Newton's new family, and LD Weihl Sassy.

Newton found his forever home yesterday!!!! Things have been going very well in his new home. He is an only dog (though I thought he'd be more than okay with this, the leader-type he is) and has been doing well with their two cats. I was very pleased to hear that he is settling in well and his family seems to really enjoy him! I'm very happy and proud of him!!!

The same day Newton went home, "Sassy" came home with me as a replacement foster. Sassy came right off the track last weekend and was adopted the same day. However, her family had a very skittish 6 month old kitten, and while Sassy initially tested cat-workable, they didn't utilize the muzzle, leash, or squirt bottle in their introduction, leaving the cat more than petrified beyond what the family wanted to work with. So, she came back and will be staying with me for a while...or forever.

I have to admit, I think I am falling in love. This dog has been practically perfect since she walked in the door. She's not snarky, knows how to instantly pee when let outside, is quiet and okay with being alone, is responsive already to being called and listens well, rides wonderfully in the car, seems to be hitting it off with Ferguson, walks pretty well on the leash, and is excessively, almost unbearably, cute. She is meeting my criteria as if she has an innate check-list...we might be in danger of failing here. At x-mas when we visit my parents, we'll work on the small animal thing with Niles, the excessively mellow Westie, and WILL make use of squirt bottles, muzzles, and leashes. This is mainly because Eric definitely would like to adopt a cat one day, and while we can certainly adopt a cat that is very dog-friendly, knowing for sure that she will tolerate it would make the decision even easier. Additionally, knowing I can trust her at work with smaller dogs and my parent's dog is also fairly important.

So, we will see how things go and continue to progress. I'm so afraid to get my heart set on her, but I feel like it's starting to be a losing battle. But: I think I may know exactly what (or who) I want for x-mas.

Falling for the boys?

My excitement can hardly be contained!  I got a call from Greyt Expectations again, the representative saying he was recommending approval of my application that will go to the board.  Tomorrow I will hear if I'm approved or not officially, though I can't imagine I wouldn't be (but this is my first time, so hey, what do I know?). 

But!  We are heading down THIS Saturday to meet the foster dogs and NINE other dogs coming up from Florida.  Right now, there are three males in foster care that sound nice, and two more males that sound sweet, and one female (Dakota...see previous blog) that was actually on my list that is coming.  The other four females, I don't yet know of, so they will be a surprise.  Yet, I'm finding myself kind of smitten with the dogs in foster care, maybe because their descriptions are so good.  It's exciting to hear about dogs that are already crate trained, doing well with alone training, great on the leash, and currently living in harmony with small animals.  They only have one female in foster care right now, but she doesn't sound my type (very shy and not confident in herself without other dogs).  So!  The dogs I like are named: Ferguson, Superdog, Limit, Dakota, Ben, and Star.  Superdog, Star, and Ben have my favorite coloring, but Dakota is a female...yet is the oldest at 5...AH.  At this point, all I think I can do is let the dog choose me.  Heck, I might bring home one of the unknown females.  I should really stop guessing. 

Anyway, I got to do a little bit of toy shopping, and bought:

Monkey Squeaky Rope Toy (Mine is even cuter)

A Fleece Machine-Washable Rope Toy!

The monkey is REALLY cute...I just hope he doesn't get destroyed.  The fleece toys I've heard various success stories with, mainly that they are machine washable and good for teeth...but we'll see.  Both were fairly inexpensive, but what I had wanted that they didn't have was a hollow bone, sort of like the one above.  We've had them in the past for the Labradors, and I love how durable, affordable, and useful they are for stuffing...but alas, none that were big enough for greys :/.  I will keep hunting though. 


I do already have a considerable number of toys, mostly those that are super sturdy (rubber tires, bones, balls, ropes, etc.) that have survived the labs...just few fun ones, like the monkey.  I still have $18 in gift cards to buy her more, but what I'd really like is for kongs to not be $20 for a large sized one -_-.  I still have a medium one, but it's kind of old.  I know how versatile they are too...I might have to break down and get one : /.  Maybe after putting up an ad on craigslist first...ha ha ha. 

The job hunt is also going well.  I have an interview on Wednesday at 2pm at the Sterling dog daycare location, so we will hope for the best!  I would love it if I could start working in the next few weeks :). 

