced in Australia in 1927 Greyhounds must always wear a muzzle when in a public place. Initially the muzzle was introduced on the race track to prevent these valuable animals from injuring themselves during the general excitement at the track and their high spirited racing. We have been lobbying to have companion greyhounds made exempt from this law, as is the case in Victoria, because they are such a friendly, affectionate and loving breed and when wearing a muzzle people often incorrectly assume the opposite.
Reference GAP WA
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
The best things about greyhounds (the greyhound manifesto)
1. They automatically walk well on leash.
Greyhounds have such a high centre of gravity that they simply can't pull on the lead like a dog which is lower to the ground. I have had Jack Russel Terriers who can pull harder on the leash than a grey.
2. They don't smell like dog & they are easy on allergies
They don't produce much body oil, and as such don't have that 'doggy' smell that most other breeds have. As they are not as oily and don't shed as much dander as some other breeds they can be good for allergy sufferers. The disadvantage to this is that they can tend to have dry flaky skin if they do not get enough oil in their diet.
3. They are awe inspiring at top speed
A greyhound can reach speeds of 45 kmh in 3 strides and full speed of 70 kmh within 30 metres or six strides. The only animal that accelerates faster is a cheetah. The downside is that you can't let them off to run anywhere near traffic.
4. They are very sensitive and intelligent dogs
Sure, you can't expect them to do the same trick over and over, because they will get bored. You can't train them the same way as you can train other breeds, but you can still train them quickly and well. They need a soft hand. The only thing that will be unreliable is recall, particularly in new places where there are prey like animals and other distractions. They have been used as therapy dogs for soldiers with PTSD because they are perceptive and gentle and can identify when PTSD sufferers are dissociating.
5. They adapt to your activity level
Greyhounds are not 'stayers'. Their 'long' races last about 45 seconds, and this is what they are bred to do. They are more than happy to sit on the couch all day, and have a quick walk at night. But they also adapt to longer more regular walks, if that is what you want to do with your dog. Especially if you get a young one with plenty of 'puppy spunk'.
6. They are gentle
A greyhound is built for speed but not for impact. It is pretty unlikely that your greyhound is going to knock you over like a labrador or golden retriever will at full speed - after a few collisions they learn to avoid them. Even though greyhounds are big dogs, it means that they are unlikely to knock a small child over like I have seen many other dogs do.
7. The do not bark when they are bored
Greyhounds don't seem to get bored easily. Maybe it's because when you aren't interacting with them they are happy to be asleep. Some greyhounds will bark if they want to be let inside, while my girl has learned to bark if someone comes to the door (but not if there is someone she knows in the common driveway). She only does this because my other dog does, but he is a bit of a hair trigger, so I don't bother getting up unless she barks as well.
8. They are very passive and easy to handle
Vets & vet nurses love them. It is a good thing too because they don't deal well with general anaesthetic because of their low bodyfat levels. The vet restitched Barbie and then took out her stitches from her sterilisation procedure without her even batting an eyelid. There was no desensitisation training required. Vet nurses often tell of their greyhound blood donors who accept a catheter in their artery without even squirming!
9. They are dog-social and trustworthy on outings with many dogs
Aside from the rare damaged individual who is a little freaked out by non-greyhound canines, greyhounds in general are very dog-literate dogs. They are bought up with their littermates and spend a lot of time in their company. My girl has taken a couple of months to learn that not everyone wants to play chasey at full greyhound speed but she is very good interacting with others.
10. They are loving and affectionate in a non-pushy way
She won't force her way onto your lap (though some greys might rest their head there) or force her head under your hand when you are trying to type, but she will always sit next to you if there is sufficient space and keep an eye on you around the house without getting under your feet.
Greyhounds have such a high centre of gravity that they simply can't pull on the lead like a dog which is lower to the ground. I have had Jack Russel Terriers who can pull harder on the leash than a grey.
2. They don't smell like dog & they are easy on allergies
They don't produce much body oil, and as such don't have that 'doggy' smell that most other breeds have. As they are not as oily and don't shed as much dander as some other breeds they can be good for allergy sufferers. The disadvantage to this is that they can tend to have dry flaky skin if they do not get enough oil in their diet.
3. They are awe inspiring at top speed
A greyhound can reach speeds of 45 kmh in 3 strides and full speed of 70 kmh within 30 metres or six strides. The only animal that accelerates faster is a cheetah. The downside is that you can't let them off to run anywhere near traffic.
