deboosh

Oh my, what an ordeal! Singh, I hope you A nice poofy comforter on the floor by "your" couch would help in case you have any running doggie dreams.

((((HUGS)))) So sorry for your loss.

I think that I would ask the trainer if she thought there was anything unusual about his back end. She may know of a previous injury or may have had him already checked out if she's had concerns about his gait or back. If after asking her you are not satisfied, I would then ask my local vet to view the videos you posted here. If he/she recommends further investigation, I would have him examined by an independent vet (not connected with the service dog organization). As a new owner, I would want to ensure that my companion pet was healthy, or at least know what I would be facing, but I think a thorough examination is imperative seeing as Stormy will be your service dog. All the best to you.

Ohhhh, how I'd love it if you could catch their chorus on video!

VERY cute name ~~ absolutely love it; I bet he's one happy-go-lucky little guy! I know I'm showing my age ~~ with Andy Griffith whistling in my head, lol.

Such beautiful critters! I have a very soft spot for Torts and love that just-sucked-a-lemon look a lot of them have, lol. Your Zola is a little darling as is Zariel ~~ gorgeous! I'm so sorry for the loss of your beloved Zuki and my thoughts and prayers are with you and hope all will soon be well.

That's where my hesitation comes from. If he were just going to be a regular pet dog, I would change it and not be bothered by it. But because he's working for months with a trainer to be a service dog AND he already knows his name, I feel like changing it might mess up his training. :\ His recall is so good (and this is in the very early stages of training, he still has many months ahead of him)--I don't want to risk messing him up! I did consider Izzy (since his racing name was Izz Our Storm), but it sort of reminds me of Isabelle. Too girly, I thought. :\ What about asking the trainer if she thinks a name change would affect his training negatively? Or you could maybe even choose the name you like, and then ask the trainer to use "Stormy Wally" (or whichever name you choose) when she calls him and then when he learns that, eventually drop the "Stormy".

from Toronto. Your Finn sounds like a real teddy bear and he's absolutely gorgeous!

A few people thought he looked like a Zeke and I do as well, but I really love the name Wally; it's so down-to-earth and endearing! But I also know what you mean about feeling kinda funny about changing it, since he comes running to the trainer when she calls him in the video. But of course, he'd get used to a new name, too. Gee, not much hellp here, am I? After all that, I think I like "Wally" best.

So sorry for the less of your dear, dear Karson.

My heart breaks for you. I'm so sorry for the your loss of your dear, dear, Teddy.

What an absolute sweetheart! That pic in her crate just screams, "aren't I adorable?". Congratulations! Hope Luna's settling in.

Congratulations on your pretty little girlie! That pic of her in her crate is utterly adorable, what a face!!

From a fellow grey-less fan in Toronto!

Really? That's Great! I will look for your red hair Lisa, and of course, your beautiful Summer. We'll probably be the only people there WITHOUT a dog!

One of these days I hope to earn my PM privileges, Lisa. In the meantime, I guess I'll just have to persevere and let it all hang out, lol. I'm a volunteer adoption co-ordinator for my local humane society, and on Saturday we are showcasing our kittens at various Pet Valu stores throughout Etobicoke. Could I take a raincheck to join you on another day ~~ I am guessing that your playgroup meets regularly? The following Saturday (Oct. 20), GLOHW is hosting an event at a winery in Beamsville (see link below) that maybe you've heard about? Everyone is welcome (despite the "member in good standing" statement). We will be going to this as well, but would LOVE to see your playgroup show off their zoomies any other time. Hope to meet you soon, Lisa! Cheers, Debbie http://www.glohw.com/upcoming-events/

You will probably think I'm a bit (or maybe even a lot) cuckoo when I tell you that we don't actually have a grey ~~ well, at least not just yet, as we have a sweet little 20 yo cat and don't plan to adopt our ex-racer until she crosses the rainbow bridge. This year we have actually gone to an annual picnic to familiarize ourselves with the community and to get "up close and personal" with these beautiful and graceful animals. I love attending events hosted by the various groups, even though I sometimes feel a little out of place with no dog in tow, lol. Everyone is more than gracious and it is from fellow adopters that we've gleaned so much knowledge. Some time in the near future, I would love to attend one of your playgroups when we finally get our heart dog; Thank you so much for the invitation. We will be very active and enthusiastic members in this special community and look forward to meeting you one day soon!

Thanks everyone! As always, no matter the question, I can always trust the GT community for a candid and genuine answer. Looks like we'll be getting a squawker or 2 or 3. Makes me feel a little more at ease to know there's a tool available to help keep our greys safe. Very cool!

While reading the post "What To Expect When Adopting A Retired Racer", (also in the Training & Behaviour section), I came across a video slide-show, posted by another member as a part of their response. It features the work of photographer Rachel Hogue, whose work is featured on Flickr, about the racing life of a greyhound. On one of the stills, she mentions that as soon as a dog begins training, his trainer uses a "squawker", or "predator call", which is a gadget used to recall the dogs. Apparently, the sound from this device is so ingrained that the new family can also benefit from its use. It can be found for purchase on "Greythounds Of Eastern Michigan", and I have posted a link for those of you who may be curious, here: http://www.gemgreyhounds.net/store-2/?wpsc=lc&wpsccat=18 Of course, being forewarned is being forearmed, and expecting the unexpected is probably the best measure where safety's concerned, but I'm wondering if this little device really does work; or does it depend on how high a dog's prey drive is? For the peace of mind of the inexperienced or guardians nervous that their grey could suddenly bolt or escape from the backyard gate, what do you think of a "predator call" to have on hand, just in case? Personally, I would like to purchase one, but am wondering if any members have a story to tell where one of these devices has proved invaluable? Thoughts? Thank you in advance for your response!

Although most of our property is fenced, we are planning to gate the entry points on either side of the house next spring. After reading your story, I think it would be wise that we permanently close off the least-used side to lessen the chances of this happening to us. We don't have a grey yet, but I appreciate reading the posts from others, especially when they concern the safety of our animals. I am so happy to hear that your beloved Rocky is back at home safe and sound with his loving family. Thank you for posting your experience.

While taking a leisurely walk on a sunny wooded trail, a friend of mine encountered a magnificent grey, if ever she saw one, walking towards her with his human. Rufus is his name; a very smart and enterprising type, as he had his human give my friend his business card, complete with personal website and email. The home page affirms, "Past The Finish Line", my life as a retired racing greyhound. I was impressed, and sent along a note, just to say "hello" and perhaps, once the timing's right, make a friend for playdates once we get a dog of our own. Please, if you're so inclined, check Rufus out here: http://www3.sympatico.ca/reet.white/ (If, for some reason, this link doesn't work for you, just google "rufus greyhound" and "Past The Finish Line" will come up.)

Ahh, men. Your boy is probably just playing hard to get with her, but I think your friends had better watch out that you don't dognap their little girl, lol! (Now, I'm kidding when I say that, so please don't anyone take it seriously). She sounds like the bar can't be raised any higher for want of a social butterfly like her. Lucky you, to have this little girlie in your life ~~ truly, she's as cute as a bug in a rug. Thanks for sharing. Cheers! P.S. Just curious, what are their names?

We will definitely have our grey choose us, rather than the other way around. What a beautiful pair you have! I would be a very proud mom, too.