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A vet was called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named
Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane,
were all very attached to Belker and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family there
were no miracles left for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia
procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good
for the four-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though
Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family
surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time,
that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes,
Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker's
transition without any difficulty or confusion.
We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the
sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been
listening quietly, piped up, "I know why." Startled, we all turned to him.
What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more
comforting explanation. He said, "People are born so that they can learn how
to live a good life --- like loving everybody all the time and being nice,
right?" The four-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do
that, so they don't have to stay as long."
Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
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FACTS AND FAQs
Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall,
All You Have to do is Call
Frequently Asked
Greyhound Questions
- What should I expect if I adopt a greyhound?
- The number one answer to this question is LOVE. Greyhounds are
very loving and sensitive creatures. If left up to them, you will have a 70
pound lap dog on your hands. Unless your greyhound has been previously placed in
a foster home, everything is new to them. Expect them to be somewhat confused
and very curious. House manners have to be learned, but Greyhounds are very
intelligent dogs and learn quickly. Things like going up and down stairs may
take a little while for them to get used to. Mirrors are also new and a source
of amusement to them. You should expect a period of adjustment. Not all
Greyhounds adjust as fast as others. A lot of patience and understanding is
needed through this adjustment period. Greyhounds are excellent travelers and
will enjoy taking trips with you. They are very sociable and attract a crowd
where ever they go, so expect to meet new friends through your new pet.
-
- Does my Greyhound need a special space in the house?
During their racing career, your Greyhound never lived anywhere outside of its
cage and/or kennel. The best thing is to let them decide on their own personal
space. Usually this will be your bedroom, next to your bed. They seem to want to
be as close as possible to you at all times. Only use a crate if you see it is
needed after the adoption and all avenues have been tried.
- The first proud greyhound owners were kings and queens of ancient Egypt,
Rome and Greece. Many ancient gods have also been pictured with greyhounds as
companions. Greyhounds were revered for their elegance and gentleness.
- Modern greyhounds have lived their lives on a track, in a crate, or on a
farm in a run-a far cry from the pampered lives their ancestors lived. But the
centuries of breeding are still part of the greyhounds' demeanor. They are
elegant, gentle, loving animals who make wonderful companions.
-
- Though they are coming from a track into a home, they are amazing dogs and
quickly and happily adapt. The more time and patience you give to them, the
quicker they learn and give you their allegiance.
- They're sweet; one look into their eyes and you'll melt. Any veterinarian
will tell you that greyhounds are one of the best natured breeds. Born and bred
to be calm and sweet, they are patient and gentle with children and adults.
- They're easy-going…If you want to laze around, they will too. If you want to
play, they're more than happy to oblige. Needing no more exercise than a dog of
similar size, they enjoy daily walks with you, and a romp in a fenced-in area
once in a while.
- They're smart. Greyhounds are very trainable. They want to please you, and
so take direction well. Climbing stairs may take a week or two. Finding soft
spots will take mere seconds. But loving a greyhound will last a lifetime.
Here are a few more facts:
- Greyhounds are the ONLY canine mentioned in the Bible (King James version,
Proverbs 30:29-31).
- Greyhounds are the oldest, purebred dog, dating back to the Pharaohs of
Ancient Egypt. Paintings inside the tombs of the great Pyramids depicted
greyhounds.
- A law passed during the reign of King Canute stated "No mean person may keep
any Greyhounds." The law also stated that the destruction of a Greyhound should
carry the same capital punishment as the murder of a man.
- In England at one time, it was forbidden for "commoners" to even own a
greyhound.
- Our American General Custer was a big greyhound fancier.
- President Abraham Lincoln had a greyhound on his family coat-of-arms.
- In 1804, Australia issued a proclamation ordering the destruction of all
dogs EXCEPT greyhounds and sheepdogs.
- The mythical Greek Goddess Diana is usually pictured with a greyhound at her
side.
- There is an Irish greyhound named Master McGrath, who has been memorialized
in poetry and song for his winning the English Waterloo Cup race.
- John Barrymore, the famous actor, always kept his house full of greyhounds
as pets.
- Bo Derek, the actress best known from the movies "10" and "Tarzan", owns
several retired racing greyhounds, and is a great advocate of greyhounds as
pets.
- For many, many years the American make of car the Lincoln had a greyhound as
its hood ornament.
- Greyhounds are the fastest breed of dog, reaching top speeds of 40 miles per
hour!
- Greyhounds can see CLEARLY for a distance of a half-mile.
- Many people who are allergic to dogs are NOT allergic to greyhounds, due to
their short, sleek coat and skin type, which has more oil to it, thus less
dandruff.
- Greyhounds are NOT guard dogs. Being bred specifically to be even- tempered
and good natured, they are inherently well socialized. For this reason they LOVE
everyone.
- A retired racing greyhound will return the love and affection you give him
by 110%. Few things in life are quite as satisfying as adopting one of these
lovely greyhounds and being rewarded with never-ending love!
Frequently Accessed
Greyhound Medical Websites
Frequently Accessed
National Greyhound Association
www.ngagreyhounds.org
The Greyhound Breeding and Racing Database
www.greyhound-data.com
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