Are we NUTS or what??

[radfringe]

We have two dogs (airedale and rescued greyhound) and 4 cats.

The woman that runs the rescued greyhound organization in our area contacted us last week -- she needs some help -- specifically help fostering greyhounds until they can be adopted...(might take a couple of days or weeks or longer until a forever home can be found.

Well, we agreed to help. This afternoon we will be picking up a little 3 yr old female by the name of MINT. She's small, black with a white chest, white feet and a white tip on her tail -- sort of looks like a smaller version of our greyhound, Sunny.

This will bring our "pet population" up to 3 dogs and 4 cats

so are we nuts or what?

[Dookus]

1. not at all

it's a great thing you're doing. Greyhounds are really sweet dogs, and most of them who've been rescued have had very tough lives. But that doesn't make 'em mean or angry, just sorta hurt. They're really affectionate and appreciate being treated well.

I hope you have a great experience doing it.

[JSJ]

2. and man can they run nt

[radfringe]

3. but they are couch potatoes

60mph to ZZZzzzzzz in a nano-second... lol

as much as we love our airedale - (she's 8 yrs old now) -- the mantra around our house is NO MORE TERRIERS

our experience with Sunny has convinced us that when it comes time to adopt another dog it's going to be a greyhound... no doubt about it

for those who have some hesitation about greyhounds -- they are sprinters and can reach up to 45mph -- however their preferred activity is to sleep on the couch, bed or any other soft comfy spot. They are not hyper dogs at all - very sweet and gentle.

The vast majority come directly from a racetrack into a home -- so they need to be taught certain things -- like what a cat is and not to chase it, how to climb stairs, what doors and sliding glass windows are and what "lovies, pets, ear scratches and affection" is all about.

If anyone is considering getting a new dog - check your local area for a greyhound rescue org and look into it.

[JSJ]

4. and warn the rabbit not to make any sudden moves nt

[Senior citizen]

5. You might be nuts.

Having never met you, I really couldn't say.

But it sure isn't for saving a dog. That's a sane, sensible, rational, and compassionate thing to do. Of course your ark may be getting a bit crowded, but it isn't for too long.

Do you know the old Chassidic story?

A poor Jewish man in the old country went to his Rebbe and asked for help. "Rebbe," he said, "My house is unbearable. We only have one room and in addition to me, my wife, and our 5 kids, we have my father and mother, my father-in-law and mother-in-law, and two orphaned nephews living with us. Everybody is always fighting and nobody has room to turn around. I can't take it any more. What should I do?"

The wise Rebbe asked, "Do you have a cow?"

"Why yes," said the man.

"Okay," said the wise Rebbe. "When you go home, bring the cow into the house, and then come back and see me tomorrow."

The next day the man returns. "Rebbe, Rebbe, this is terrible! I brought the cow into the house and now all the kids are crying, my wife, my parents and my inlaws are calling me names, it is even worse than before!"

"Hush," said the wise Rebbe. "Now, do you have a goat?"

"Oh, no!" said the man. "We do have a goat, but you can't want me to bring the goat into the house!"

"Have I ever given you bad advise?" asked the Rebbe. "Go home, take the goat into the house, and come back tomorrow to see me."

So the man does what he is told and comes back the next day. "Rebbe! Rebbe!" he cries, "The children are going crazy, my wife is threatening to leave me, my parents are going to disown me, and my in-laws want to have me locked up! What can I do?"

"Calm down," said the wise Rebbe. "I know you have some chickens. Take the chickens into the house and come back and see me tomorrow."

So the man does as he is told and comes back the next day. But he is crying, he obviously hasn't had any sleep, and he looks terrible.

"Okay," says the wise Rebbe. "Now go home and take all the animals out of the house and come back and see me tomorrow."

The next day the man returns and says, "Thank you, Rebbe. My house seems so big now, the children aren't fighting, my parents and in-laws are happy--it's a miracle!"

Thank you for saving MINT.

(Edited for clarity.)

[radfringe]

6. they have a term regarding having more than one greyhound

people that adopt a greyhound tend to get a second one too, and/or a third...

in rescued greyhound circles this is known as "chipping" -- borrowed from the Lays Potato Chips slogan -- "you can't just 'adopt' one"

we almost adopted a second one this past spring -- but with our suddenly filled summer social schedual felt we couldn't handle a 3rd dog

but fostering is the next best thing -- and it helps save at least one more greyhound

some greyhound breeders and racers are responsible -- either keeping the dog as a pet or finding homes for the retiree themselves. Others prefer to euthanize the dog or use rescue organizations as a "dumping ground"

a typical scenario for a dog that is still racing is to be kept in a kennel 24/7 -- let out only to "poop", train or race. Sores, old and new, are not unusual due to what is known as crate-rub -- it's when the dog is leaning against the side of a crate or kennel for long periods or time or from sleeping on hard surfaces -- similar to bed sores

but with a soft pillow, attention and much loving they are wonderful dogs

[auburngrad82]

7. We have five dogs, including four rescues.

And we ARE nuts.

[trigz]

8. Well, nuts and living in a big house, I hope

As you're probably aware of, animals shouldn't live too tightly together, so I hope you have a garden and plenty of space ;)

But good on you, I love people that care about animals.

[rasputin1952]

9. I think you are doing a wonderful thing, as for your being nuts...

I won't chime in on that....:)

You've saved a living thing from a harder than necessary life, this is a good thing...:)

If you cn save more, that is a better thing. Just try to ensure that the new dogs go to a good home, they've had it rough, now is their time for "Dog Days". Good luck, and I respect you for what you are doing....:D