Well spring is well and truly upon us... for the moment. The birds are really active and as there are no leaves on the trees yet, this offers a ton of bird-watching opportunities.
Certain greyhounds are the best possible bird-spotting companions imaginable. Take Becky for instance. Not a lot gets past her. As soon as she sees movement in the trees she homes in on it, and it means you get to spot some really interesting little birds.
The other day it was a woodpecker - we often hear them around the kennels - but they are tiny little birds, so quite difficult to spot.
Not for Becky - although she gets bored as soon as she realises it's not a squirrel! And then really bored when I spend five minutes watching the bird and telling her all about it.
"C'mon, there's squirrels out there," she says.
Showing posts with label chase. Show all posts
Showing posts with label chase. Show all posts
Wednesday, 18 March 2009
Monday, 16 March 2009
Spring is in the air?
We were away on holiday last week, and I didn't get to see the hounds. So, with great excitment I checked the website of the local retired greyhound rehoming kennels to find out which, if any, dogs had been rehomed while I was away.
Guess what! Guess what! Guess what! I am soooo excited. William is on the reserved list. Can I say it again? I am soooo excited.
A reservation is just the first step in the rehoming process, so I have to keep everything crossed for this lovely boy. This sweet lad just isn't very good at selling himself to potential owners, and actually when you get to know him he is a delightful boy. I really hope everything goes well.
Another long-term resident name on the reserved list is Ollie, a big beautiful softie of a blue boy, who is more horse than greyhound.
All thrilling news, and I can't wait to hear more when I visit the kennels later in the week.
Guess what! Guess what! Guess what! I am soooo excited. William is on the reserved list. Can I say it again? I am soooo excited.
A reservation is just the first step in the rehoming process, so I have to keep everything crossed for this lovely boy. This sweet lad just isn't very good at selling himself to potential owners, and actually when you get to know him he is a delightful boy. I really hope everything goes well.
Another long-term resident name on the reserved list is Ollie, a big beautiful softie of a blue boy, who is more horse than greyhound.
All thrilling news, and I can't wait to hear more when I visit the kennels later in the week.
Friday, 5 December 2008
Top girl search begins
I wrote last week about how I needed to find some new favourites at the local retired greyhound rehoming centre, because my two top dogs had been rehomed.
With Nicky back in kennels until after Christmas, I actually only need to find a new favourite girl, and the search started in earnest today. I didn't get very far because it was FREEZING, with intermittent sleet showers, and instead of doing my usual 5 circuits with 5 different single or pairs of dogs, I only did three.
I did, however, meet the beautiful Emma. She's shy in kennels, but a cheeky little so-and-so - always demanding cuddles and tickles - once you take her out for a walk.
She's the oddest colour I've ever seen on a greyhound. At first you think that she's a blue (grey) and then you get a bit closer and she actually looks quite chocolately. She's also got quite a thick coat.
I've done a quick search and can't find out an equivalent colour on the greyhound websites - so if anyone has any idea on her "official" colour please drop me a line.
Anyhow, I'll definitely take Emma out next time I visit the kennels - however, I've still to decide whether she'll fill the "top girl" spot.
The reason is she is one of those dogs that's quite "keen", with a well developed chase instinct, and one thing I like from my favourites is to be able to daydream that I might be able to take them home with me. We have two cats - and I don't they'd have a very peaceful life with Emma.
With Nicky back in kennels until after Christmas, I actually only need to find a new favourite girl, and the search started in earnest today. I didn't get very far because it was FREEZING, with intermittent sleet showers, and instead of doing my usual 5 circuits with 5 different single or pairs of dogs, I only did three.
I did, however, meet the beautiful Emma. She's shy in kennels, but a cheeky little so-and-so - always demanding cuddles and tickles - once you take her out for a walk.
She's the oddest colour I've ever seen on a greyhound. At first you think that she's a blue (grey) and then you get a bit closer and she actually looks quite chocolately. She's also got quite a thick coat.
I've done a quick search and can't find out an equivalent colour on the greyhound websites - so if anyone has any idea on her "official" colour please drop me a line.
Anyhow, I'll definitely take Emma out next time I visit the kennels - however, I've still to decide whether she'll fill the "top girl" spot.