4. They are very sensitive and intelligent dogs
Sure, you can't expect them to do the same trick over and over, because they will get bored. You can't train them the same way as you can train other breeds, but you can still train them quickly and well. They need a soft hand. The only thing that will be unreliable is recall, particularly in new places where there are prey like animals and other distractions. They have been used as therapy dogs for soldiers with PTSD because they are perceptive and gentle and can identify when PTSD sufferers are dissociating.
5. They adapt to your activity level
Greyhounds are not 'stayers'. Their 'long' races last about 45 seconds, and this is what they are bred to do. They are more than happy to sit on the couch all day, and have a quick walk at night. But they also adapt to longer more regular walks, if that is what you want to do with your dog. Especially if you get a young one with plenty of 'puppy spunk'.
6. They are gentle
A greyhound is built for speed but not for impact. It is pretty unlikely that your greyhound is going to knock you over like a labrador or golden retriever will at full speed - after a few collisions they learn to avoid them. Even though greyhounds are big dogs, it means that they are unlikely to knock a small child over like I have seen many other dogs do.
7. The do not bark when they are bored
Greyhounds don't seem to get bored easily. Maybe it's because when you aren't interacting with them they are happy to be asleep. Some greyhounds will bark if they want to be let inside, while my girl has learned to bark if someone comes to the door (but not if there is someone she knows in the common driveway). She only does this because my other dog does, but he is a bit of a hair trigger, so I don't bother getting up unless she barks as well.
8. They are very passive and easy to handle
Vets & vet nurses love them. It is a good thing too because they don't deal well with general anaesthetic because of their low bodyfat levels. The vet restitched Barbie and then took out her stitches from her sterilisation procedure without her even batting an eyelid. There was no desensitisation training required. Vet nurses often tell of their greyhound blood donors who accept a catheter in their artery without even squirming!
9. They are dog-social and trustworthy on outings with many dogs
Aside from the rare damaged individual who is a little freaked out by non-greyhound canines, greyhounds in general are very dog-literate dogs. They are bought up with their littermates and spend a lot of time in their company. My girl has taken a couple of months to learn that not everyone wants to play chasey at full greyhound speed but she is very good interacting with others.
10. They are loving and affectionate in a non-pushy way
She won't force her way onto your lap (though some greys might rest their head there) or force her head under your hand when you are trying to type, but she will always sit next to you if there is sufficient space and keep an eye on you around the house without getting under your feet.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Wow, It's a Greyhound!
I have never gotten so much attention from strangers just because of the type of dog on the other end of the leash!
I was in Bayswater one night, walking past the ATM, trying to keep Barbie's mind off the trains swooshing past (she is scared of them but getting over it). An old white Mercedes pulled up, and the passenger leapt out, and ran to the ATM like he was in a huge hurry. Then as he turned to go back to the car, he spotted Barbie.
"WOW! It's a greyhound!" he exclaimed, and then proceeded to show how little he knows about greys by lunging towards her and trying to lay a heavy hand on her head.
"My Uncle used to breed and race greyhounds!" he says. She shied away from him a couple of times, while Bender, the more stranger-friendly of the two dogs was desparately trying to get his attention, bouncing around and trying to lick him. Eventually he patted Bender, who rewarded him with more licks.
He insisted in asking me questions about Barbie - did she race? How did I end up with her? What was she like as a pet?
I know that as a greyhound owner in a place which doesn't realise they make good pets, I am part of a frontier, and I have to run public relations for her breed. So I stop and smile and try to keep both dogs under control, and answer his questions.
"She was never that interested in chasing. She was adopted out through Greyhounds as Pets. She is a great pet, not demanding at all but becoming quite affectionate and lovely to have around."
He looked back at the white Mercedes parked on the side of the road, and presumably his mate who was waiting.
"Sorry," he said, "they're just so beautiful."
With that he jumped in the car and sped off.
We took her to the dog beach at Waterman's Bay in North Beach. Most people were interested in her. I had to retrieve her and leash her because she was being a bit rough with a small dog. I ran up and down the beach with her so she felt better about being leashed. Some random woman with a toddler started asking me the same questions, because I had to stop to avoid the toddler being mown down by a crazy black dog.