Soooooooo much anticipation!

jobs and jobs and greyhounds

I woke up this morning (er...afternoon) to a call from a Greyt Expectations representative!  I was so excited, but my voice was embarrassingly cracky from just having woken, and from this random cold I've caught. Yet, we talked and I answered a few questions, most of them relating to Eric (long term boyfriend) and my parents.  Then, he said he would call my references (my neighbor, and best pal Sarah) and my vet tomorrow, and that we'd be able to come up "next Saturday" to pick out a dog!  However, I don't know if that means next Saturday, the 8th, or next Saturday, the 15th...so I sent an email to hopefully clarify.

Yay!

Also, today, I received two emails back from job applications I'd submitted, both from northern VA dog daycares.  Because my dad was planning on going to Leesburg anyway, he agreed to drive me down to fill out an in person application for the one place, and to stop by the other to see where it was.  The one I actually went into was quite far away, and only plans to pay me $11 per hour at most...while the other in the VERY ritzy location is looking for full time with negotiable salary.  I will hopefully go in for an interview for the ritzy place sometime this week to get an even better idea for what I'm working with, but I am quite excited.  It would only be better if the location wasn't 45 minutes away from Frederick, or basically anywhere else in Maryland : /.  But, I figure if I like it and Winry can come with me every day, then it would be worth it, at least until I find something else in May :).  I applied for three more jobs tonight alone, most of which are closer and in Maryland, so hopefully something comes up that works out well.

I'd love to actually get paid for something I love, and I'd never have to be without Winry!

Hopefully something works out.  This week is certainly an exciting one if I get both a dog and a job!

Submitted Application!

WOOOOOT!!!!  My application for Winry is officially submitted!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have been waiting so long for this day....er...night.

It took a lot of convincing, an official dog care contract, and sincere cover letter to get my parents to say "okay" but it will all be worth it in a few short weeks!

There is a notice on their site about how applications may not be responded to before January first, but I'll keep my fingers crossed and hope one of the volunteers isn't too busy :).  It sure would make my holiday!

As for my Christmas in general, it was pretty nice.  I got most of the things I asked for, including a year long subscription to Celebrating Greyhounds magazine, and my new favorite game, Bananagrams.  Winry even got a few presents to share with Niles, namely a pack of three tough multi fabric dog toys with squeakers, and a gift card of her very own from my roommate and good friend Chesska :).  She also still has that gift card to the yuppy puppy pet boutique, come to think of it.  Huh.  Funny how there is a homeless dog out there that already has all these things ^_^  I can't wait to meet her.

The current (?) dogs on the petfinder site that could potentially be Winry that I like:

Dolly
Vandetta
Amber
Dakota
Buzz

However, the site hasn't been updated in quite a while, so it's hard to tell if any of these dogs are still potential candidates.  Still, it will be good to have a few names in mind, should any of these gals still be homeless :).

Anyway, off to try and sleep for now, but I'm sure as I acquire new information and updates, my blog and all of you readers will hear of it right away!

Yay Winry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Food

Something I'm still somewhat confused about for the future greyhound is food. With the labs, they ate Iams, at the general request of Guiding Eyes (which is unfortunate, considering its corn content) and is not a brand I'd consider for my own dog. I did research on food, as did my Dad when we got Niles, and feel somewhat rehearsed on Kibbles (corn/wheat= bad, meat as first and second ingredient = good) but was unhappy to see some of the price tags for foods that follow these rules. But, I was pleased to find that cosco's brand of Kirkland dog food actually does as well, and is only about $23 for 40lbs, compared to $20 for 20lbs for Iams. So, hurray, I've found a decent Kibble for cheap, but...greyhounds are of course, different.

So, to my greyt enthusiasts out there...what do you feed your dogs to supplement the Kibble? I am, as usual, attempting to be as frugal as possible, but of course want a happy, healthy dog. I've heard success stories about turkey necks, which can be bought in bulk and thawed, but saw one for the first time up close this Thanksgiving, and thought it looked...well...unsafe and like a choking hazard. If I'm intending on housing a pretty mellow hound that will receive no less than 20 minutes of walking every day and a weekly to bi-weekly romp in a fenced area larger than the backyard, will they require more protein/fat than what Kibble can provide? What are some inexpensive means of supplement or hearty treats I can offer them? Any suggestions or experience stories are welcome :).

