Last year my husband and I adopted our first greyhound, Deanna, a beautiful 6-year-old brindle girl from Hemopet through Canine Causes. We immediately enrolled her in Mike Gallas’ greyhound training class and enjoyed watching her socialize with the other dogs. Although she is somewhat independent, we both knew she would benefit from the company of another greyhound. After speaking with Carole Oglesbee and weighing the pros and cons of adding a second dog, we decided to move forward. Several Hemopet dogs were suggested that would complement Deanna’s personality (which is very important). While I loved them all, Mark was drawn to a handsome white and brindle boy named Jammin. We both knew he was the ideal second dog for us, so we filled out the paperwork and brought him home one week later. Deanna and Jammin bonded instantly and now they are inseparable!

The decision to add another dog is an important one and should be thought over carefully. Since I am the primary caregiver, I was initially very concerned about how this would affect my workload. I can tell you from my own personal experience that I was pleasantly surprised - a second dog really isn’t much work! Greyhounds are generally low maintenance and other than the usual duties that come with owning a dog, I haven’t noticed much of a change (other than preparing two bowls of food versus one, etc.). What I have noticed is how much fun we are all having! Deanna took charge and decided it was her job to acclimate Jammin to his new home. She showed him how to race around the backyard, play with her toys and her all-time favorite activity… relaxing. To all those single greyhound families, I would highly recommend adding a second grey!!

The Greyhound Adoption League (GAL) would like to take this opportunity to extend our most sincere thanks and appreciation to the Needle Nose Crew for their tremendous support throughout 1999 and past years. Your donations and support have enabled GAL to expand its Greyhound transportation operations to even greater heights. Lorri and I have never witnessed anyone who works harder than the people of the Needle Nose Crew to benefit Greyhound adoptions. You should be proud of your organization, as you are definitely a role model for all support groups in the country.

The majority of the articles that appear in the "Needle Nose Notes" are for the benefit of established human/greyhound relationships. This month I would like to focus on the development of these relationships in the hope of resolving any questions or misgivings new greyhound owners or those considering a greyhound may have. I am sure many people assume that the dogs at shows are the way they are, calm, friendly, and well mannered, simply because they came that way. Greyhounds are indeed wonderful, but instant perfection is quite an overstatement. Anything worth doing requires work. Relationships are no different. It is unfortunate that so many people go into the adoption process thinking that the dog they bring home is somehow going to magically adapt to the household rules and schedule without incident. In most cases this is not realistic. Any dog needs time to adjust and get comfortable with his new household and family. Greyhounds, due to their specialized upbringing, need even more patience and understanding to adapt to their new situation. There is a rule of thumb among long term greyhound rescue advocates that on average, one will see a small change in a new grey in about one week, a large change in about a month and a totally different dog in about six month. Usually these changes are for the better. Carole and I share our home and our lives with many greyhounds. All differ in temperament, yet all are wonderful. I could not imagine life without any one of them. Yet each came with his or her quirks and problems. There is a greyhound personality to fit most lifestyles. The task is finding the right one. I plead with those looking for a grey to share their lives to put aside the color, size and sex of the dog and simply let the magic happen. If one is open to all they see, the dog for them will present itself. When the match is made, one will know their dog has arrived. At that moment, one’s head, heart and life is changed forever. The following is a quote from Cynthia Brannigan, author of Adopting the Racing Greyhound and one of the founders of the greyhound adoption movement in this country. Ms. Brannigan tells the story of King, her first grey. "King was a grade ‘A’ racer. While on the track he was taken to Mexico to race. On the way back to the U.S. the driver abandoned the truck. King was the only survivor. The dehydration and starvation that King suffered almost certainly shortened his career. A t the age of 5-1/2 he was retired. His first adoptive home was a man looking for a guard dog. King was extremely mild mannered, was not up to the job and was returned. King’s second home came 6 months later, the family cared for him very much until they divorced. King found himself homeless once again. King’s third home was to a single man who later married. The man’s new bride was not a dog lover and insisted King live in the basement. The man’s work schedule changed and he was rarely home. He finally decided King needed another home. I had just lost a border collie when I heard of King’s plight. King was now 9 years old and would be destroyed if a home could not be found. I picked him up. King’s adjustment was slow. He was alternately afraid and depressed. He had no interest in me yet did not want to be alone. I took him out to run and he stood there. When I raised a stick to throw it he hit the ground and quivered. This went on for months. Finally one night when I had given up on having a relationship with King (I had settled with just being glad that I had given him a home) he gave life one last try. King always kept a good 8 inched between us. Suddenly I was aware of King staring at me, something he had never done. I returned his gaze and began to talk softly. Without breaking his stare King extended his paw and placed it on my hand. We stayed like that for some minutes – ever since that moment King and I have been inseparable!" A greyhound can bring much joy to one’s life. With time and patience they will become the best friends one could ask for. I assure you that any rough spots in the beginning will be made up for down the road. Greyhounds are wonderful and well worth the effort. Finally, remember adoption is a lifetime commitment meant to be savored to the end. It’s the least one can do for such a dear friend.

• Colleen Browne for the loss of her eleven year olds Allison and Sigh.

• Jon and Janet Michaels for the early loss of five year old Johnny.

• Jay, Mary and Kelly Nelson for the loss of little eight year old Miss Reba.

• Craig and Heather Moothart for the loss of eight year old Chandler, J.R.

While Eric Shelman is off cruising the Mediterranean, celebrating a milestone birthday, it has been my pleasure to compile this month’s Needle Nose Notes. It’s been great fun, cutting and pasting, playing with pictures, and making sure my name is repeated often! I have a whole new appreciation of the wonderful job Eric does each month. Figuring all this stuff out is not a piece of cake… I yelled many times for help from the computer geeks in the house. Hope you all enjoy my inaugural efforts!

GREYT ADVICE FROM SHARIN:

Don’t stand up straight when lying under the coffee table.