The reason is she is one of those dogs that's quite "keen", with a well developed chase instinct, and one thing I like from my favourites is to be able to daydream that I might be able to take them home with me. We have two cats - and I don't they'd have a very peaceful life with Emma.
Friday, 14 November 2008
Potential homes for tough-to-place dogs
Well it was all change when I went to the local retired greyhound kennels today - two of the tougher-to-rehome dogs have gone on home trials.
As I've said many times, most greyhounds docile, gentle and quite laid back. (Check out the about greyhounds section on the RGT website).
Most walk on the lead without pulling, and some can live with cats, small dogs, and other small pets. I've seen figures which suggest somewhere between 60-90% of hounds can be trained to live with smaller animals, depending on the rescue home you talk to.
On cats in particular - apparently 1 in 10 have no chase instinct whatsoever (ie they'll either be terrified of your cat, or take no notice), and the other 5-8 in 10 can be trained to live with a cat. Check out this link.
Anyhow that leaves some that cannot be trusted with cats or other small animals at all. Perhaps understandably, people are often reticent to take these dogs on, and they are left in the kennels for months and months.
I've already mentioned Sal who was rehomed last month. Now Jay and Mark - both with strong chase instincts - have gone on home trials.
Jay, a very friendly, brindle boy is apparently doing well in his new home with three other greyhounds. Mark a sweet - but nervous and growly around large dogs - white and brindle went to his new home sporting a natty new box muzzle today.
Good luck to you both boys. I really hope I don't see you again - unless it's at one of the kennel jollies and you're back to visit.
As I've said many times, most greyhounds docile, gentle and quite laid back. (Check out the about greyhounds section on the RGT website).
Most walk on the lead without pulling, and some can live with cats, small dogs, and other small pets. I've seen figures which suggest somewhere between 60-90% of hounds can be trained to live with smaller animals, depending on the rescue home you talk to.
On cats in particular - apparently 1 in 10 have no chase instinct whatsoever (ie they'll either be terrified of your cat, or take no notice), and the other 5-8 in 10 can be trained to live with a cat. Check out this link.
Anyhow that leaves some that cannot be trusted with cats or other small animals at all. Perhaps understandably, people are often reticent to take these dogs on, and they are left in the kennels for months and months.
I've already mentioned Sal who was rehomed last month. Now Jay and Mark - both with strong chase instincts - have gone on home trials.
Jay, a very friendly, brindle boy is apparently doing well in his new home with three other greyhounds. Mark a sweet - but nervous and growly around large dogs - white and brindle went to his new home sporting a natty new box muzzle today.
Good luck to you both boys. I really hope I don't see you again - unless it's at one of the kennel jollies and you're back to visit.
Sunday, 19 October 2008
Spark sees the fox
Last walk of the day was Spark, a black bundle of energy, who exploded out of her kennel, legs aquiver, straining on her lead, proclaiming: "Let me at 'em!"
Spark's kennel mate is on a home trail, so sadly for her (but thankfully for the rest of us), she lacked someone to cause trouble with. That didn't stop her though, and as I was dragged out of the front door of the local Retired Greyhound Trust home one of the kennel hands thoughtfully yelled: "If she sees anything that isn't another greyhound, just remember to hold on tight."
Yep, Spark is one of THOSE greyhounds. Like other sighthounds, greyhounds have been bred to chase something that is small and moving. This doesn't mean that they all do, and some take no notice as rabbits and squirrels cross your path. Most of the others won't take chase especially if you firmly tell them "no!"
However there are a few special exceptions, and Spark is one of them, who get wildly excited if they see something - anything - that isn't another greyhound.
As I struggled to close the gate, with Spark pulling frantically, I heard someone say: "I'm not sure who's taking who for a walk." Gate closed, the dog rushed to the side of the lane and sighed in relief - all that panic was because of a full bladder.
Suitably relieved, Spark settled down nicely onto the lead. Ten minutes in I was congratulating myself on how well the walk was going. The dog was behaving impeccably, trotting gently by my side and occasionally demanding a tickle. Must be that naughty kennel mate that causes all the trouble.