Brrrr!!!

I can't believe how cold it is already.  The air itself is close to freezing, and when the wind gets up to 30mph, it is just awful.  Watery eyes and runny noses all over the place -_-.  Also, because I'd been sick with a cold/flu bug last week, I haven't been out to walk Carly and Shadow for a while.  This is very unfortunate, as I only have a little less than two weeks before I move off campus and back home :(.  Today, I wasn't able to come out either, due to the crazy high speed winds that made just ten minutes nearly unbearable. *sighs*  I will miss my dog walking job.

I already feel sorry for Winry, if greyhounds truly are not fans of cold (obviously, neither am I).  It would be easier to adopt her in a warmer month, when I could walk her effortlessly and whenever I wanted.  But I've been looking forward to the end of December for over nine months now, so I refuse to let the weather stand in our way!  Don't worry, Winry, I've been working on that sweater for you since May! (Pictures to come later).  

My parents, however, may pose more of a threat than the weather though.  I last went to visit them on Sunday, and at the mention of Winry they seemed to hesitate and I'm not sure why.  They seem confident that I will be able to get her at some point, but for some reason, insinuated they wanted me to wait even longer (as if 9 months wasn't long enough?).  I respect their wishes and the fact that it will be their house we'll be at for the first 5 months, but I still can't figure out the basis for their sudden hesitation exactly.  When it comes to Winry, I have figured out just about every last little thing for her, including her annual finances, places we can live, how much money I will have to make, down to the last detail of her ear cleaner (has anyone had any luck with baby oil, btw?).  When I asked my mom about it, she said she felt like Winry would hold me back somehow, with where I could live, is all that she mentioned.  My dad said something in passing about not knowing whether he would have time to actually walk her at lunch time...which leaves me even more confused.  In the past, I have raised and trained Labradors, and very rarely, if ever, asked my parents to do anything for any of those dogs.  I have always taken 100% responsibility for the dogs I've cared for and worked with, and while they have offered at times to care for them, I am always reluctant to accept their help, as I understand they are completely under my charge and mine alone.  Also, I was able to work and care for these Labradors in the past, which was no easy feat; however, the point is, I am attempting to choose the lowest maintenance breed of dog that will sleep for 15-20 hours a day which would obviously require little, if any attention from my parents, if I could manage on my own with the active high energy Labradors.  The way I see it, adopting Winry in January (I've agreed to wait until after Christmas at their request) is the absolute best time for me to adopt a dog probably for years to come; I will be home for a solid month with no other commitments, other than to get her settled.  At present, it is true that I don't have an actual job besides walking Carly and Shadow and doing occasional babysitting for my mom's co-worker. But, I will begin searching like crazy starting in January in hopes of moving out by May.  I will have a B.A. degree in just 2 weeks, so I should, in theory, be able to find something over the 5 month period of living at home while I wait for my roommate to graduate.  I know it sounds precarious to not have a "real" job at the time of adoption, but I have been saving up money for her all this time, and have about $2,000.  Additionally, I will continue babysitting and plan to donate plasma (both of which bring in about 50$ per week), and will have no expenses on my behalf other than going out with friends for food and whatnot.  So, in other words, while I wait/attempt to get a job, I will still be bringing in some form of money...I haven't even mentioned Eric's offer to pay for Winry's needs, since she will be half his dog.  

My goodness, I typed an excessive amount of venting.  I apologize to anyone who actually read all of that...and if you didn't, don't feel like you have to.  Okay, well, summarize Winry in reference to my parents, I feel like they should not have to worry about her at all, as I am already very aware of her needs and have extensive experience to work off of, and I have never asked for or needed their help for my dogs in the past; they simply allow us to live at their house (which I do not take for granted).  

Ah well, I guess we'll see what happens as they day comes closer.  I was hoping to apply for adoption by December 20th.  There will surely be a post on this date...you've been forewarned.  

Dreaming

Winry?

Last night (or rather, very early this morning), I had another dream about my potential Winry.  I think it's funny how my brain attempts to imagine her...and even more funny that it can't really make up its mind.  This Winry was a brindle, looking a lot like this.  In the past, she's been black and then white with grey markings on just her head.  This Winry (the brindle) had more of a distinct personality though.  She was very big, but unsure, yet still very sweet and attached quickly to me.

