CAMBRIA VACATION SPOT

By Jack Peckham

After a 6-hour drive from Idyllwild with only one potty stop, the Grey's are eager to get out.  We stayed at the "Cambria Shores Inn"; they say they have a 2-dog limit, but they let 4 Greyhounds in...  You can visit them at http://www.cambriashoresinn.com.  We highly recommend it!  And be sure to visit  "The Little Dog Laughed" for greyhound goodies – www.thelittledoglaughed.com.   Angel had such a good time that when we got home, she did not want to get out of the van!

CAMPING AFTER KANAB

By Phil Epler

On Monday morning after attending the Greyhound Gathering in Kanab , Utah , we headed to Zion National Park , for a more casual and less structured time.  We arrived mid-day, via highway US 89 and Utah 9 from the north of Kanab to the eastern entrance and through the tunnel to Watchman campground.  Watchman is located at the southern and main entrance to the park.  After parking the RV and getting it all set up, we took the dogs for a walk through the campground, where we met another couple with their two hounds, who also had just come from Kanab.

If you’ve missed the experience of the campgrounds at national parks, it is quite interesting.  Wildlife is abundant, from the quick moving squirrels to the alert and thoughtful mule deer.  All three of our kids have very high prey drives and go bonkers when they see a squirrel or a duck, but seem equally unconcerned about the deer.  BJ, who never gets on the furniture at home, can be expected to get into the driver’s seat of the RV when he sees a squirrel or other quick moving small critter outside.  Both Alyeska and Heidi will jump up on the flat three foot by about seven foot dash in front of the driver and co-pilot seat to make their presence known to man or beast.  We frequently receive comments from other campers about “seeing our Greyhounds standing or sleeping on the dash”, while we’re away.  During our three day stay in Zion , we met many "fellow RV’ers" who had never met a Greyhound and were surprised to learn that they are so affectionate and laid back Traveling with our hounds in an RV, gives us both not only constant companionship that they thrive on and we enjoy, but it gives them total comfort and security during the travel with the opportunity to move around as we travel down the road.  Before we moved to Henderson , we “full–timed” in our RV for nearly nine months.  

The experience in traveling in an RV with three Greyhounds is truly enjoyable.  We will have it no other way.  No need for kenneling, just bring them along.  They’re not only excellent travel companions; they are also outstanding ambassadors at large.  Either way, tent camping, or RV’ing it with your four legged companions, can be fun for all.

MY DOGGIE SOUL MATE

By Monica Monier

As my second son turned one and my first son turned three, things seemed relatively under control at our home.  So, after attending the annual Wag-a-thon and speaking at length with Carole Oglesbee about adopting a grey, I was on my way.  My friends and family thought I was crazy and quite frankly, stupid, to introduce a new dog into our family.  I led both my Rhodesian (Crankshaft) and Whippet (Dipstick) through the “tolerance” bonding process and strictly taught the absolute “musts” to my boys on respecting those with big teeth and a different way of perceiving our world – so I was not the least bit concerned about the humans.  My requirements were really quite easy (ha, ha).  A new addition must not upset the alpha status of Crankshaft, who reminds me daily (usually by yelling at me) that she longs to return to the days of a house that was peaceful and quiet; play well with Dipstick; tolerate 2 noisy boys; and handle a high energy Mom.  

Finally, there were two greys for me to consider for adoption.  After extensive phone conversations with the foster families, I decided to visit a black grey named Tex.   My two boys and I entered the foster home and were politely greeted by a non-exuberant Tex , who then rather quickly departed to the back bedroom (the furthest corner of the house).  We stayed about an hour and Tex ’s aloofness seemed to be more from the perspective that we just had no relevance or meaning in his life.  I left feeling that Tex was by no means thrilled with kids, but his flight instinct had me convinced that he would not be a threat to either my Rhodesian or my children. Axle (his new name) came to live with us a little over a year ago.  He remained aloof.  Not ignorant of our presence, but not finding our value in his version of an ideal dog’s life.  Although he spent the first month following all of us around, it was more out of uncertainty, rather than any bonding attributes. 

He began his first night sleeping on my side of the bed (then because I wanted him to, now because he wants to), but he quickly wondered “why me?” after he learned that I get up 3-4 times a night for the boys.  To keep up with 2 kids and 2 adults, 24/7, was exhausting and it gave him very little time for sleep.Axle also thought the noise level in our home was an April fools joke that kept going month after month.  He began to look pleadingly at the neighbors who were retired. 

Despite all the love he was receiving…what he really wanted was quiet.  A frantic call to Carole, who instantly diagnosed the problem as “sleep deprivation”, resulted in some new rules being implemented in our house.  The guest bedroom was instantly turned into “Axle’s Room” and no one was allowed to enter the room – even guests were instructed about rules on how to behave in Axle’s room.  With a soft bed in the corner of a very spacious room, Axle finally got his much needed rest during the day.  It took him almost 3 months before he finally was able to feel refreshed and ready for the day to begin.

Now, before you begin to feel sorry for Axle and wonder why our home would be suitable for a grey…let me describe his life today.

Axle loves his walks more than food itself…and the food, believe me has caught his attention.  So a few times during the week and then every Saturday and Sunday, when it is just me and the dogs, off we all go on a 1-2 hour hiking adventure.  We are fortunate enough to back up to acres and acres of wilderness so his freedom walks are eagerly anticipated and appreciated by the gleam in his eye and the smile on his face. 

And I have to say that I am more impressed every day with the peace in which a pack of dogs is able to live and thrive, having all come from different backgrounds.  Most who know my Rhodesian thought that it would be impossible for her to accept a new member.  But from the moment Crankshaft barked at Axle and made it very clear that she was the alpha dog, he has never once threatened her dominance.  If she yells at him, Axel turns his head to diffuse her agitation and then follows with an air of indifference that only he can pull off.  Dipstick had to learn the hard way that even though Axle may respect the alpha, he is by no means a push over.  They worked out their hierarchy as well (which to Dipstick’s chagrin, put him once again at the bottom of the chain).  But he has gained a friend that he can romp with who is interested in the same bunny rabbits that he is.

Axle loves his life today.  I know because he tells me every time we take walks, every time he chews on a bone, every time he gets loving hugs and kisses, and every time he looks into my eyes.  Whether he is following me around for the hugs or the 5 star meals he now gets, I don’t care.  All I know is that he affectionately kisses my face, enthusiastically plays with me and really wants to be with us now.  Even on the walks when the kids come along, he now oversees their whereabouts and patiently waits for them to catch up.  He spends much less time in “Axle’s room” and much more time being an integral part of the family.  He now can sleep though my nightly trips to my children’s rooms and most of the noises that kids make (the envy of my husband and I who still aren’t able to “tune out” as well as the dogs).  Even bouncing balls and balloons no longer bother him.  I know he is saying thank you for letting him be who he is and for giving him all the “doggie” goodies in life that make a dogs life worth living.  And I look him back in the eye and tell him the same thing – only I insert the word human.

	Sandra Bishop for her loss of enduring Gus
	John & Kindra Willey for their loss of 14 1/2 year old Evan