deboosh

Having been diagnosed with a "persistent hymen", it sounds to me like Kili's determined to keep her virginity, lol! All kidding aside, I'm relieved for you. Great news!

Excellent news, when you consider what the outcome could have been. I assume "anesthesia no concerns" means surgery's no longer necessary?

Good Luck with your Kili. I hope all will go well.

Absolutely! All advice should be taken with a grain of salt, no matter who gives it. To be clear, our cat did not segregate herself to one area, nor did her eating or litterbox habits change when she had her incident with the dog. The key statement here is "depending on your cat's personality". Lucky for us, our cat is a foodie, and we used it to our advantage. We should all err on the side of caution when animals are involved.

Our 20 year old cat also had no say when we adopted our ex-racer, but when we did a test visit prior to adoption, Peewee had no reaction so we interpreted this as her blessing to go ahead. Everything was fine until Peewee jumped off the couch right next to a sleeping Bonnie's head. Bonnie has sleep startle, and she reacted by barking at her. Peewee forgave this, but when it happened AGAIN, Peewee also started slinking around corners and only going to areas where the dog wasn't. You haven't ruined your kitty's life; she just needs some time and patience. After Peewee's scare, I was also going to move her feeding bowls, but avoiding Bonnie would also do nothing to make her feel safe. If Peewee wanted to eat, she had to take the chance that Bonnie might come into the kitchen. Initially, Peewee would leave whenever Bonnie came in, but slowly, she came around, and now they can eat at the same time without Peewee leaving. It took a good 6 weeks for Peewee to feel more at ease and she has since come into the room where the incident happened. Of course, Bonnie & Peewee are always supervised. I also muzzle Bonnie when I can't directly supervise, when we need to go out and when we go to bed. Some good advice has been given by other posters as well. But I would move her dishes and litter box back to their original spots. Getting her needs met is pretty good incentive to make kitty venture out. In the beginning, she may do so only at night, but this will build her confidence and help her realize she is not in imminent danger. Baby gates will also make her feel safe. Good luck; I hope she's back to her old self soon. And no, you didn't ruin her life; she just doesn't know she's got a new friend yet!

Arrgh, she does this too! And (no kidding) lifts her leg when she pees!

I applaud your bravery. You must have killer hand-eye co-ordination! I think you're clever; what a great skill to hone. I'm gonna practice "shooting hoops" too, but not without my craft gloves. Have there been any funny looks or comments from the neighbours?

Happy to oblige! I first heard it on this forum, too. I don't think there's a more fitting descriptor, especially for my girl.

What a smarty pants you are! Perfect solution for both 1 & 2. And it's clever, easy and clean!

Does anyone else's grey just squat and pee (or worse, have a pudding poop) smack-dab in the middle of the sidewalk? My girl has no shame (or else she's low maintenance). Can I "interrupt" her just prior to the squat, and re-direct her to the city-owned grassy boulevard? I'm otherwise destined to carrying a Bonnie kit, (squirt bottle and scraper) on every walk. Not something I'm looking forward to during the heat of summer.

That was the author's name when I reserved my copy from the library online.

Just reserved "The Dog's Mind" from my local library. Thanks for suggesting it!

I'm so glad something good will come from this. And thanks for explaining how.

Your points are well taken. A very scary prospect at the moment, but I know absolutely, that you're right. Only yesterday, our adoption co-ordinator voiced the same concerns. If you happen to know of any instructors that service the TO area who are well-versed in greyspeak, would you mind sending me a PM?

This is very helpful; Thanks! Will research the previous LAT posts. The stick part is easy~~there's a ravine just down the street, lol.

No, practically none. All her on-leash exposure has been by her dingdong owners. Most likely, her reaction to stimuli is also her challenge. Our co-ordinator agrees. Yesterday, she paid us a visit to demonstrate clicker use, (duh, really? I need a lesson in clicker use?) as our goal too, is to reward no reaction. Thanks for the glimmer of hope!

How very sorry I am to hear of your tragic loss. It is especially meaningful that you would put aside your own vulnerability for the sake of someone else. No one could be more deserving of compassion; nor is it needed more than from yourself. We cannot know, of the hundreds of decisions we make every day, that any one of them would cause us regret. You have suffered just enough to know that we either come to terms with our actions, moving on as best we can, or shrivel up and die; and we have too many two and four legged beings in our lives depending on us for all the good deeds we do in their day, to be choosing the latter as an option, lol. I am sure your little cat would not be pleased, if she knew you had any memories of her that were not very happy. I know you`ve got most of the time licked, but for those lonely, private moments when we sometimes give ourselves a mental flogging, please don`t let that one decision be the one defining moment that measures your goodness as a human being. (I was going to say, "it's time to change the tape", but I guess now, it should be PVR?) We can be dripping with empathy for everyone and their brother, but are slow about gifting it to ourselves. You're a kind and loving person, and I thank you again for sharing your story. You touched my heart and made me realize that being human cannot be perfection. Debbie xoxo

At the time of the attack it didn't appear that Rocky sustained injury. It wasn't until 30 minutes later, when a knock at the door confirmed puncture wounds to his head. His owner took Rocky to the e-vet where his wounds were cleaned and a course of anti-biotics was prescribed. I just pray there won't be any lasting psychological damage; the poor little guy shook uncontrollably. Naturally, we paid for his vet care. His owner was nothing but stellar throughout; she felt terrible for ME! Edited to add: Thank you for the many great tips Liz; point well taken about flip flops. Probably saved my nose from a skinning, lol.

