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deboosh

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Posts posted by deboosh

  1. 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.

     

    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".

  2. 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.

  3. It doesn't matter if you have a dog or not, you are still more than welcome to come and just enjoy the experience! If you come, just wait at the gate and say you're looking for me (Lisa) -- I'm the only one with red hair, LOL! I've already packed the items into the van so that you can see them if you come. :)

     

    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/

  4. I have the smaller, pocket-sized squirrel call at the back door and I also take it to playgroup. I have the big predator call, too, and we use it when we are exercising Summer on her own, with a lure.

     

    We are having a playgroup gathering tomorrow morning which is close enough for you to attend. It is being held at the baseball diamond in Queensville at 10:00 a.m., for about an hour. The diamond is basically at Leslie and Queensville Sideroad, northeast corner but just a wee bit east of Leslie on Queensville Sideroad. You are more than welcome to come and immerse yourself in greyhounds (it's not going to be a huge group, just about 8-10 hounds) and I can show you both devices and what a homemade lure pole looks like.

     

    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!

  5. 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!

  6. 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.

  7. 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.)

  8. 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!

    :cheers

    P.S. Just curious, what are their names?

  9. You've already received lots of advice on marking. Regarding gender, I have the most fabulous monster boy. He is a star among dogs and even among Greyhounds. But the single most fabulous personality I have ever encountered in an animal is his playmate, a sweet, cuddly, happy, joyful, payful, goofy female brindle. Her wonderful owners are blessed by her presence. Forget about gender and look for personality.

     

    Here they are together: he is 90 lbs and she is 64 lbs

    005zuo.jpg

     

    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.

  10. Thanks everyone, you have been very helpful and candid. I am so glad I asked; not only have my eyes been opened, but my mind has, too. I really like the sound of "letting a hound pick us". In my heart of hearts, a velcro dog is at the top of my wish list for desirable traits. Fostering sounds like a great way to find our forever companion. We have a 20 year old cat, and since she had to put up with a bullying brother most of her life, she deserves some peace and quiet during her final years. Until she crosses the bridge, we'll just have to wait for our racer.

  11. I'd like to apologize if this is a dumb question; neither myself or my DH have ever had a dog. We have decided that a grey is the perfect dog for our family but I have a concern about getting a male after talking with my neighbour.

     

    She has 2 small male pooches and says that she is constantly cleaning up after their marking everything from eachother to the curtains. Is this true, that male dogs have a tendancy to mark inside the home? As first time owners, we will definitely only want a female if this is the norm.

     

    Thanks for your input.

  12. Hi VinnyL, We don't have a grey yet, but are planning to adopt once our beloved 20 year old kitten passes on. We've been trying to educate ourselves on everything there is to know about greys, and in doing so, I came across a pdf article on one owner's experience with her grey's serious corn problem.

     

    I think that if the ex racer we adopt ever develops corns, we would try the treatment explained in this pdf link before considering anything more invasive (such as surgery, which unfortunately does not result in a cure anyway). This treatment is not a cure either, but it seems to have given the owner some confidence, as well as confirmation, that her grey is beginning to enjoy life again; not to mention relief that his corns are at least manageable. Here is the link:

     

    http://www.steelcitygreyhounds.org/downloads/corn.pdf

     

    Are your greys a pair bond? I really hate to suggest this, but If they are not, there is the option of surrendering one, so that both dogs' needs can ultimately be met. Such a heartbreaking position to be in; I feel for your family and hope that you will not have to choose this option.

     

    Hopefully, an experienced corndogger will chime in with sage advice for you.

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