Huh.

I'm excited to know what the real Winry will be.

Also, for those of you who don't know "Winry" or the origin of the name, it comes from an awesome female character in the show, "Full Metal Alchemist."  See above.

It wasn't my original choice of name, but rather one that my long term boyfriend picked out.  It grew on me, but maybe if the dog comes with that awesome of a name, I will keep it.  From what I've heard though, this is probably not too likely.

We shall wait and see!

Boy or Girl?

For most of my greyhound research and planning, I've been leaning towards adopting a female.  This is because:

-They tend to be smaller
-They don't mark as much inside (Niles can be a pain that way sometimes)
-I read that they tend to be more independent (?)
-Niles is a male, and while he's not really met any dog he can't get along with, he seems to have more tolerance with the girls.
-The sweater I've been knitting will probably not fit an average male.

       Size is kind of a factor.  I'm used to the Labrador size, being around 50-70 lbs, but the smaller the better (without the dog being an Iggy).  Especially since a main difference is height between the boys and girls, that I can tell anyway.  Additionally, there are more apartments that allow dogs that can maaaaybe pass for 50lbs.  But we'll see.
        The marking thing is something, that while I know is not a trait of all males, I would ultimately like to avoid at all costs.  Whenever we travel, Niles tends to have the urge to lift his left repeatedly in hotel rooms and while walking if allowed, which I find exceedingly annoying.  He also had some troubles a few months back where he would pee on the couch for unknown reasons while unattended, and also walks in his pee pretty much every day after lifting his leg.  While extreme due to his size and fur, etc., all of these things make me want to just skip the possibility altogether.  I want to be able to take her wherever I want without having to worry about such matters, ultimately.
         I wish I could find the site, but I read a greyhound rescue that had a FAQ section that said boys are more clingy and affectionate and docile, while the girls are more independent and sassy.  While I'm looking for a mellow, easy going dog, I also need one that is comfortable being on her own, should I have class or work for six hours at a time.  Hopefully a girl like this exists for me (perhaps minus the sass).
         As for greyhound gender specifics, I don't really know that much in truth, as my experience with different sexes in greyhounds is pretty limited.  If any of my greyhound superiors have any comments they'd like to leave about this, I'd appreciate it ^_^.

Below are the dogs at the greyt expectations greyhound rescue that might work for me, should they still be around in another month.  There's even a red-head, which I've found I'm kinda partial to:

Hush Tidal Wave
Darla
Cutter

Just another "in waiting" greyhound entry.
        

Waiting...and walking...and watching.

I've arrived back at school, but the prospect of a greyhound hasn't left my mind, and continues to give me something to look forward to when I sadly have to move out of my beloved apartment. I still like the name Winry.

I start to wonder though...will she be all I hope she'll be? And is it asking too much? I currently follow Never Say Never Greyhounds where I read about Jennifer's greyhounds as they compete in agility and obedience training, all of them looking wonderful, but all of it sounding so challenging. Yes, I want a greyhound for the sake of their low maintenance reputation, but I also want to be able to take the dog anywhere with me without too much bother (that is, friend's houses, downtown, to the vet, to dog parks, etc). I am, of course, willing to work with and socialize the dog to make this more likely, but what if they are, for example, terrified of cars? Or too food motivated and cause conflict? They are, as I am humbly (and unnecessarily) reminded by a rescue group, not Labradors, but when Cesar Millan says, "A dog is a dog is a dog," how much of that is true? Will my natural affinity with dogs shine through to her and leave me nothing to worry about?

Regardless, that is more than enough philosophical questioning for one day. I really have been spending too much time with my dear Hamlet in Wittenberg.

In any case, preparations are still being made. My mother just called from Aldi, where a special is being had on extra large dog beds for $15. She asked if I wanted dark blue or maroon (I actually went for the red, believe it or not!). I've also been knitting away on my greyhound striped sweater, hoping to god it turns out all right. It should look something like this, though brown with shaded stripes:



Again, something I really won't know until she's here (late December, early January, fyi. Mark your calenders ;)). My parents have additionally decided that the greyhound shall be my graduation present, so I will be free of adoption fees and the first vet check up and Lyme vaccine. Yay :).