This post is for every new or soon-to-be-new greyhound owner. Being one myself, I feel obliged to share our experience. It just might save another houndie and you, his owner, from having to learn a very hard and expensive lesson. My only reason for sharing this, is so that it will serve as a caution, and to maybe even prevent a tragedy from happening. I apologize for its length. (I'm not proficient with my edits.) Our girl came up on a hauler just before Christmas, straight from Daytona's track, and into the home of our adoption co-ordinator. After a 4-day assessment, her low prey status was confirmed, and she tested as cat-safe. Fast forward the conversation to our questions about dog parks. We were advised to be careful and aware of our surroundings, but to relax and have fun as well. Moderate in warning but not negative, she personally frequents a select few of them, herself. At first, dh & I were afraid. We took Bonnie to one very large and expansive dog park, and stood there like sticks, very nervous and very stiff. She barked at every one and every thing, until one observant young woman offered her assistance, and managed to calm all three of us. So we started taking Bonnie to our local dog park, where she began to have fun, and exhibit good doggy manners, as both sniffer, and sniffee. People were always commenting, what a friendly and social dog she was. We were thrilled and very happy that she seemed to be doing so well. Then I started to notice that whenever there was rough play, or a burst of exuberance from other dogs, Bonnie would be there in a flash, barking off her fool head. There were times though, when her bark just didn't cut it, and she'd push an offender to the ground. At first, I found this concerning, and was quite taken aback. But it was explained to me by an owner, on more than one occasion, that there was no need for alarm. Their dog deserved her scolding, as this was the way they restore order. I naively, accepted this "good cop" attribute of hers, feeling somewhat proud of her attempt to maintain the peace. Prior to the "incident" I would have bet my life that Bonnie loved, and was safe around, tiny little dogs. Her reason for living is chasing the fluffball as he chases his tennis ball. It was her bliss. Never would she overtake or cause a tumble, and she'd end the pursuit if he suddenly stopped. I questioned whether my dog was a slave to her 4000 year old instincts or not. I told myself she was simply playing, and her low-prey status was my proof. It was three weeks ago, maybe two houses away from our own, at the beginning of our routine morning walk. A very small, white, teacup-type approached from the opposite direction. Both dogs strained their leash in greeting. Tails were wagging. One face sniffed the other. Then Bonnie pounced. No growling, teeth baring, or quiet, stealthy stance. No sign or warning; just a quick and precise strike. As I pulled her back, she reared up with this poor little thing wedged between both paws, and bit him mercilessly. Had he not been wearing his winter coat, he would have been disemboweled; I've no doubt. There I was, preoccupied and concerned about the dog park, when I should have been just as wary of the innocuous neighbourhood walk. Why did she do this? The little guy certainly wasn't exhibiting any sort of excitement. No jumping or fast jerky movements; the familiar kind that precipitated her dog park scoldings. Was it instinct? Does she not trust me as her alpha? I was in shock~~maybe still am. Did she simply not like the other dog? Could he have been intact? Was testosterone still coursing through her own system? I'd been told the girls are given male hormones to prevent them from going into heat at the track; can we blame hormones on this? (Do they really pump them full of that stuff anyway?) Or could it be that my dog just isn't tiny-white-dog safe? I know the dynamics change on-leash; could this have been the reason? I could ask a gazillion questions, but really, it doesn't matter, because I don't intend to place my dog in a position where she could do this again; because quite frankly, I don't want to think about my moral compass, and have to do what I'd dread doing, should stupidity repeat itself. So, although this did not happen at the big, bad dog park, we still won't be frequenting any. I shudder when I think this could have occurred there~~while I'm 50 feet or more away; where I have no leash, no control, and couldn't possibly run, never mind with anything resembling speed. And the bottom line? I must face up to the fact that I do not know my dog. Simple as that. It's just way too soon to predict her behaviour. I'm fairly certain that it was this very forum where I'd read that during their first year with us, our greys go through a myriad of changes in their new quest as loving family pets. The dog who crosses our threshold on his Gotcha Day is temperamentally unrecognizable, one year later. Like living on Mars and moving to Earth, is how their transition was explained to me. Should this be true, it means that my girl is not predictable. Being unpredictable has a lot in common with liability. As new grey owners, we are bound to make some mistakes and go through the growing pains as both human and animal acclimate to the new family dynamic. But our new family member has powerful claws and a mouthful of sharp teeth. Greyhound ownership also means we are responsible for educating ourselves, knowing our limitations, and taking every precaution necessary to ensure that the risks we take are minimal. I read what was recommended, and more. I thought I had at least learned the necessary basics. I lurked this forum for months before finally joining, and STILL, I managed to fail my girl. And I failed the little dog she attacked, because I trusted my dog, who I don't really know, and was too green in my awareness to realize it! Dangerous combination, ignorance and braun. I placed my Bonnie in a position of losing her future had she killed that little dog. "Humbled" is too mild a word for how I've been feeling. For the foreseeable future, it's greyhound runs only, where every dog is muzzled. On our neighbourhood walks, we cross the street when another dog appears in the distance, or we muzzle her right from the get-go, should our walk include passing by the house with that yappy little white shih-tzu. I think it's important to state the very hard lesson that was learned again: I'm a new owner, with a dog I do not know. Scary stuff. Take heed, my fellow newbies. Please be safe. (((Hugs)))