There is another new greyhound owner who has a black boy, who is a little bigger than Barbie, called Jerry. Jerry is four, and he definately looks like less of a pup than Barbie. Barbie looks gangly and unweildy when she runs, and it makes me think that she has some maturity in her body and muscles to come yet. Anyway, I asked Jerry's dad if he had the same experiences when out walking Jerry. He said "hell yeah".
I'm glad I'm not the only one.
I guess I would have appreciated all this attention more when I was younger, and a little more 'edgy'. But nowadays sometimes I just want to continue on my walk!
I was in Bayswater one night, walking past the ATM, trying to keep Barbie's mind off the trains swooshing past (she is scared of them but getting over it). An old white Mercedes pulled up, and the passenger leapt out, and ran to the ATM like he was in a huge hurry. Then as he turned to go back to the car, he spotted Barbie.
"WOW! It's a greyhound!" he exclaimed, and then proceeded to show how little he knows about greys by lunging towards her and trying to lay a heavy hand on her head.
"My Uncle used to breed and race greyhounds!" he says. She shied away from him a couple of times, while Bender, the more stranger-friendly of the two dogs was desparately trying to get his attention, bouncing around and trying to lick him. Eventually he patted Bender, who rewarded him with more licks.
He insisted in asking me questions about Barbie - did she race? How did I end up with her? What was she like as a pet?
I know that as a greyhound owner in a place which doesn't realise they make good pets, I am part of a frontier, and I have to run public relations for her breed. So I stop and smile and try to keep both dogs under control, and answer his questions.
"She was never that interested in chasing. She was adopted out through Greyhounds as Pets. She is a great pet, not demanding at all but becoming quite affectionate and lovely to have around."
He looked back at the white Mercedes parked on the side of the road, and presumably his mate who was waiting.
"Sorry," he said, "they're just so beautiful."
With that he jumped in the car and sped off.
We took her to the dog beach at Waterman's Bay in North Beach. Most people were interested in her. I had to retrieve her and leash her because she was being a bit rough with a small dog. I ran up and down the beach with her so she felt better about being leashed. Some random woman with a toddler started asking me the same questions, because I had to stop to avoid the toddler being mown down by a crazy black dog.
There is another new greyhound owner who has a black boy, who is a little bigger than Barbie, called Jerry. Jerry is four, and he definately looks like less of a pup than Barbie. Barbie looks gangly and unweildy when she runs, and it makes me think that she has some maturity in her body and muscles to come yet. Anyway, I asked Jerry's dad if he had the same experiences when out walking Jerry. He said "hell yeah".
I'm glad I'm not the only one.
I guess I would have appreciated all this attention more when I was younger, and a little more 'edgy'. But nowadays sometimes I just want to continue on my walk!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Greyhound Update sent to GAP ...
We've almost had Barbie for 4 weeks now, and she is getting along really well with the cats now. They can sprint past, even jump over her and she barely raises her head. My older cat tried to lick her on the head like she does with Bender, but Barbie wasn't keen and walked away without any fuss.
I have taken her up to the fenced dog park in Ellenbrook a few times now, and she met Jerry there. They seem to enjoy each other's company, they stick together in the park. She has impressed most people at the park with her sprinting abilities and she gets along well with all dogs so far, even rude ones that try to climb onto her back. She is very assertive with other dogs, which is what makes her such a good friend for my sometimes rude boy Bender. She is sometimes scary for littler dogs but I just divert her and she goes off on her merry way.
Just wondering if you can get softer nylon muzzles for them, as Barbie has whacked people on the back of the legs a few times with her wire one. I also think some more sensitive other dogs don't like getting whacked with the muzzle when they are playing. I met Lewie down at Cannington one night and saw that he had a plastic one so he didn't whack the kids with it?
She is a dream on the lead and is getting more tolerant with being patted all over. She didn't like more intrusive handling like hugs at first but now she's learning to love them. She's been introduced to a toddler, and she was a little pushy at first but quickly learned not to crowd him and lick his face! Do you know anyone who does therapy type stuff with GAP dogs at nursing homes and stuff? I would love for Barbie to be able to do this when she is fully confident and tolerant of all kinds of pats and people.
