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Update 7/13/09:
Cruz had a sleepover at the home of one of our volunteers,
and got a great report. He was curious about everything, like a human
toddler except
that instead of exploring everything with hands, he used his nose. Cruz
doesn’t want to miss a thing! He’s fascinated by reflections,
whether they’re in mirrors or glass … he appears to be wondering
who that very handsome greyhound is. He bonded very quickly to people,
and may be a dog who easily develops separation anxiety. Our staff has
information on how to deal with that condition. Living in a house with
people is a completely new experience for Cruz, who knows nothing but
is more than willing to learn. He needs only the slightest of corrections … just
a little psst psst psst sound … and after a couple of repetitions
he learns what he’s not supposed to do. He rode quietly in the
car, walked very well on a leash, was polite to the adults and children
he met out walking, and had no accidents in the house. When he goes to
his forever home he’ll need close supervision at first to be sure
his housetraining continues on course, but this gently enthusiastic and
utterly charming boy will be a member of the family in no time.
Cruz is a big beautiful greyhound who has left
his racing days behind and is seeking a home where he can learn how
to be a pampered pet. He’s
very stressed and anxious at the enormous change in his life so far.
He’s afraid to be alone, afraid of the woods and the rain when
out for walks, afraid that danger might be lurking around every corner.
If only we could tell him how nice his life will be when he has his own
people, good food, interesting things to do, and comfy couches and dog
beds. As he gets used to all the new sights, sounds, smells, and experiences,
though, taking it slow and easy will be the key to Cruz’s heart.Because
greyhounds are sprinters and can reach speeds up to 45 miles per
hour in the blink of an eye, they must never be allowed off leash
in unfenced areas -- they can be miles away and lost before they
begin to slow down, if they are not hit by a car first. A good run in
a securely
fenced area several times a week is plenty for most greyhounds, with
leash walks in between. Underground fences are not safe for this
breed, because they will run after things that move and can sprint through
the
zone too quickly. Greyhounds who spent their lives at the track have
a steep learning curve when they enter the real world for the first
time. Most of them have never been in a house or experienced things we
take
for granted, such as stairs and windows, their own reflections, television,
lawns and sidewalks, kitchens, cars and traffic. They have never
been alone, or seen any other dogs except greyhounds. They have never
been
touched while they were sleeping, or interrupted while eating. As
sighthounds, they are sensitive souls who will shut down if harsh training
methods
are used. These very gentle dogs need quiet, positive training to
learn the ins and outs of living with people. Because of their thin skin
and
bony body structure, they must have either squishy dog beds or furniture
privileges. New owners willing to put in the time and patience required
to bring a greyhound “up to speed” as a pet will be rewarded
with a loving, elegant, and impressive companion.
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