Thank you everyone! Lots of great information, and I am so relieved to hear that I don't have to be rigid and strict in following one method. Widowcali, thank you for sharing your dog's tummy troubles; I will definitely start transitioning one meal be adding in a grain-free kibble and thanks for the coupon tips! cleptogrey, It's just my own silly perception that my dog would get bored on kibble. I suspect it's self-imposed PTS caused by the many restrictive diets I've put myself on over the years that's to blame. As an aside, I think saluki's are THE most gorgeous dog I've ever seen and wonder if they're temperament is similar to a grey's; I have only ever seen one. We took Bonnie for a blood and urine test in January and thankfully, she got a clearn bill of health, so there's no worries there. 2greys2cats, I aspire to the diet you provide. I would really like to give her a good base kibble, and then cook for her and add it in. But I'm conflicted because I really like the benefits of raw, one of which is how great it is for their teeth, but right now, I don't want to get myself frustrated, so one step at a time. Thanks again! RedHead, I think it's great that you gauge your percentage of raw and then add what you wish. Sounds as though it's working well for you. I'm not aware of any food co-ops, and am not really sure what you mean by a co-op , but we do have a chinese grocer in the west end of the city that really does have great prices. Since I 'm fairly certain I will also maintain a raw percentage, then purchasing there should be doable. Finnsmom, thanks for the link. Prices are good. I plan on taking a trip up to Innisfil to take our girl for a run, so I could kill a couple of birds (hate that saying) and place a meat order too. By the way, your Finn is beautiful; such a pretty coat.

When we adopted our girl in December, we tried her on a couple of commercial foods to clear up her diarrhea but neither helped. To be fair, we probably didn't give it enough time for her system to get used to it, and after hearing about the benefits of a raw diet, we started her on it. The diarrhea cleared up after her first meal, and she's now been on it for 6 weeks, but quite frankly, we're finding the cost to be an issue, in spite of looking for specials. It's just not a manageable option for us long-term. My question is, would it be acceptable to feed one meal raw, and the other a commercial food? I don't want to upset her system, but we need a more economical way to feed her. Or would she adjust better to a home cooked diet and commerical mixture, eg., I've read that some people feed kibble and then mix it with a home cooked "stew". I've haven't looked into the pros/cons of home cooked yet. I've also read that feeding only kibble is perfectly fine and nutritionally complete, however I think it would be pretty monotonous to have to eat the same thing meal after meal. I'm not really sure what to try my girlie on now. Because she has tummy sensitivities, what's an acceptable time frame to acclimate her, before looking at alternatives? Advice/experience welcome and very much appreciated!

Thanks everyone, I'll go slow and concentrate on the leash pulling for now, and after a few months' of building trust and bonding, look for obedience classes with someone knowledgeable/experienced with greys. Hope that won't be too tall of an order.

We adopted our Bonnie on Dec. 20/12. She had some house-breaking issues but has been accident-free now for over a week (touch wood). I would like to know whether I should be looking at some sort of training yet. Or am I wondering about it too soon? I spend a lot of time playing with her and we take a fairly long walk at least twice a day. It would be nice if she could walk well on leash though, as she's a real puller, and tends to walk all over the sidewalk. I'm sure my neighbours think I've had a few, as I weave my way down the street. She also gets overly excited when we come upon someone walking from the opposite direction and pulls to meet them. Sometimes these people are less than enthusiastic about meeting my social butterfly, though. Our adoption co-ordinator highly recommends clicker training. What method do you like? Do you recommend classes or did you read a training manual and practice on your own?

tydyelady!

Great news! Sounds like all of your efforts are starting to pay off