I've also got a harness on order from Julie so that I can feel more secure that she won't back out of her collar. She only really tries to back up when she doesn't want to leave the park, or when other dogs are running around off leash but she can't. Julie was involved with Barbie's litter as well, and said she had to be carried out of her kennel when it was turn out time, sooky girl. She jumps out of the car now, but not in yet. :)
Her toilet training is coming along. She doesn't ask to go out but I have a schedule, and she knows what she is expected to do when I take her outside. The 4am wee break has worked great and I'm going to try and stretch that out gradually so she develops a bit more control.
Anyway, I love her and we are definitely keeping her forever :)) thankyou for matching us up with such a lovely girl. The next challenge is to intro her to my parents' spoilt, yappy terrier X, and their cats so that she can come with me to their house when I visit.
I have taken her up to the fenced dog park in Ellenbrook a few times now, and she met Jerry there. They seem to enjoy each other's company, they stick together in the park. She has impressed most people at the park with her sprinting abilities and she gets along well with all dogs so far, even rude ones that try to climb onto her back. She is very assertive with other dogs, which is what makes her such a good friend for my sometimes rude boy Bender. She is sometimes scary for littler dogs but I just divert her and she goes off on her merry way.
Just wondering if you can get softer nylon muzzles for them, as Barbie has whacked people on the back of the legs a few times with her wire one. I also think some more sensitive other dogs don't like getting whacked with the muzzle when they are playing. I met Lewie down at Cannington one night and saw that he had a plastic one so he didn't whack the kids with it?
She is a dream on the lead and is getting more tolerant with being patted all over. She didn't like more intrusive handling like hugs at first but now she's learning to love them. She's been introduced to a toddler, and she was a little pushy at first but quickly learned not to crowd him and lick his face! Do you know anyone who does therapy type stuff with GAP dogs at nursing homes and stuff? I would love for Barbie to be able to do this when she is fully confident and tolerant of all kinds of pats and people.
I've also got a harness on order from Julie so that I can feel more secure that she won't back out of her collar. She only really tries to back up when she doesn't want to leave the park, or when other dogs are running around off leash but she can't. Julie was involved with Barbie's litter as well, and said she had to be carried out of her kennel when it was turn out time, sooky girl. She jumps out of the car now, but not in yet. :)
Her toilet training is coming along. She doesn't ask to go out but I have a schedule, and she knows what she is expected to do when I take her outside. The 4am wee break has worked great and I'm going to try and stretch that out gradually so she develops a bit more control.
Anyway, I love her and we are definitely keeping her forever :)) thankyou for matching us up with such a lovely girl. The next challenge is to intro her to my parents' spoilt, yappy terrier X, and their cats so that she can come with me to their house when I visit.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Dog Powered Chinese Torture Device
I have one dog that runs when he's scared, and another that stands stock still. Fortunately the dogs are mainly scared of different things. As we got to the top of the hill behind the cockroach mansion, a single firework went off. Bender attempted to drag Barbie and I down the hill, fortunately he didn't have enough traction for that. Somehow in the process Barbie's muzzle came off the front of her nose. SO I had to try and stop Bender while putting Barbie's muzzle back on. She is usually pretty compliant with the muzzle when we are at home because she knows that it means she can go out, but if we are ALREADY out she tries to avoid at first. It's a hard thing to do, putting a wiggly hound's muzzle back on with one hand while trying to stop a one dog freight train from running down the hill. Barbie is now really scared of trains because I think we were standing a bit close for her comfort while waiting to cross the line a few days ago. She just freezes, so I try to walk her back away from the train until she's responsive to me again. She's not the most responsive dog anyway and Bender is distracting!
I emailed Julie, who is the owner of 'Dog Kingdom' which is a website which imports collars and leads for hounds and sells the GAP merchandise. She knew Barbie as well! Her and her husband were involved in looking after her litter. Apparently Barbie had to be physically picked up out of her kennel and bought out into the run! I think she's made some good progress! Anyway I can get a harness custom made for Barbie at cost price! I think she has a soft spot for that litter, she almost adopted Barbie's brother Beavis but she already has two hounds and Beavis was a digger and a flyscreen shredder. The flyscreen shredding runs in the family then. Barbie has wrecked the one on our back door trying to get her daintly little paws into the security mesh to slide it open.
In other news, the dogs have more Christmas presents than me. One each from me, one each from Mum & Dad and one each for Kim's.