Then we saw the fox. Spark went rigid and then she pulled. Ready for this, I had her on an extremely short lead, she wasn't going anywhere.
"No," in a quiet but strict voice, "No. Good girl." After a few seconds I started to try to move her on. Spark wasn't having any of it - dog and fox were now staring at one another in a mexican stand-off.
"C'mon girl," finally she seemed to hear me, and she started to move still staring fixedly at the fox. After a bit of a wrestle I got her behind a hedge and she relaxed slightly, still glancing behind her.
A few yards on the fox was almost forgotten, so I gave her a cuddle and told her she was a good girl.
On the way home Spark had a spring in her step. "Ah, these walks are wonderful," she beamed. "I like to keep the volunteers on their toes."
Spark's kennel mate is on a home trail, so sadly for her (but thankfully for the rest of us), she lacked someone to cause trouble with. That didn't stop her though, and as I was dragged out of the front door of the local Retired Greyhound Trust home one of the kennel hands thoughtfully yelled: "If she sees anything that isn't another greyhound, just remember to hold on tight."
Yep, Spark is one of THOSE greyhounds. Like other sighthounds, greyhounds have been bred to chase something that is small and moving. This doesn't mean that they all do, and some take no notice as rabbits and squirrels cross your path. Most of the others won't take chase especially if you firmly tell them "no!"
However there are a few special exceptions, and Spark is one of them, who get wildly excited if they see something - anything - that isn't another greyhound.
As I struggled to close the gate, with Spark pulling frantically, I heard someone say: "I'm not sure who's taking who for a walk." Gate closed, the dog rushed to the side of the lane and sighed in relief - all that panic was because of a full bladder.
Suitably relieved, Spark settled down nicely onto the lead. Ten minutes in I was congratulating myself on how well the walk was going. The dog was behaving impeccably, trotting gently by my side and occasionally demanding a tickle. Must be that naughty kennel mate that causes all the trouble.
Then we saw the fox. Spark went rigid and then she pulled. Ready for this, I had her on an extremely short lead, she wasn't going anywhere.
"No," in a quiet but strict voice, "No. Good girl." After a few seconds I started to try to move her on. Spark wasn't having any of it - dog and fox were now staring at one another in a mexican stand-off.
"C'mon girl," finally she seemed to hear me, and she started to move still staring fixedly at the fox. After a bit of a wrestle I got her behind a hedge and she relaxed slightly, still glancing behind her.
A few yards on the fox was almost forgotten, so I gave her a cuddle and told her she was a good girl.
On the way home Spark had a spring in her step. "Ah, these walks are wonderful," she beamed. "I like to keep the volunteers on their toes."
Friday, 10 October 2008
Wonderful news: Sal gets a new home
Wonderful news! Sal, one of the long-term residents at the local retired greyhound kennels, has found a new home. She is a beautiful, friendly, blue girl, who loves tickles, cuddles and walks.
Sal, however, knows her own mind, she's very powerful, and has a very keen chase instinct.
Greyhounds are sighthounds and they have been trained to chase something that is small, furry and runs. However, different greyhounds show different levels of "interest" in small animals. Some have no interest at all, others, like Sal, will chase - and if allowed catch - anything and everything and will be very actively alert on their walks.
This meant Sal needed very experienced owners, who wouldn't mind keeping her muzzled and on the lead when she was out.
Happily, after nearly two years in kennels, Sal has just found some loving owners who will do her justice and give her a wonderful new home. Sal will be their third greyhound and, I think, more than just a little bit spoilt. Lovely girl.
Sal, however, knows her own mind, she's very powerful, and has a very keen chase instinct.
Greyhounds are sighthounds and they have been trained to chase something that is small, furry and runs. However, different greyhounds show different levels of "interest" in small animals. Some have no interest at all, others, like Sal, will chase - and if allowed catch - anything and everything and will be very actively alert on their walks.
This meant Sal needed very experienced owners, who wouldn't mind keeping her muzzled and on the lead when she was out.
Happily, after nearly two years in kennels, Sal has just found some loving owners who will do her justice and give her a wonderful new home. Sal will be their third greyhound and, I think, more than just a little bit spoilt. Lovely girl.
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