robinw

I'm so sorry

I'm so sorry. Brandi's story is a testament to what love can accomplish

Oh no! What happened?

You're absolutely right, your cats's safety is most important. There will be a dog that is a perfect fit for you and your family. Please don't best yourself up. I hope this doesn't turn you off of greyhounds. As I mentioned, I had one that was awful with cats, but the two I have now absolutely ignore my cat and even sleep with him, and they did that from the moment they first walked into the house. Have you considered adopting a dog from a group that fosters them? That way maybe you can adopt one that's already lived with cats. Stick around and keep us posted, OK?

Great news and the incision looks good

I've given Pepcid to my hounds with good results

FWIW, I didn't want to segregate my pets either, and never have. I understand how stressful it is. I almost died when my "tested cat safe" Loca walked into the house and grabbed my cat by the neck. I came very close to returning her, but was shamed out of it Finally one night I looked at her and realized that she was scared and from there on, she was here to stay. I'm sorry if I seemed insensitive because I do know how you feel. I already had a resident greyhound when I adopted Loca, and it was still very tough. After a month of crating her when I wasn't home and keeping her muzzled and tethered to me, she really did change. She became very friendly, or even loving with cats. You have to do what's best for your family and for Phaeton. Would it help if somebody from your adoption group was able to stop buy and assess the situation?

I really think you're jumping to conclusions. If Phaeton really wanted your cats, they'd be dead by now. Just relax and give the poor guy a chance. And like Batmom said, call your adoption group for reassessment and maybe they can give you some tips and help. FWIW, I'd be uncomfortable waiting for your cats to swat him. It may or may not happen plus it may put you in a position to worry even more. Try getting a 6' leash, wrap it around your waist and put Phaeton on the other side to give you some control over what he does and so he could learn how to treat the kitties with respect. In addition, please read the "long" advice that RobinM and I posted. I really think your expectations are unreasonable but you're smart in being cautious.

Here is the article I was talking about.

Don't be heartbroken yet. If Loca could be made cat safe, anything could be made cat safe. Remember, he must be really stressed and confused right now.Give him a little time and try what I suggested; tying the leash around your waist. Once again, I'll bet he's very scared, nervous and confused right now. Keep him muzzled, also, even while his leash is tied around your waist.

Just keep reminding yourself how new everything is for both you and Phaeton, as well as the other residents of your home. Things will get better. Try not to be so hard on yourself, Phaeton and your other dog, ok? It's still only the first day .

How did you introduce your dogs to each other? I always introduce outside during a walk or on neutral territory. Do you have muzzles for both of your dogs? You can try muzzling them. You might also want to hold off on giving them treats and toys when they're together, or anything that can provoke competitiveness. That includes removing the toys from the environment for the time being. It's still the first day. I know how overwhelming everything feels now because of my experience with Loca, but take a deep breath or two and smile. I'am sure you'll receive lots of good advice, but I'm serious about the muzzling and not doing anything that might induce possessiveness. I'm also asking RobinM to post a great article about what it's like for a greyhound to go home for the first time.

My bridge angel Loca tested cat safe but in reality she was a big time cat zapper. I bought a long leash and whenever I was home I attached the leash to my waist with Loca on the other end. I praised her whenever she ignored the cat and corrected her every time she made eye contact. It took about a month, but it worked and she became good friends with my cat. If you have any doubts about Phaeton with your cat, try doing the same thing and see how he reacts. If he's interested, do what I did. btw, he's beautiful!

I agree with a walk right after he eats. As others have said, he also might not quite understand the going out thing yet. Maybe you can try praising him a lot or rewarding him when he actually goes outside. If you watch very carefully, he may actually be telling you when he needs to go out. Sometimes the signals are very subtle and take a while to decipher. Treasure's licks her butt when she has to go and Loca started to pant. Phoenix starts to play. I'd try taking him out as soon as you seen what could be a change in behaviour.

Have a safe trip! You and James are in my thoughts.

I asked my vet the same thing when Loca had the patch, and she suggested bringing her into the clinic for removal.

Sweet, sweet, gentle Grover; one of the best bed sharers ever. I'm so very sorry Tena Chinghis, take good care of Grover for your mom and dad, ok?

Oh Tena, not sweet, sweet Grover. I'm so sorry

I'm so very sorry for your loss. The special relationship you shared in so evident in your post

I think she had us all fooled until she walked into my house She didn't fool me. Right about the time she grabbed my cat by the neck, I knew you were in for a wild ride! [no harm done to the cat, though] During her GUR I kept receiving emails telling me that they must've sent me the wrong dog

I'm so sorry, Ducky

Sometimes it takes a few days to see results. Hope Jabari feels better soon.