I emailed Julie, who is the owner of 'Dog Kingdom' which is a website which imports collars and leads for hounds and sells the GAP merchandise. She knew Barbie as well! Her and her husband were involved in looking after her litter. Apparently Barbie had to be physically picked up out of her kennel and bought out into the run! I think she's made some good progress! Anyway I can get a harness custom made for Barbie at cost price! I think she has a soft spot for that litter, she almost adopted Barbie's brother Beavis but she already has two hounds and Beavis was a digger and a flyscreen shredder. The flyscreen shredding runs in the family then. Barbie has wrecked the one on our back door trying to get her daintly little paws into the security mesh to slide it open.
In other news, the dogs have more Christmas presents than me. One each from me, one each from Mum & Dad and one each for Kim's.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Greyhound Update sent to GAP
Barbies stitches look great and are due to come out today. I think she's healed up quite well.
She's only having a few problems in the house. She seems to have trouble getting into the toileting routine - especially overnight. I think I'm going to try and schedule a 4am wee break or something.
I have her on Advance Active, and she seems to have put on a little weight. Her skin is a bit dry, so I've been giving her a couple of pierced flax seed oil caps with dinner. I seems to be getting better.
Also she's really good with my younger cat now.... she's the brave one, she can walk all over Barbie and Barbie barely raises her head now. The other cat still gets whined at a bit. Hopefully Barbie will get over that with a bit more time though.
She is definately my shadow.... she follows me everywhere. She doesn't like being shut outside when I'm inside and has figured out how to open the sliding door... so I have to lock it when I want to dogs to stay out now!
The dogs have their morning 'racetrack' session and don't bother each other around their food. Barbie has stolen a couple of random items and chewed them a little but nothing valuable! She is a bit like having a fully grown puppy.
I took her for a drive down to my family Christmas party at a park down in Mandurah. She was wary at first and took maybe half an hour to settle and lie down but she happily accepted pats from everyone (especially the kids - do lots of greys have a soft spot for kids?) She was also really good for my old frail nana because she stood so quietly while accepting pats. She's not jumping in and out of the car yet, but I think it will come eventually.
I also took her and Bender to the dog park at Whiteman Park. She did a lap with some kind of heeler cross dog, and then layed down in the shade. She quickly had a 9 year old boy as a 'friend' sitting next to her and patting her. She lapped it up. Her recall at the park is woeful but she is so lazy that I didn't have to 'catch' her, she was already lying down.
I'm planning on bringing her along to the next 'playgroup'. :) Will also look at doing some obedience classes with her. I find it's hard to keep her interested - as opposed to Bender who will be focussed on you as long as you have treats in your pocket.
Anyway she's a smart dog, and hopefully we will figure out the toilet thing! and the jumping in and out of the car thing.
She's only having a few problems in the house. She seems to have trouble getting into the toileting routine - especially overnight. I think I'm going to try and schedule a 4am wee break or something.
I have her on Advance Active, and she seems to have put on a little weight. Her skin is a bit dry, so I've been giving her a couple of pierced flax seed oil caps with dinner. I seems to be getting better.
Also she's really good with my younger cat now.... she's the brave one, she can walk all over Barbie and Barbie barely raises her head now. The other cat still gets whined at a bit. Hopefully Barbie will get over that with a bit more time though.
She is definately my shadow.... she follows me everywhere. She doesn't like being shut outside when I'm inside and has figured out how to open the sliding door... so I have to lock it when I want to dogs to stay out now!
The dogs have their morning 'racetrack' session and don't bother each other around their food. Barbie has stolen a couple of random items and chewed them a little but nothing valuable! She is a bit like having a fully grown puppy.
I took her for a drive down to my family Christmas party at a park down in Mandurah. She was wary at first and took maybe half an hour to settle and lie down but she happily accepted pats from everyone (especially the kids - do lots of greys have a soft spot for kids?) She was also really good for my old frail nana because she stood so quietly while accepting pats. She's not jumping in and out of the car yet, but I think it will come eventually.
I also took her and Bender to the dog park at Whiteman Park. She did a lap with some kind of heeler cross dog, and then layed down in the shade. She quickly had a 9 year old boy as a 'friend' sitting next to her and patting her. She lapped it up. Her recall at the park is woeful but she is so lazy that I didn't have to 'catch' her, she was already lying down.