In the meantime, I continue to walk Carly and her new sibling, Shadow, three times a week, with occasional visits to the dog park. Carly has been increasingly great on walks, but Shadow, with limited experience in the world, tends to be jumpy and unpredictable. I do think he'd be a lot worse if Carly wasn't always next to him, calm and sure of herself (and me). Luckily, he can usually calm down about half way through, and has learned to trust my judgment rather than use his own. This is especially the case when we walk near other (rude) dogs. I have successfully been able to have both he and Carly sit, while the tiny (rude) dogs bark incessantly at us. I haven't, however, been able to stand it long enough for the tiny (rude) dogs to stop barking up a storm, so usually leave after about 5 minutes. But the fact that Shadow and Carly can stay there, calmly gazing at the surroundings, says a lot, and I am proud :).

I really do need to take more pictures, but I'm hoping to refrag my computer in the very near future, so it may be a while. As the title entails, waiting will again be the key.

I really do love school but...is it December yet?

Still Waiting...but info on Flea/Tick and Heart-worm

My giant greyhound-sized kennel came today, and is laying awkwardly (and largely) in the living room alongside the wall. I'm super excited to have it, but...what do I do with it until December? I wish I could set it up :( But that would be kind of pointless...

Here (see below) I found a greyhound from the rescue I'm hoping to adopt from...and she sounds perfect! Hopefully there is a similar girl (colors and all!) for me when I'm ready! See her description here: at Petfinder.com




I also cleaned out the corner with the boxes upon boxes of random dog stuff and got it happily organized (mostly). I was disappointed I didn't find more potential used toys...but I will hopefully have enough : /. My parents also need to stop buying tiny kongs for their dog, Niles (see photograph), as I found three new ones in the pile of random dog stuff.




In other news, I spent a portion of today researching flea/tick medications and heart-worm preventatives. I have learned that:
-Biospot has the same main ingredients as K9 Advantix (and is less than half the price)
-Ivenguard (sp?) is the generic brand of Heartguard (and is also less than half the price).

This means that I will be paying less than $100 for both flea/tick and heart-worm medications, thanks to !!! I highly recommend it for others looking to save money! And here I thought it was just scam all this time (well, let's check back in a few months after I've actually used the service).

Other than researching, today has been mostly a laid back day (as much as it can be with Freesia). I think it helped that I walked her and let her run this morning though. She was far more mellow on our before-dinner walk, which was much appreciated (Thanks Freesia!). I only hope that tomorrow follows suit. Maybe I'll even get more dog stuff in the mail :D.

Ohhh Freesia. Lessons learned, greyhound on the way.

Two weeks left with one of the highest maintenance dogs I've cared for. Freesia has continued her everlasting energy stream (with the exception of after midnight, where she is difficult to even move across a room) but has also learned some lessons along the way. Over the past month, she has learned during her visit(most of them the hard way):

1. We NEVER jump on counters. Ever.
2. This is also true of couches, baby gates, and people. Never EVER.
3. Jumping for a ball or toy is also completely unacceptable. Particularly when it leads to knocking people over.
4. When I say sit, or down, it means you stay there until told otherwise. None of this "Yeah, I'll do it for a second...then I'll get up again and go do what you didn't want me to do in the first place!"
5. It's important to whine, pace, or do SOMETHING when you have to pee. Just popping a squat after waking up after a nap doesn't cut it.
6. You must stop panting excessively before you can be fed. Meaning, no more running around and playing until food comes. Otherwise, it will never come.
7. After you greet people, you come lay down. And no, you don't need to show them every toy in the house just because they're there.
8. We DO NOT lick Niles in the face.
9. Bring the ball back, or there will be no game to be had.
10. Staying in a kennel means you are quiet. You'd better be dying or have a serious problem otherwise.

Some things I wish she would still learn:
1. NO bones in the kitchen. Ever.
2. Grass is not something to be eaten every time something exciting happens.
3. Your butt is NOT that itchy.
4. Wiggling your foot at the last possible second when getting nails clipped is the worst idea ever.
5. No matter how many times you reluctantly stand 15 feet away from the bedroom door, I will always ask you to come in.
6. You do not need to stand and stare at me when you want to be fed. Yeah, I know. I'm waiting for you to settle so you don't throw it up from eating too fast.
7. You do NOT need to have something in your mouth every time someone enters the room. This completely excludes shoes, paper, garbage, and BONES.
8. No one will play with you if you have a bone in your mouth. They also HATE it when you drop it on their foot.
9. Walking 3 miles a day is a luxury. Not a given requirement.

