Teensy

Just experimenting with the photo options... More to come. Probably tomorrow.

Hey, thanks, for the picture of Irene. I'm guessing the pictures of me on the bicycle with all that stuff will be coming to a twitpic near you (I saw some people trying to look inconspicuous with their camera phones), but really, I'm not some amazing athlete or something. It's just much easier than it sounds. I knew the moment that I laid the bag across the rack that it was going to be totally fine. It pretty much balances itself. In the Netherlands it frequently happens that you have two people who are going somewhere together and only one bicycle, and you just ride with one person on the back, and trust me it's better to be the one pedaling than sitting, because it takes a lot of unique muscle action to keep from falling off, whereas pedaling is just the same muscles, same action, only a bit harder. I wonder if I'll sleep at all tonight...

We've pretty much seen our options. We've been in love with Irene from the start. We're planning to bring her home tomorrow. Today I went and got all the stuff, and in case anyone thinks it's impossible, yes I did make it home with a 35 pound bag of dog food on the back of my bicycle, and a backpack full of other stuff, and a comforter from Value Village hanging off the handle bars, and at some point I even had a short conversation on my mobile phone. It wasn't even difficult. I swear.

We are approved!!! And we wait a little more At least now we can shop in earnest.

We had a visit today from Irene and the folks from Greyhound Welfare. It went very well, I believe. Now we wait for the final word and their recommendations. It was actually a fun visit, and we got to see some of what we would be in for with this dog. She is an attention whore, for sure, and roaching nearly right out of the box. It's definitely going to take some discipline on my part to keep from indulging her. I think she already has me pegged for the sucker.

Yes, I heard that too. Very exciting. We're more open-minded, now, than when we started this process, I think, by virtue of the process itself. I have to say, I'm a bit afraid of having options, though. I just tried to buy a vacuum cleaner a couple of days ago, and got so overwhelmed I ended up with a broom. He's not actually on the team that works on the OS, but he knows a lot about it, obviously, because he uses it, and everybody has to alpha test it. Alas, there's always a lot of cursing that day. I actually met a bunch of his teammates in London in June. All very nice, interesting people. We're happy when any of them finds a forever home.

Oh, that is true. He works for Canonical. We can bring you some stickers if you like.

Well, at least some of the credit belongs to Paul Simon. I need the humor right now. Otherwise, I will eat my way through the entire Ciao Bella product line. On the other hand, who am I kidding? I'll probably do that anyway.

I was just saying to my husband, we need some news from GW, because my once popular thread is sinking! People are counting on me! Well, here's your update, folks. I have received word that they started calling our references last night, so after that it's really just the home visit. They could still tell us that we're not a good match for this dog, after all, too, so we have to be prepared for that, but at least we will know for sure that there is a big fuzzy lumpkin in our future.

Hey, that would be really cool. We usually hit the JFX Farmer's Market in the morning around 9ish, but after that we are free.

I think we can work that into our regular musical comedy routine. *sings* She's a one trick houndie She either fails or she succeeds She gives her testimony Then she relaxes in the weeds She's got one trick to last a lifetime But thats all a houndie needs Holding tight!! Thanks. We've heard. And Irene already has a reputation for being "the gateway dog."

Yes, actually, we were hoping she would tell us jokes. Thanks.

Yes, I remember this warning. Maybe it's worse than I can imagine, but it just doesn't sound like a behavior that would put me off of a dog that I liked. I mean, they say that the really intelligent, outgoing dogs are more of a handful, but I think we are looking for just such a "project," in a pet, and we have the time for it. Good advice about the blanket. Maybe the old fleece from Ikea instead of the wool plaid.

Yes, of course, of course. I also volunteer, so I know how it goes. We are just excited. Lots of humor in this thread. Of course we would take this cutie-petootie if she's available when everything goes through, but if not we know she's not the last of the loonies.

We are familiar with that type around here. They appear across species. We are still waiting for the home visit. We haven't heard anything since Sunday, but I'm still hoping it will happen this week. Don't know what comes after that... T

Well, she just needs a good home, and she would surely be welcome here. If she chooses someone else, though, who are we to argue? (p.s. Word to Irene, cookies live here.)

Hey, thanks a lot!! Yeah, she is really skinny in those first couple of photos. She definitely looks really great, now, though. We appreciate the fix, and thanks for letting us know how it went! We're still hoping she'll be ours, but we're trying (with all our might) not to be pushy.

Yes, we met PJ and his dog and foster dog this weekend. Really nice. He lives pretty close to us, actually. He said more dogs were coming this week and next week, too. Exciting! Sounds like a pretty tight ship. I've been thinking about joining the ranks, but first, I have to see how things settle with a new job and other volunteer commitments and, of course, the new dog. I'm sure there will be time, and it's a good cause. We wait... Oh, yeah, there he is. Hi, PJ! Great picture. Well, we are very enthusiastic about the dogs, and spazzy internet nerds as well, so it was kind of a no-brainer to join GT, at least for me. Eric doesn't like forums, so I'm the GT social liaison for our house.

Me too...we wait...

Ah, welcome to the big wait. It may not be that long, but every minute seems like hours.

Well, the website hasn't reflected any changes in her status, but I don't want to get my hopes up. It is a holiday, after all. Trying to keep myself level...

Well, the meet and greet was a resounding success. We are still waiting for the home visit before we can be approved, but we did find true greyhound love. Someone else is visiting "our girl" at her foster home tomorrow, though, so she may not end up with us. We wish her the best possible outcome, in any case. In the mean time, we wait patiently for our moment, our dog.

Getting interviewed and meeting some dogs on Sunday!!!

Yes, I don't think it was just luck that we were drawn in by their listings. I've heard nothing but good things about them, since, as well. Thanks!

Thanks, folks. We're really excited. I will certainly keep you informed.