I'm planning on bringing her along to the next 'playgroup'. :) Will also look at doing some obedience classes with her. I find it's hard to keep her interested - as opposed to Bender who will be focussed on you as long as you have treats in your pocket.
Anyway she's a smart dog, and hopefully we will figure out the toilet thing! and the jumping in and out of the car thing.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Sharing with a Greyhound - Episode 1
I decided tonight that I would take Bender out first so that I could take Barbie by herself and learn a little bit about her. She is not so confident when she doesn't have Bender's brash presence to hide behind. Anyway - lesson #1 about greyhounds - when they get scared, they tend to freeze up. It's like they leave for a moment and just stare blankly into space. She spooked a few times on the walk.
The first time was when a guy started talking to me and tried to stroke her. She jumped sideways a little to get away from him. He gave her space when I said she was still a bit shy and that I'd only had her since Sunday. He asked if she was going to be racing. I told him she was too slow and he seemed surprised. We chatted a little as we walked up to the intersection.
The second time she spooked, she stood on a man hole cover on the footpath and it made a bit of a noise. She trotted a couple of steps away from it.
The third, and worst, was when we were waiting to cross the train line. The crossing man started flashing and the signals started beeping. She was OK with that, then the gate shut. She seemed interested. Like it reminded her of something. Then the train came past. She was scared. She backed away and then froze. She seemed to relax a little when the train stopped, and the noise stopped. I touched her neck gently and she came back to me all of a sudden. Her eyes focused back on me and she wagged her tail. Then she walked with me as if nothing had happened.
When we got the the pub, there was a guy with his girlfriend. He tugged on her hand a little and said 'look! its a greyhound'. I smiled at them and said, she's still a little shy. They smiled back. It's great how she elicits that reaction in people. In the US greyhounds are in the top 10 most popular pets. I think they will become that popular here too when people realise how awesome they are. A lot of people react the same way that I did when I first met greyhounds - a mix of fascination and admiration but not knowing very much about them.
The first time was when a guy started talking to me and tried to stroke her. She jumped sideways a little to get away from him. He gave her space when I said she was still a bit shy and that I'd only had her since Sunday. He asked if she was going to be racing. I told him she was too slow and he seemed surprised. We chatted a little as we walked up to the intersection.
The second time she spooked, she stood on a man hole cover on the footpath and it made a bit of a noise. She trotted a couple of steps away from it.
The third, and worst, was when we were waiting to cross the train line. The crossing man started flashing and the signals started beeping. She was OK with that, then the gate shut. She seemed interested. Like it reminded her of something. Then the train came past. She was scared. She backed away and then froze. She seemed to relax a little when the train stopped, and the noise stopped. I touched her neck gently and she came back to me all of a sudden. Her eyes focused back on me and she wagged her tail. Then she walked with me as if nothing had happened.
When we got the the pub, there was a guy with his girlfriend. He tugged on her hand a little and said 'look! its a greyhound'. I smiled at them and said, she's still a little shy. They smiled back. It's great how she elicits that reaction in people. In the US greyhounds are in the top 10 most popular pets. I think they will become that popular here too when people realise how awesome they are. A lot of people react the same way that I did when I first met greyhounds - a mix of fascination and admiration but not knowing very much about them.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
Beautiful Greyhounds...
We took my dog down to the river yesterday, and a dainty little greyhound girl trotted up, along with a big, beautiful, shiny Rottweiler. It was amazing seeing the contrast between the dogs. The grey was older, and very calm and quiet, but friendly enough to give my dog a sniff. She waited patiently by her owner's side while the Rotty gallavanted around, showing off his big muscles and beautiful curly (not docked) tail.
I want to adopt an ex-track greyhound. I just love them. They are such beautiful, graceful, athletic animals. Wifey, well she's not so sure. She is concerned about the cats. After a somewhat surprising incident which caught us off guard in which our youngest cat decided to take on a friend's old Blue Heeler where a nasty fight ensued, I had to reassess youngest cat's temprament. We will of course have to be careful introducing her to *any* new dog. I don't think it matters so much what type of dog.
Wifey liked the greyhound at the river though. It's weird it's like they have some kind of power over me. The park can be full of other dogs, and it's the grey my eyes are drawn to. My current dog also likes greys because they can run fast. He likes any dog that can run fast. Even kelpies that will try to round him up while he is busy chasing his ball.
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