Luckily, the list of learned things is greater than the list of un-learned things (slightly). Needless to say, I've been rather busy and feel like I'm on house arrest, since Freesia barely tolerates being left for more than three hours. Though all the dogs I've worked with have been a considerable commitment, I never remember feeling as limited as this...all the more love to the potential greyhound.

I know that she is still a puppy, but she seems to have way more anxiety than any other dogs I've had that takes double as long to work out before she can come close to normal, which also needs to be kept in check twice as much to not let her stress take over. This, my parents fail horribly at understanding, and I am quite tired and annoyed at being called "the fuer" because of the amount of direction I have to give to her. I am exhausted, and, while I always enjoy having the dogs for company, am quite looking forward to August 13th when she'll head back to her raisers.

In other news, greyhound plans are well on their way. Though my 21st birthday (the 24th) was lame in the sense that I picked out all my gifts, I am almost finished collecting all necessary greyhound items. These include:
1. A giant kennel
2. A dog divider for the station wagon
3. A squawker
4. A fancy raised feeding set
5. A gift card for toys (well, maybe one or two. They are quite pricey at the place Sarah got the gift card from at the Yuppy Puppy Pet Boutique). )

I have yet to get the greyhound sweater, but wanted to know the size of the dog first. I've decided to adopt from Greyt Expectations Greyhound Rescue, and the dog will come an adoption package, so any left over stuff will be covered (though let's face it, I've probably got enough dog stuff here to last the pound a few months!). It's quite obvious I'm very excited. I'm also curious to work more on positive reinforcement techniques (they don't go that far with Freesia) and socialization for the new dog (aka, teaching them how to be confident, rather than trying to curb over-excitement all the time). My boyfriend Eric and I settled on a name after weeks of disputing and are going with "Winry" if the name she comes with doesn't fit (it was take that or settle with "Desu," "Nagisa," or "Tiaga.").

Everything is all set! Now all I have to do is...wait. This will be far easier to do at school though, since I will enjoy myself up to the time she comes. I'll also be sure to get a cute picture of Freesia before she leaves. In the one I found, Freesia and I are with Bill and Godiva when we met them for lunch after Alabama. I sure do miss my Godiva <3 But she is still a happy girl! Anyway, enjoy!

The 45 mph Couch Potato

After lots of research, hearing about typical people's dog problems, working 5+ years with mostly Labradors and other high-energy dogs, I have come to a conclusion: A greyhound really sounds like the dog for me, and probably the dog that most other people looking for a dog should have.

Why? They are:
1. Low maintenance. One 30 minute walk a day is sufficient, but if you ever want to go more, that's cool too. A weekly run is also a plus, but won't be demanded for.
2. Highly socialized with other dogs, mellow, and lazy. Retired racers know nothing much outside the world besides other dogs and being handled by people. Because they are bred to be extremely docile, they suite most people's lives well. Additionally, this means they know pack leadership extremely well, and aren't ones to challenge you should you display pack leader qualities.
3. They are leash trained. No time for sniffing in-between races.
4. They are crate trained.
5. They are quiet.
6. They are not usually ones to get overly excited (big plus for me with all the goofy puppies I've worked with!)
7. They are respectful of your things, since they've never really seen them before, automatically making them more conscious of their environment.
8. They are usually adults when adopted. None of that icky puppy stuff. What you see is what you get!
9. They come in practically every color.
10. They are clean, not being big shedders, and lack that "doggie odor" so many others fail to, as much as we love them.

Yes, I know they look a little weird and are pretty tall. But, with a little bit of work (a lot less than what you have to put into most other dogs) you often end up with the perfect dog. It's rare that these guys are ever returned or have serious behavior problems.

Already, I'm sold. They seem the ideal candidate for the energy level I like, as well as calm submission that comes naturally. In adopting one, I'm hoping to get a mellow, easy-going "Daddy" of my own that helps me influence the dogs I work with to be calm, relaxed, and friendly.

Jenny's first permanent dog is sure to be of the greyhound variety :).