The Needle Nose Notes May 2000

WONDERFUL WORDS

By Carole Oglesbee

As the Needle Nose Crew enters its fifth year, we look forward to many activities which will continue to help all of us promote the marvelous greys we love so dearly. Unfortunately, our dedicated editor, Eric Shelman, has found it necessary to give up the task of issuing our monthly newsletter. A new work schedule, which finds Eric traveling almost 50 percent of the time, leaves very few hours for additional duties. All of us connected with the ongoing activities of the Needle Nose Crew would like to offer our heartfelt thanks for all of Eric’s efforts over the past four years. He stepped up to the plate when there was no regular newsletter being written and formed a publication of which we are all very proud. Time and time again we have received complements from readers who mention how very much they look forward to reading the Needle Nose Notes each and every month. Thank you, Eric. Your tireless efforts are appreciated and they will be missed by all of us.

As with most things in life, the work will go on. We are delighted to welcome Joy Moss as our new editor and hope that all of you will feel free to write articles and send pictures over to Joy for future issues of the Notes. Send your items to GreytJoy@msn.com or call her at 949-552-5661 if you have questions about and/or suggestions for the newsletter. Remember it is ours to enjoy, so speak up if there is something you would like to see included or changes you would like to see made.

WALKIES!!!

By Mike Gallas

Let’s go for a walk! Are you ready? I’m sure most of us say this at least once a day. It is part of our day-to-day lives. The leash is clipped on, a few plastic bags are grabbed and off we go. Simple! Right? Well maybe. There are several things that should be considered. For instance, is the dog’s collar snug enough to restrain him if he is startled? No greyhound should ever be walked in a standard tag collar. As you have probably noticed, a greyhound’s skull is not much wider than its neck. If he should try to bolt in a tag collar the chances of being successful are very good. A sight hound collar is a much safer choice. Sight hound collars expand to fit over the dog’s head and then cinch up once in place to prevent the dog from escaping. Another alternative is a slip collar. Slip collars are made of nylon cord about one inch thick with an “O” shaped ring on each end. The cord is pulled through one of the rings to form a loop that is put over the dog’s head. The leash is clipped to the other ring. If the collar is put on correctly it will cinch up when the dog pulls ahead and release as the dog is at ease. A slip collar may even be a better choice for a very petite dog or if the dog is easily startled. How about the leash? Is it sturdy enough to withstand a good tug? Leashes should be inspected regularly for any signs of wear, especially around the clip that attaches to the collar and the stitching at the handle. These are the major stress points. Does the leash have a nice grip? Is it the proper length to be comfortable for both the dog and the walker, and yet not too long to be cumbersome? Conventional leashes come in two standard lengths, four feet and six feet. Most training instructors require the six foot length. For daily walks, it is a matter of personal preference as to which is best. There are a couple of less conventional types worth mentioning. The first is called a GRRRIP lead and, as far as I’m concerned, the best leash on the market. The GRRRIP has two handles, one in the usual place at the end of the leash, and the other just above the hardware that clips to the collar. This allows the walker to adjust to oncoming situations. If the dog needs to be pulled in, to allow traffic to pass, one can do so easily. The GRRRIP is very useful if a dog is prone to thrashing about when panicked. Simply re-adjust the leash, and the dog is much easier to deal with. (The Needle Nose Crew sells GRRRIP leads at the best price I’ve seen anywhere. Call if you are interested.)

The second type of non-conventional leash is called a multiple dog walker. It is designed for those of us who walk more than one dog at a time (or more than two dogs at a time for that matter!). The handle on this devise swivels, allowing free movement for more than one dog. Multiple leashes can be attached to this handle. I use this type of leash daily with three dogs in tow and am very satisfied. Both these products are well worth the price and will withstand lots of use. Finally, just a word about the worst walking devise on the market in my opinion – the extending leash. This is 26 feet of trouble in the wrong hands. I have seen so many dogfights and injuries to both dog and walker due to these leashes that I discourage their use for any breed of dog. When walking a greyhound, a dog that can move from 0 to 40 in four or five steps, one can only imagine the amount of damage that can occur. Now that you know all about collars and leashes, turn off the TV, get your dogs off the couch, and go get some exercise. You’ll be glad you did.

SCHOOL DAYS, SCHOOL DAYS

Spring obedience classes are in full swing with sessions on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings every week through the beginning of June. If you are interested in coming to observe, please feel free to do so. Your greyhounds are certainly welcome to visit with you. It is fun to watch and will give you an opportunity to see what is entailed in training your own wonderful grey. The summer sessions will be starting just after this session ends. Now is the time to decide if you would like to join us. Give Mike Gallas a call at 949-552-1373 if you are interested and let him know what night would be best for you. Remember, classes can give you a chance to spend time with that wonderful companion who delights in your undivided attention.

REMEMBRANCES

Our hearts go out to…

Catie Leicester for her loss of Jody.
Gary and Lorri Tracy for the loss of J.J. at age fifteen.

FLEAS & TICKS, OH MY!

For the first time in several years, many of us are seeing a resurgence of fleas and ticks. Many greyhound owners have found great relief for their companions with Advantage and Frontline, the topical products that can be purchased from your veterinarians. Although many of us do not recommend Program, we have friends and associates who do use this product on their greys with wonderful success. There are also new lines of flea collar products being developed and marketed with the possibilities of being greyhound safe. Whatever you decide, please make your decision with your vet and get your loving friends on something to protect them from the uncomfortable and often dangerous side effects of fleas and ticks. If you do not have a regular vet, please call your adoption group or give us a call at 949-552-1373. We will be happy to make a recommendation of a veterinarian practice in your area which deals with greyhounds on a regular basis.

GREYT ADVICE FROM SHARIN:

Wait until the car door is completely open before jumping in – you’ll avoid a trip to the vet (and save your dad a bunch of money)!